RRI.CO.ID, Sulawesi - The Indonesia's government is conducting a census of plants and wildlife in the Ko'mara protected forest area, South Sulawesi. This step is part of its commitment to preserving biodiversity and supporting global targets for terrestrial ecosystem conservation.

The activity, initiated by the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) of the Ministry of Forestry of South Sulawesi, involved forestry officers, students, and local residents who are members of a forest monitoring group. The surveyed area covers approximately 2,972 hectares and has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1999.

In a statement received by RRI VOI on Monday, August 3, 2025, the Head of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), Mustari Tepu, explained that the main objective of this census is to collect accurate data on forest conditions and animal populations. This data will then serve as a basis for the government in formulating more targeted protection policies.

During the data collection process, the team discovered several rare tree species that grow only in Sulawesi, including ebony, widely known in the global timber market for its quality. The team also recorded the presence of the dare monkey, a primate found only on this island and nowhere else in the world.

Head of Forest Management Unit, Jamaluddin, said that involving students in this activity aims to develop a new generation of conservation experts. He believes that hands-on experience in the field is far more effective than just learning theory in the classroom.

In addition to data collection, the team also visited local elementary schools to teach children about the importance of forests for daily life. The children were taught that forests are not just a habitat for animals, but also a source of clean water and protection from disasters such as floods and landslides.

Residents around the forest area welcomed this effort and hope that the collaboration between the government, academics, and the community will continue. The census data will be used to implement the forest management plan for the next ten years, encompassing ecosystem restoration and preventing further environmental damage.