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[Anual Report 96 :
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Inauguration of CIFOR Headquarters

The first phase of CIFOR's permanent headquarters was inaugurated by the Indonesian Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo on 20 May 1996. The complex is located in 60 hectares of experimental forest belonging to the Ministry of Forestry near Bogor, West Java. Within this forest, 10 hectares has been given to CIFOR as set out in the Headquarters Agreement signed in 1993. The buildings and related infrastructure represent an investment of US$ 7 million by the Government of Indonesia.

Representatives from our Indonesian host government, the CGIAR system, donors, partners and diplomatic delegations attended the inauguration. CIFOR Director General, Professor Jeffrey Sayer, emphasised the key role of CIFOR on the cutting edge of forestry research in the 21st century. He expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Indonesian Government and Minister Djamaludin for the construction of the building, the establishment of CIFOR's research forest in East Kalimantan, and CIFOR's strategic forestry research.

Professor Bo Bengtsson, Chairman of CIFOR's Board of Trustees, summarised CIFOR's establishment and progress to date. He emphasised the Board's gratitude to the Government of Indonesia and to the Minister for the excellent relations over this period of growth. Ismael Serageldin, CGIAR Chairman, reviewed the new direction of the CGIAR and its goals of poverty alleviation and conservation of the environment. He stressed the key role of CIFOR in achieving that mission.

Minister of Forestry Djamaludin assured the audience of Indonesia's commitment to adopting balanced principles of conservation and utilisation of forests for the benefit of the people and future generations. He expressed the wish that the establishment of CIFOR in Bogor will enhance Indonesia's scientific capability through co-operation between Indonesian and CIFOR researchers.

The second phase of the complex, expected to open in mid-1997, will contain additional laboratories, offices and facilities. It will also house the Asian office of our sister institution, the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF). CIFOR welcomes the opportunity that this will provide to further strengthen our already close links with ICRAF on forests, trees and people.