"I will use the opportunity to send a message on sustainable development. Let us take the responsibility to build a future for people and the earth," the President said in his speech on global policy response, titled "Manifesto 2015 on Sustainable and Just Growth in the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) campus here on Wednesday.
The Rio-20 Summit, the 20th of its kind, after the first Earth Summit was held in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, would be attended by more than 100 state leaders.
President Yudhoyono said sustainable development was extremely important for "the human race and the earth, as well as for alleviating poverty in the world".
He noted the cause of environmental degradation had been detected, and the solutions found, but adequate corrective measures had not been taken yet.
"We must avoid being trapped in the waiting mentality. Building a consensus at a global level takes time and, therefore, we must act now," President Yudhoyono said.
He stated political commitment was necessary to implement the agenda of "sustainable, eco-friendly and just" economic development. "Political commitment is crucial. It is not always easy to develop an environment-based policy. But the policy is necessary and must be implemented. So, we must push hard despite hurdles," President Yudhoyono added.
Meanwhile, the director general of CIFOR, Frances Seymor, expressed his appreciation for the Indonesian government`s commitment to preserving nature and promoting sustainable development.
Frances lauded the government`s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2020. He also praised the government for signing the letter of intent (for REDD+) with the Norwegian government and imposing a moratorium on forest concessionaires. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
