Cyloop Nature Preserve Buffer Zone: Jayapura, Papua

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia for the Sahul region with the participation of Papuan people has been implementing a greening program in the Cyloop nature preserve buffer zone in Jayapura district. The greening campaign which is being supported by local non-governmental organizations, churches and Papuan elders was initiated to mark Earth Day which falls on April 22, WWF Indonesia for the Sahul region said in a statement in a report from the Antara News.

The Cyloop nature preserve buffer zone had become a water catchment area that was providing local people with clean water.

The campaign will hopefully revitalize the natural function of areas in the buffer zone which were degraded by illegal logging and land clearing activities, it said.

Meanwhile, Jayapura district deputy head Zadrak Wanebu said the campaign in the Cyloop nature preserve buffer zone was aimed at preventing a recurrence of the flash floods that hit Sentani, capital of Jayapura district, last March 9, 2007.

Local hard-wood trees like `”matoa“, “rambutan” and “bitanggur” as well areca nut and orchid are among trees Papuan people have already planted to green their environment.