Plateau conservation to protect species: MP

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Pundari (pictured) yesterday said that the conservation of the Managalas Plateau in the Northern province is good to conserve endangered flora and fauna.
Ijivitari MP David Arore had raised concern that the conservation of the plateau, which has 360,000 hectares, would prevent farmers from extending their coffee, rice and cocoa plantations.
The plateau is in Arore’s electorate
Pundari said that the plateau was home to the Birdwing Butterfly which was not found anywhere else in the world.
“Our country is so blessed with unique biodiversity and conservation is very important,” Pundari said.
“But it is a challenge when people want to venture into other alternative economical projects like farming.”
Pundari said that the plateau was considered for conservation and ecotourism industry and could be promoted for villagers to earn an income.