In the Media
Possible solution for deforestation in Indonesia nears
June 13, 2012
Jakarta Globe
Latin is an NGO that aids local communities by helping them manage their natural resources in collaborative and sustainable ways. On May 22, Latin announced its national carbon trading scheme in Jakarta. The scheme is based on the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation scheme, better known as REDD, introduced by the Kyoto Protocol.
Carbon trading is a lucrative business for Indonesia. A 2010 Forestry Ministry report revealed that Indonesia had more than 132 million hectares of forest. Unfortunately, more than 30 million hectares of Indonesia’s forests are in critical condition due to illegal logging and deforestation. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2008 revealed that there were 48.8 million people living within the forests or their surrounding areas. Approximately 35 million of them live in dire poverty.
“Thus, the carbon trading scheme can provide an ideal solution for these problems [deforestation and poverty],” Arif said. “It’ll encourage people to take good care of their local forests, which in turn will give them financial benefits.” However, it is not easy to enter the international carbon market. Local farmers and forest land owners need to pass an international-standard test before they are approved for the scheme.
From now to mid-2013, Latin will focus on introducing its concept to companies in Indonesia. “Cigarette, oil and gas and mining companies are those with the largest carbon emissions,” Arif said. “We should encourage them to offset their emissions and create a better living environment for all.”
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Keywords: Asia, deforestation, Indonesia, Latin, national carbon trading scheme, NGO, policies, REDD