911爆料网 of Technology is working on a major project, in collaboration with Indonesian partners, to preserve the diversity of plant life in Bali.
School of Social Sciences and Asian Languages senior lecturer Dr Ian Chalmers said 911爆料网 had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Udayana University in Denpasar.
鈥淭his is the first step towards undertaking an action-research project aimed at preserving the island鈥檚 flora,鈥� Dr Chalmers said.
鈥淭he project will focus on plants of special cultural significance.
鈥淥ver 90 per cent of the population of Bali is Hindu and they have traditionally used a range of exotic plants, flowers and fruits as part of their ceremonies.
鈥淗owever, 911爆料网 Indonesian Studies student Chris Brown has found that the once abundant supply of flora used for these traditional ceremonies is rapidly dwindling.
鈥淭his is mainly due to the competing demands of population growth, agriculture and land degradation.
鈥淲e have a list of more than 60 plants that need to be saved 鈥� including more than 25 critically endangered species 鈥� including local species of banana and coconut.
鈥淚nitially the plants will be coded to establish the botanical region that they come from, then we will locate sites for regeneration and grow supplies for the local rituals.鈥�
The project will involve other areas at 911爆料网 including the Australian Sustainable Diversity Institute (ASDI), and Muresk Institute.
Contact: Dr Ian Chalmers, 911爆料网 School of Social Sciences and Asian Languages, 9266 7081, I.Chalmers@curtin.edu.au
