Indonesia’s two-year moratorium on the conversion of natural forests has been postponed, according to the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).
The postponement, which includes the conversion of natural forests to plantations, is due to the need for continuing talks between government departments on the details of the plan.
It had been due to be implemented on January 1.
The Ministry of Forestry wants a ban on new permits to clear primary forests and peatlands, while another government department is calling for the inclusion of secondary forests, the review of existing permits and an extension beyond two years.
The forestry ministry has identified 35 million ha of land for business development, with nine forest plantation companies submitting proposals to develop 320,000ha of planation forests to date.
