Indonesia has designated two additional villages in East Kalimantan as official Conservation Villages to protect the critically endangered Mahakam Irrawaddy dolphin, a rare freshwater species found exclusively in the Mahakam River.
Mahakam Dolphin Conservation Efforts Expand
The announcement was made Saturday by Environment Ministry official Rasio Ridho Sani, who emphasized the dolphin’s importance not only as a protected species but also as a key indicator of the river’s overall ecological health. “Preserving its habitat must be a collective effort involving government, businesses, universities, NGOs, and local communities,” he said, speaking on behalf of Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq during a visit to the Mahakam Marine Conservation Area.
Muhuran in Kota Bangun Sub-district and Sabintulung in Muara Kaman Sub-district are the newly designated villages, joining Pela Village, which previously received conservation status. The initiative underscores the ecological significance of the Mahakam River and Lake system, which supports a diverse range of wildlife including proboscis monkeys, otters, herons, and numerous aquatic species.
Sani stressed the need for responsible management of all economic activities in the region – including fisheries, river transport, plantations, mining, and tourism – to prevent harm to the dolphin’s fragile habitat. He also called for improved waste and sewage management to reduce water pollution and protect biodiversity.
The ministry has established channels for public reporting of environmental damage, with a commitment to follow up through law enforcement. Officials expressed hope that the Mahakam Dolphin Conservation Area will serve as a model for sustainable biodiversity management, providing benefits to both nature and local communities through cross-sector collaboration.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
