"The theme of the expo is `Green Growth Economy Toward 2020` to encourage the implementation of a green economy," the forestry minister said.
According to Hasan, a green economy is a necessity and the opinion that a green environment hampers development is incorrect since the desire for short-term profits will not help the country, in the long run.
"It is now impossible for business people to exploit the forestry, mining, and agricultural sectors by marginalizing the surrounding communities," Zulkifli noted.
Therefore, the minister added, the IndoGreen Forestry Expo would be a meeting place for stakeholders to cooperate in overcoming the problem.
He further said the government was planning to implement the sustainable development of a pro-poor, pro-job and pro-growth environment, as part of the government`s special treatment towards the public in forest management.
"According to the law, forest areas should be used for people`s welfare, but in reality there is massive forest exploitation that is detrimental to the surrounding communities," Zulkifli said.
(O001)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
