Indonesia and Norway Collaboration for Peatland Protection and Restoration

 JAKARTA (3 February, 2016) – Continuing the long-term bilateral partnership on climate and forests, Indonesia and Norway will collaborate to support Indonesia’s efforts to protect and restore its peat ecosystems This was announced by Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Vidar Helgesen, Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar, and the Head of the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG) Nazir Foead at a press conference held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

"Indonesia has already made a significant commitment in restoring two million hectares of peatland in 2020. President Joko Widodo has firmly mandated the Peatland Restoration Agency to execute an ambitious peat restoration plan as stated in the Presidential Decree Number 1/2016," said Minister Siti Nurbaya.

To avoid the haze crisis, not only does degraded peatland need to be restored. As President Joko Widodo has announced, it is also necessary to enforce a moratorium on any clearing, drainage and/or conversion of currently unopened peatland. This announcement is being codified into a Regulation which will be promulgated by 1 June 2016. By 1 December 2016, BRG will have implemented a comprehensive and transparent monitoring system on the status of peatland restoration and protection, and enforcement of the moratorium.

"Norway congratulates Indonesia on its commitment to protect and restore all its peatlands for its own national interest and the world. We are ready to embark in a result-based support as part of the letter of intent between our countries," said Minister Vidar Helgesen. "The Government of Norway stands ready to fully support Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the loss and degradation of its forests and peatlands, based on the goals and principles of our Letter of Intent of 2010."

The collaboration will support the mandate of Indonesia’s newly established BRG as part of the ongoing, long-term climate and forest partnership between the Governments of Indonesia and Norway.

"This is a positive step in the ongoing partnership between Indonesia and Norway and signals the serious commitment by our President to address the devastating fires," commented Nazir Foead. "We applaud this important collaboration and hope it inspires others to make similar pledges."

Peatland and forests are vital to millions of people in Indonesia. This effort to protect and restore peat forests will help secure their livelihoods.

Attachements:

Plan of Operation of Peatland Protection Agency, Jakarta, February 2016
Leaders Statement on Climate and Forests, Paris, November 2015