VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to examine the many important efforts that have been made to protect endangered species due to threats such as wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat loss. The United States (US) and Indonesia showcased joint efforts to strengthen wildlife protection and improve forest management and conservation areas through a series of events and exhibitions held in Jakarta, Saturday, March 3. The event was held as a partnership between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forests and various environmental organizations. USAID Environment Director Matthew Burton in his speech stated that the US government is committed to continue partnerships with various parties in Indonesia on environmental issues.

“The US government is committed to the US-Indonesia partnership to protect wildlife and combat illegal wildlife trade. Through USAID the US government is working with the Indonesian government as well as various stakeholders to improve forest management and conservation areas and take steps to protect the currently threatened wildlife,” Matthew Burton said.

Matthew Burton added, Indonesia is home to many important species including Sumatran tigers, Sumatran rhinoceros, and hornbills that support ecosystem health. Hunting and deforestation has led to a sharp decline in the population of the extraordinary species that is typical of Indonesia. The International Union for the Conversation of Nature notes that there are only 400-500 Sumatran tigers and fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos still living in the wild today. (VOI / Rezha;transbyAlika)