Ronaldo new ambassador for mangrove conservation in Indonesia

11-Mar-2013 9:15:00 PM

The plant helps to preserve the ecosystem in the country, and the Real Madrid star is looking forward to promoting their cause

The Mangrove Care Forum has announced Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo as a new ambassador for conservation of the plant in Indonesia.

The project's founder, Tomy Winata, has revealed that the Portuguese is expected to promote awareness of mangroves, which act as a natural sea barrier to fend off climate changes in the country.

"I'm really excited and happy that Ronaldo agreed to support our activities in order to preserve the mangrove forests in Indonesia," he told reporters on Monday.

"Ronaldo is fit to be an ambassador for mangrove rescue, because he has the charm and acts as a role model, so the whole society are more likely to preserve the mangroves."

Ronaldo claimed that he visited the country in the wake of the 2004 tsunami and saw first-hand how much of a difference the plants make.

"I feel privileged to play a role in the conservation of mangrove forests in Indonesia. I went to Aceh after the 2004 tsunami, and the damage caused has made a deep impression on me," the 28-year-old stated.

"I realised mangroves are able to help ecosystems in the face of high waves. More lives could be saved, while reducing the destruction of nature."