Kendari, July 10 (ANTARA) - Regent of Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, Hugua asks UNESCO to involve local political leaders in preserving the earth biosphere .
Hugua addressing a meeting of the International Coordination Council of The Man and Biosphere Program in Paris on Monday said the success in preserving the biosphere depends much on political commitment and local government programs.
Local governments hold the mandate and authority over the budget for the preservation of biosphere, he said in a release made available to ANTARA in Kendari on Tuesday.
Hugua, who represents Indonesia in the meeting to last until July 15 said his call received strong support from delegations of Ghana and European countries.
Involvement of local political leaders will better guarantee the welfare of local people living in the biosphere preserve , he said.
He also urged UNESCO to provide financial support to preserve the ecosystem.
Preservation of the ecosystem in a country would also benefit neighboring countries such as in the availability of oxygen, he said.
He said he would receive a certificate declaring Wakatobi as Biosphere preserve .
The certificate indicates that the local administration and people have succeeded in protecting that area from destruction , he said.