Acting Head of the Riau Development Planning Agency, Purnama Irawansyah, stated that based on data from the Riau Medium-term Development Plan (RPJMD) for 2024, the current carbon baseline is 174 tons of CO2.
The Riau jurisdiction is required to reduce its emissions by 39 percent using its own capabilities and by 43 percent with international assistance.
"If Riau succeeds in reducing emissions by 43 percent with international assistance, then the benefits that will be received are comparable to that figure," Purnama noted in a statement received here, Wednesday.
For this purpose, he accompanied Riau Governor Abdul Wahid to a meeting with ART TREES. Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) is an organization that provides standards and frameworks for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) at the jurisdictional level.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Excellence Standard for REDD+ (TREES) is a standard developed by ART to measure, monitor, report, and verify the results of emission reductions from REDD+ activities.
A representative from Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry, led by Professor Haruni, convened the meeting to discuss the methodology for calculating carbon credits within the jurisdictional area. The discussion also encompassed an exploration of potential programs, requirements, and collaborative opportunities between the Indonesian government, specifically the Riau jurisdiction, and the ART TREES initiative for future engagements.
Managing Director of Architecture for REDD+ Transaction (ART TREES), Cristina Magerkurth, stated that the steps taken by the Riau jurisdiction regarding carbon credits are appropriate.
Magerkurth emphasized that guidance from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is crucial, as is the determination of applicable calculation methods.
"The two-hour meeting with the Indonesian government, particularly the Riau Provincial Government, was invaluable. We hope the Riau Provincial Government can make the best decisions to move forward on climate change, and we look forward to future collaboration," Magerkurth stated.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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