Coral Reef Conservationista a Nominee for UNDP Award

Singaraja, Bali - Coral reef conservationist, I Gusti Agung Prana, from Pemuteran village in Buleleng District, Bali, has been listed as a nominee for "The Equator Price Award" from the United Nations Development Project (UNDP). The regional secretary for Buleleng District, Dewa Ketit Puspaka, said in Singaraja on Friday that if there were no changes, then Agung Prana would receive the award in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 20, 2012. Agung Prana pioneered the conservation of coral reef in the waters of Pemuteran Beach, Gerokgak sub district, in 1990 by forming "Pemuteran coral reef foundation". His passion for conservation started when he felt moved to conserve the sustainability of marine life. "Right now, our efforts in gaining international recognition would not have worked if it was not for the support of the local community," he said modestly. According to Ketut Puspaka, Agung Prana remains the only representative from asia who deserves the award after beating out 800 contenders and potential nominees from all around the world. "That is why we are proud of the achievements that Agung Prana has gained, not only because it has elevated the nation's name internationally, but the Buleleng regency as well," Ketut Puspaka said with pride. Meanwhile the head of fishing and marine life in Buleleng regency, Nyoman Sutrisna, has stated that the success of the marine conservation program on the west coastal region of Buleleng is the first step in preserving the east coastal region. "Currently the conservation program is still implemented in the center coastal region, which includes Kerobokan beach and Lovina beach," Sutrisna said.(*)