[Unpad Media Channel] The Palawa Nature Enthusiasts Unit of Universitas Padjadjaran joins the “Planting 1,000 Saninten Trees” initiative in North Bandung, organized by Pertamina Patra Niaga West Java Regional Office on Thursday, December 12th, 2024. This activity represents a tangible effort to conserve rare plants and preserve the environment.
The Saninten tree, an endemic plant of West Java, plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and forest ecosystems. However, its existence is increasingly rare due to exploitation and land-use changes. Protected under Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 92 of 2018, the conservation program aims to restore Saninten trees to their natural habitat and raise public awareness about the importance of preserving rare flora.
Conserving Saninten trees is vital for maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems. These trees contribute to the food chain as their fruits serve as a food source for various wildlife species. Additionally, Saninten trees have a significant capacity to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate global warming and improve air quality, especially in the increasingly dense North Bandung area.
Saninten trees also hold economic potential as their fruits can be processed into high-value food products. This planting initiative marks the first step toward establishing a sustainable Saninten conservation forest.
Palawa Unpad, together with Pertamina Patra Niaga West Java Regional Office, hopes this activity will inspire the broader community to participate in environmental preservation and protect rare plants like Saninten.
During the event, the Chairman of Palawa Unpad’s Board of Trustees, Asyrurifa Fauzi, expressed pride in being part of the initiative. “I hope the trees we planted today will grow tall and become part of a greener and healthier environment,” he said. (Release/SA)*
