Mamas are Guarding the Forests of Mbeliling

Instead of men, women are watching over Puar Lolo forest in West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Every inch of change in nature is recorded in order to keep it under control.

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO

Housewives who are members of the Kembang Mekar Group in Golo Damu village, Mbeliling district, West Maggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, monitor natural services in the Puar Lolo forest area, Friday (2/8/2019). The group, which is accompanied by the Indonesian Bird Foundation, regularly monitors, records and documents changes that occur around forest areas, water sources, as well as agriculture to prevent damage. This activity produces benefits for the preservation of bird habitat and other biodiversity.

After taking notes of the rate of water flow, Skolastika M. Ermina, 57, opened the previous page in her notebook that held the records for 2018. It was noted that at the time, 1 liter of water was fully filled within seven seconds, which is four seconds longer. The higher water flow rate is good news for residents of Golo Damu village, Mbeliling district, situated at an altitude of 700 meters.