Facing El Nino's Threat, Lampung Provincial Government Map Fisheries Areas To Maintain Food Production

Illustrations - Fishery Areas in the form of freshwater ponds in Bandarlampung City. (Doc. ANTARA/Ruth Intan Sozometa Kanafi)

BANDARLAMPUNG - Lampung Provincial Government is taking proactive steps in anticipating the impact that may occur due to the El Nino phenomenon. In this effort, the Lampung Provincial Government is mapping and inventory of fisheries areas and fisheries businesses in its area.

Head of the Lampung Provincial Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service, Liza Derni, explained that as an area that relies heavily on the agricultural and fisheries sectors, initial steps must be taken to protect food production from the potential impact of El Nino.

"The agricultural and fishery sectors are very dependent on water supply, and the impact will be significant if it is not anticipated early on. We are currently mapping and identifying fisheries areas and fisheries businesses that are at high risk of being affected by drought," he said.

This step is expected to maintain the continuity of fishery production and ensure proper intervention in dealing with drought in various locations.

"Smart policies and solid strategies are needed to overcome and mitigate the impact of drought in the marine and fisheries sector. Local governments can also provide assistance to fishery cultivators in their regions," he added, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, August 5.

Liza emphasized that disaster risk-based planning is key in increasing anticipation and reducing the impacts caused by El Nino.

" Anticipatory steps are important, especially for areas with low rainfall. Optimization of water infrastructure is very much needed to ensure its function continues during the dry season," he continued.

In addition, the implementation of a green economy and sustainable development is also part of a long-term strategy to protect fishery production from climate change and extreme weather.

With these proactive steps, the Lampung Provincial Government is trying to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries and agricultural sectors and maintain food security in facing the challenges posed by climate change.