The UK has joined forces with the Indonesian government to tackle deforestation and prepare Indonesians for the impacts of climate change, secretary of state for international development Douglas Alexander announced at Davos today.
The partnership will work to bring down carbon emissions by reversing the high rate of deforestation in the country, boost Indonesia’s low carbon economy and lift thousands of people out of poverty.
DfID will provide £50m towards the partnership to ensure Indonesia’s trees are worth more in the ground than chopped down; its economic development is based on low carbon growth; and the vulnerability of poor Indonesians to climate change is reduced.
“The impacts of unchecked deforestation in Indonesia will be felt across the world for years to come,” said Mr Alexander.
“Through this partnership the UK will stand side by side with the Indonesians to help manage their forests, protecting this vital resource for future generations.”
Greenpeace said the move made sense for both the UK and Indonesia.
“We now need assurances that this is new money, and that the partnership also means diplomatic pressure to make sure that the Indonesian government puts an immediate ban on logging in carbon-rich peatlands,” said Greenpeace head of biodiversity David Ritter.
