GFC2010: Closing Speech by The Minister of Forestry

SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA AT THE CLOSING OF THE GOVERNORS’ CLIMATE AND FOREST (GCF) TASKFORCE MEETING Banda Aceh, 20 May 2010

His Excellency Miniter of Environment of Indonesia,

His Excellency Governor of Aceh,

Distinguished Participants and Guests,

Assaalaamu’alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh

It is a pleasure to me to have this opportunity to address this important meeting, the Governors’ Climate and Forests Taskforce Meeting 2010, in the context of implementation of REDD in the participating states  or provinces. I hope that this meeting could motivate Aceh Province and Indonesia in general to enhance our contribution to the global efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Climate change is a reality and has become the concern of the international community. This demands that each person to contribute efforts to reduce emissions. As we are aware, the UNFCCC conference in Copenhagen did not result in outcomes that are satisfactory. However, Indonesia has taken this as an extra motivation to work even harder in reducing emissions, even though does not have any obligation under the Kyoto Protocol too reduce its emissions, However, Indonesia fully recognize the importance of reducing emissions.

President of the Republic of Indonesia, HE Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has declared Indonesia’s voluntary target to reduce its emissions by 26% compared to the business as usual scenario in 2010, suing national resources. Of the target of 26% target emissions reduction, most will come from the forestry sector.

REDD is a major opportunity to strengthen the sustainable management of our forest resources. In this context, the Ministry of Forestry has already conducted a plot of work to prepare for REDD using our own resources or with the support of other countries and agencies under bilateral and multilateral cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my high appreciation to countries or agencies which already have provided their continuous support on the preparatory and readiness phase of REDD/REDD+ in Indonesia I hope more support will be provided because there are still so many things to be done in order to make Indonesia fully implement REDD/REDD+ mechanism.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to share my views on several key topics, that is: 1. Indonesia’s approach on REDD readiness, 2. Key issues to be addressed, and 3. Expectations for REDD/REDD+ implementation.

On the implementation of REDD, Indonesia’s approach on REDD is a phased approach on national approach with sub-national implementation. On phase one, which is also known as the “preparatory phase”, we did a quick analysis of our national situation and looked into the state of science, technology, and relevant policies.

We are now in phase two, that is the “readiness phase”. We prepare methodologies and policy framework, including capacity building and demonstration activities. Based on the findings and recommendations of the Indonesia Forest Carbon Alliance (IFCA), the foundation for the regulatory framework on REDD has been established, and the national REDD strategy has been prepared.

Phase three is called the “full implementation” phase. The scheme of the implementation would follow the rules and procedures according to the new climate change agreements after 2012.

As regards to the key issues that the need to be urgently addressed, there are three points that I would like to emphasize, Firstly, is in coordination. REDD is a cross-cutting issue that needs to be coordinated with all relevant stakeholders: ministries, local governments, local communities, and international development partners. This includes coordination within the Ministry of Forestry, in which many technical institutions are involved and coordination is essential. Therefore, the Ministry is currently in the process of strengthening the internal coordination mechanism for REDD. We will also further strengthen or cooperation with other agencies.

The second issue is communication. With so many stakeholders involved at international, national, provincial, and local level, good communication is essential.  That means we must create the same level of understanding, using language that is understood by all stakeholders.  We need to be open minded to really listen to each other, find common ground and objectives, and work together. Only then we can succeed.

The third issue is the role of local communities. In the case of Indonesia and some other countries, there are so many communities dependent on the forests for their income and food security. Many of these communities still live in poverty. REDD is not only about carbon and forest, but also communities’ wellbeing. The people who are depending on the forest resources must be at the centre of the discussion.  We have to make sure that REDD will help them with getting better life while preserving our forest and biodiversity. We should also endeavor to promote those communities’ role in the REDD implementation and in relevant policy development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me now to touch upon expectations from the GCF program. I should expect that the programme can assist Indonesia and the other states with coordination and facilitation to promote synergy both in policy and technical aspects among different levels of governments, namely national, provincial, and district. In addition, the programme would assist to better achieve the development target comprehensively, including in addressing the needs of the local communities. The programme should also assist us with participating in the international negotiations on REDD. With these high expectations, Indonesia is fully committed to support the implementation of the programme.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hope that this meeting can produce concrete and effective results, which can support Indonesia’s mission to reduce Indonesia’s emissions from deforestation ad forest degradation, which shows Indonesia’s seriousness in supporting the REDD agenda. This should be based on the principles of our triple track development strategy: pro-pro growth, pro-job, pro-poor.

With that wish, and by saying alhamdulillahi robbil alamin, I hereby declare that Governors’ Climate and Forest taskforce (GCF) Meeting 2010 is officially closed.

I hope that this meeting has produced useful results.

Wassalaamu’alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh

Thank you

MINISTER OF FORESTRY

ZULKIFLI HASAN