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Comments: Bridge development in Kalimantan threatens rainforest, mangroves, and coral reef We offer two comment systems: our "Add a comment" system (no registration) and a social media system (registration with Disqus required). Either one will allow you to post a comment here.
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Copyright mongabay 2010
This report is quite disturbing, and leads me to suggest we co-organize an international letter writing campaign through Mangrove Action Project and other local and international NGOs to try to stop this disastrous bridge and road from being built. Letters of protest spotlighting this issue may help prevent the project from moving forward, or at least slow it down.
If there are indeed corrupt "influential people" behind this choice of route for the roadway and bridge, then perhaps we can use REDD or some form of compensation to pay these "land title holders" an annual payment that would still give them some profit in their land ownership, yet allow the area to be conserved.Long term, multi-year payments may be attractive if we can show more benefit for all, including themselves, in the long run.
Please send addresses, faxes, e-mails of one or more key federal, provincial and local officials involved in this project decision, whom we can send letters of concern or protest to!
Alfredo Quarto,
Executive Director
Mangrove Action Project
Nevertheless, the bridge will be needed to develop East Kalimantan province, not just those "illegal" aspects, but also those in need for development because of easy access between Penajam and Balikpapan.
I agree on conserving nature, but we also have to give the same attention to the the needs of the people.
Yes, I do agree that needs of people must receive attention, but the Pulau Balang Bridge project does not indeed respect needs of people. It does connect Balikpapan with Penajam, but with a detour of an "officially estimated" 80 - 87 km (more than 100 km between proper towns). It will still be easier to use the existing ferry transport! There are 3 alternatives of a direct connection! And people, especially those from Penajam, do of course prefer these alternatives. And the same is true for the connection from Kutai Barat - there are cheaper alternatives, not involving the bridge. There would surely be some people who may benefit from the Pulau Balang variant, but they are in minority. But it my be that some of them are highly influential.