The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) is set to make a proposal to UNESCO that Bogor Botanical Gardens be recognized as a World Heritage Site because of its vast plant collection and the historical value of its buildings, landscape and landmarks.
“We have been considering proposing that the Bogor Botanical Gardens be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since last year,” said LIPI deputy chairperson for biodiversity sciences, Enny Sudarmonowati, during a discussion on Wednesday.
She said it was quite disturbing for biodiversity experts in Indonesia to see that the Singapore Botanic Gardens had been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site even though its plant collection was not as vast as Bogor Botanical Gardens’.
“Therefore, we are committed to fighting for the inclusion of Bogor Botanical Gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” said Enny.
Currently, LIPI and Bogor Botanical Gardens researchers are discussing which parts of the gardens will be proposed to UNESCO for recognition as World Heritage Sites. They include three buildings for the category of historical heritage buildings, namely the Treub Laboratory, the Nusa Indah Guest House and the Lady Olivia Monument. For heritage landscape, they will propose Astrid Avenue, the Hanging Bridge and the Palm Tree Park. Meanwhile, Teysman Park will be proposed as a heritage landmark.
In the Indonesia National Committee for UNESCO’s (KNIU) tentative list, 19 buildings and national parks are being proposed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (ebf)
By: Theresia Sufa
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