0 IMACS ensures Wakatobi seas stay clear and blue

Wakatobi, in Southeast Sulawesi is justly popular for its well-know dive resorts. The regency has now won a grant of to protect the fragile marine environment on which it depends from Indonesia Marine and Climate Support (IMACS). Wakatobi’s head of fisheries, La Ode Hajifu, said on Saturday that IMACS would give Rp 100 billion (US$10 million) for conservation in Southeast Sulawesi this year. 

“The fund will be for Wakatobi and four other regencies: Baubau, Kendari, Konawe, and Muna,” Hajifu told Antara news agency. “Regencies with the best conservation programs will receive more funding.” IMACS made the offer at a meeting in Southeast Sulawesi last week to discuss conservation in the province, attended by IMACS director Richard Mousey, 10 heads of fisheries and maritime affairs from Southeast Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and environmental activists. 

During the meeting Mousey announced that Southeast Sulawesi and NTB would receive direct funding from the agency for conservation development. Each province will receive Rp 100 billion. In Wakatobi, IMACS will fund conservation activities in villages and coastal areas at the kelurahan (lowest level of government administration in Indonesia) level. Each village and kelurahan will receive Rp 300 million. (ebf)

source : the jakarta post