Indonesia says Javan leopard conservation can boost local economy through ecotourism

Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) of the Indonesian Forestry Ministry Satyawan Pudyatmoko, said efforts to conserve the endangered Javan leopard have significant economic potential for local communities, particularly through ecotourism opportunities. This is reported by Antara News Agency. 

He emphasised the importance of careful planning, noting the potential impact of leopard conservation on other wildlife populations. The development of responsible tourism, allowing animals to be observed in their natural habitat without direct interaction, is a viable way forward.

Beyond income, Pudyatmoko emphasises the wider environmental benefits. "This means that wildlife tourism actually not only holds potential in terms of money, but the ecosystem is also better, the risk of flooding is reduced," he stated.

Earlier in the survey, it was possible to identify Javan leopard populations in six of the seven landscapes that had been analysed. The survey began last year and will run for two years.