Scientists with the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) have released a resolution opposing the current development plan for a road and bridge crossing Balikpapan Bay in the Indonesian state of Kalimantan. The resolution states that the plan threatens not only the fragile ecosystems within the bay, but of the nearby mangroves as well as the Sungai Wain forest and its watershed, vital for local industry and people. According to ATBC, the plan could be easily remedied by officials picking an alternate route, which is also favored by locals since it would be 80 kilometers shorter. 

"This bridge and road would imperil some of the most important wildlife habitats remaining in West Kalimantan. Given that there are clearly viable alternatives to the bridge project that are far less harmful, it’d be utterly illogical for it to proceed," said William Laurance, one of the world's foremost tropical conservationists and scientists. Laurance is currently a Distinguished Research Professor at James Cook University.