Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) – Some 500 participants will partake in the National Drainage Basin (DAS) Forum Jamboree at Batu Mentas Nature Tourism Park in Belitung on November 9-11, 2023, Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Suganda Pasaribu stated.”The role of the DAS Forum is to encourage community awareness, especially (among members of) the younger generation, to improve forest and environmental conservation,” Pasaribu remarked while receiving the Batu Rusa Cerucuk River Flow Management Center Head here on Saturday. He noted that the forum carries the theme of “Building Environmental Volunteer Network to Support the Achievement of Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030.” He highlighted that the theme aligns with the goal of increasing generational awareness of caring for the environment and biodiversity in Indonesia, especially in Bangka Belitung. “This jamboree activity will be attended by 500 participants consisting of high school students, college students, nature admirer community, and the general public,” he remarked. He noted that the event is a periodic agenda that is carried out every two years. The first agenda was carried out in 2019 in the Namang Protected Forest Area, Central Bangka, and in 2021 at Bukit Penyabong Hill, West Bangka. “Previously, it was only at the provincial level. This year, we are holding it nationally by inviting DAS forums from all over Indonesia,” Pasaribu stated. He noted that Belitung was selected as the location for this year’s National DAS Forum Jamboree since recently, the region’s DAS Forum had received an award from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The Bangka Belitung Islands DAS Forum was awarded the “most innovative strategic partner” by the ministry. “This activity is expected to (increase) the younger generation’s care for the environment and biodiversity as well as grow volunteers, who are smart, tough, cultured, and dignified,” Pasaribu stated.

Source: Antara News Agency