5.9m ha of sea territory made conservation area

KUPANG: The government has declared about 5.9 million hectares of ocean territory off East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) part of the country's conservation area, says an official.

The area stretch across 11 regencies in the province, covering West and East Manggarai, Kupang, Kupang regency, South Timor Tengah, West Sumba, Southwest Sumba, Central Sumba, East Sumba, Rote Ndao and Sabu Raijua.

NTT Culture and Tourism Office chief Ans Takalapeta said the conservation area includes more than 3.5 million hectares at Sawu Sea.

The move is aimed at protecting coral, fish and whales from destruction, Ans said.

"Sawu Sea lies within the world's coral reef golden triangle." . -JP