Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Environment and Forestry, Alue Dohong, emphasized on Friday the importance of a forest monitoring system to ensure forest conservation efforts while improving welfare for the community.

"The forest monitoring system plays a vital role in sustainable forest management by providing insights for policymakers to safeguard forests, address climate change, and improve livelihoods," he said during a side event of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) in New York.

During the forum, which was followed online from Jakarta, Dohong stated that many benefits stood to be gained from the use of a strong monitoring system, such as the provision of accurate data for policymakers.

With accurate data, policymakers can prioritize conservation actions, allocate forest resources effectively, and evaluate policy impact, he added.

The monitoring system will also promote transparency and accountability through multi-stakeholder engagement and provide an early warning system against various threats, including deforestation, forest degradation, and forest fires.

Dohong urged participants at the event to share real experiences in the development, implementation, and improvement of the forest monitoring system.

"It is expected that this event will raise awareness about the importance of a strong forest monitoring system in assessing forest health, detecting threats against forests, and assisting data-based policymaking for sustainable forest management," he explained.

Indonesia participated in the 19th session of the UNFF held at the UN Headquarters in New York on May 6–10. A delegation led by Dohong also engaged in various strategic discussions on forest policy in the main forum.

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Translator: Prisca V, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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