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The Meru Betiri National Park management, local authorities of Jember, East Java, and representatives of local villagers. (ANTARA/HO-KLHK)

The Meru Betiri National Park management in East Java has involved the residents of 10 adjoining villages in its conservation efforts centered on restoring the ecosystem and concurrently boosting the local economy.

The one thousand-ha conservation area, under the management of the Environmental Affairs and Forestry Ministry (KLHK), holds economic potential and is of high value since it is a life buffer for the surrounding community, Head of the Meru Betiri National Park Office Maman Surahman noted in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The local villagers have become involved in a community-based ecosystem recovery program through conservation partnerships.

These locals are provided access to collect non-timber forest products in the traditional zone and permits to run small ecotourism businesses.

"We empower communities surrounding the area so that its utilization is sustainable and is in accordance with conservation strategies," he remarked.

The management of the Meru Betiri National Park has also conducted activities to boost the capacity of the community and to empower it.

The local communities have been involved to attend training programs on producing herbal beverages; batik dyeing with natural dyes; making durian ice-cream, and conducting mushroom, goat, chicken, and catfish farming, among others.

The rate of deforestation is quite high in the Meru Betiri National Park, for which there is a pressing need for conducting restoration, he stated.

Degradation has occurred in some 6.5 percent or 3,382 hectares (ha) of the national park's total conservation area reaching 52,626.04 ha.

Surahman attributed this condition to illegal logging or forest looting and encroachment.

"Various efforts have been made to reduce the level of community dependence on forest areas through disseminating information, raising awareness, conducting routine patrols, and taking steps to boost the community's economy," he added. (ANTARA)