Probolinggo – World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention agreement in 1971. This convention aims to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands through national action and international cooperation to achieve sustainable development worldwide.
The global theme of World Wetlands Day 2022 is “Value-Manage-Restore-Love Wetlands”, or what is meant as a call to parties to socialize wetland management actions through budgets, resources, and policies for wetlands and restoration of degraded wetlands.
PT Kutai Timber Indonesia, as an industry located in the coastal area, also participated in World Wetlands Day by planting 1000 mangroves at Pilang Beach, Probolinggo. The planting of 1000 mangroves is also an effort to restore and rehabilitate mangrove forests to support and assist the G20 Presidency of Indonesia.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Probolinggo Mr. Hadi Habib Zainal Abidin, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of the City of Probolinggo drg. Ninik Ira Wibawati, Head of Environmental Agency (DLH) of Probolinggo Rachmadeta Antariksa, Head of Housing, Settlement, and Land Office (DPKPP) of Probolinggo City Aries Santoso, Head of Kademangan Sub-district, Head of Kademangan Village, Environmental Partners, Adiwiyata School of Probolinggo, Monitoring Community Group (Pokmaswas) Pilang Lestari, Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) Permata Pilang and Sumber Sentong, and Bumi Pesona Randu NGO. The total number of participants who attended the event was around 150 participants.
In his remarks, Mr Masaaki Hori, as Director of PT KTI, said that this mangrove planting is an effort to maintain a clean air supply and protect the coastline from abrasion. He added that he would continue to synergize with schools, the community, and the government to create a better environment.
In addition, the Mayor of Probolinggo, Mr Hadi Zainal Abidin, highlighted that mangrove forest is one of the most important wetlands for the environment because it protects the seaside from ocean waves, reduces the impact of floods, absorbs pollutants, and improves air quality.