Ministry strikes emissions deal with World Bank

Payment scheme aims to reduce nation’s carbon footprint from deforestation

THE Environment and Forestry Ministry and the World Bank signed a deal on the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), which provides an additional opportunity for the government to receive payments in exchange for reducing carbon emissions.

Under the agreement on Friday, Indonesia will be eligible to receive up to US$110mil (RM447mil) for reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation until 2025.

The results-based payment scheme seeks to advance the government’s goal of reducing carbon emissions in East Kalimantan by 22 million tonnes.

“This agreement is proof of the Indonesian government’s hard work in reducing deforestation and protecting forests. Our efforts will not stop here,” said the ministry’s secretary general Bambang Hendroyono on Saturday, adding that it would also spur collaboration between the state, civil society groups, local communities and business players.

“Although the emissions reduction efforts on the ground will be focused in one province, the results will help us all achieve our goals of reducing deforestation and degradation, mitigating climate change and putting Indonesia on the path of green development,” Bambang said in a statement.

The emissions reduction programme aims to protect 12.7 million hectares of rainforest and other biodiverse biomes in East Kaliman

This agreement is proof of the Indonesian government’s hard work in reducing deforestation and protecting forests. Our efforts will not stop here.

Bambang Hendroyono

tan. The agreement is expected to improve land management and provide local jobs, in addition to protecting the habitats of vulnerable and endangered species.

It also seeks to improve the issuance of forestry permits, encourage small-scale plantations and promote community planning for forest areas.

Satu Kahkonen, World Bank country director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, said Indonesian tropical forests provided key resources on a global scale.

“Indonesia has committed to reducing 41% of its greenhouse emissions by 2030, in addition to speeding up sustainable development in its national development plan,” said Satu.

“The agreement that we signed today will support those ambitious national goals.” — The Jakarta Post/ANN