Saves Bali Asian Beach Games 2008

The 1^st Asian Beach Games is happening in Bali from October 18-26, 2008. Like any other major events, which by all means, represent the hosting countries, Bali Asian Beach Games has also a mascot. Bali Starling (Leucopar Rothschild) or Jalak Bali or Curik had been chosen as the mascot of Bali Asian Beach Games 2008 for reasons.

Similar to the Balinese who are beautiful and friendly, the white feathers, elegant crest, blue eyelid, and yellow beak Bali endemic species has also the same characteristic that is beautiful and friendly.

But unfortunately, Bali Starling population is only a few left now days.  Bayu Wirayudha of Friends of National Park and Begawan Giri Foundation mentioned that the population of Bali Starling is less than 10 in West Bali National Park in 2005. In 1966 International Union For The Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources announced that Bali Starling is considered as endangered species, while Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, appendix 1, 1978, stated that Bali Starling could no longer be traded or captivated without special sanction from the convention. Bali Starling conservation is not just a local issue, it is an international issue, and it’s best if we all take an active part in it.

Pertamina, a national oil and gas company, has decided to play a role in conserving Bali Starling via Pertamina Neo Habitat Program, ada hijau ada kicau. In conjunction with Bali Asian Beach Games 2008, Pertamina as the prestige and environmental partner of the first multi beach sport games, has announced its commitment to reforest the natural habitat of Bali Starling in Nusa Penida Island, Bali. With Pertamina donation, Friends of National Park will be able to conduct 100,000m2 habitat restoration by planting 4000 Talok Cherry (Muntingia Calabura). Talok Cherry is a kind of pioneer tree that has an excellent adaptation ability that can live from low land to highland, dry weather to wet weather. It can grow on a concrete floor or water drainage and the tree has flower and fuit year around as a source of food of many different species of birds and bats, including Bali Starling.  Pertamina Neo Habitat Program, Ada Hijau Ada Kicau, is to ensure the availability of food for Bali Starling and other species of birds and bats. “By restoring the habitat, I hope Bali Starling could remain exist and the population could grow. Pertamina Neo Habitat, ada Hijau ada Kicau is indeed inline with Pertamina strong commitment as a corporate citizen of the world in conserving the nature and natural resources,” Sudirman Said, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina.