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Shining a spotlight on
Indonesia’s forests
In September, CIFOR convened the Forests
Indonesia conference in association with
leading business groups, NGOs, donors
and government ministries, in particular
Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry. The event
saw the World Bank, the Climate and
Land Use Alliance, and the governments
of Norway, the UK, and Australia join
together in sponsoring the conference and
participating in its planning and execution.
The conference provided a platform for
935 leaders, experts, policy makers, heads
of business, civil society advocates and
international partners to discuss the future of
Indonesia’s forests. More than 80 journalists
attended.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
presented the keynote address, vowing to
dedicate the last 3 years of his administration
to the conservation and sustainable use of
Indonesia’s forests and calling on business
to unite in the effort. More than 37
speakers, panellists and moderators debated
and addressed the issues. Erik Solheim,
Norway’s Minister for the Environment
and International Development, reassured
leaders in the Indonesian paper, pulp and
palm-oil industries that the conservation
of forests would lead to greater business
opportunities. Jim Paice, UK Minister of State
at the Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs, reiterated the UK’s support for
Indonesia in the fight against climate change.
President Yudhoyono was so pleased with
the event and opening remarks by Director
General Frances Seymour that he asked his
staff to produce a commemorative booklet
containing the two speeches in English and
Indonesian, which CIFOR, at the President’s
request, sent to all conference participants.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia told
CIFOR that the conference had ‘brought new
life to the [Letter of Intent between Norway
and Indonesia] and put forests back on the
political agenda.’
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
presented the keynote address,
vowing to dedicate the last 3
years of his administration to the
conservation and sustainable use of
Indonesia’s forests.