Monkey Forest Gets Kalpataru Nomination
11 May 2012
Ubud: The sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal in Ubud, Gianyar, has been nominated for the Kalpataru Awards 2012 along with other 13 nominees across Indonesia.
Kalpataru Awards are the highest distinction for environment-related achievements by individuals, businesses and places. The Awards are usually presented by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in conjunction with World Environment Day, which falls every June 5.
The Monkey Forest is owned by the village of Padangtegal and is currently under the management of Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation. It is home to rare and endangered flora and plants. It is also home to around 605 Balinese long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis).
Together with Udayana University, the foundation identified a number of rare plants in the forest. There are around 115 species of plants, while some of the trees are considered sacred and holy, only being used for spiritual and religious purposes.
Tas Diantoro Hadi, chairman of the Kalpataru Awards National Committee, said that the Monkey Forest was the only candidate from Bali this year. “We will categorize the Monkey Forest as a forest conservation nominee,” he said.
