"We need to involve them in the project to ensure that it runs well."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Justin Lee visited an Australia-funded REDD+ pilot project in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, on Tuesday.
While in Central Kalimantan, Lee visited the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership project designed to restore forests and reduce peatland fires.
Peatlands are now considered to be the main contributors to Indonesia`s greenhouse gas emissions.
"I am glad to make a field visit. By having a first-hand look, I know how complicated the project is, although it remains one of the world`s most advanced REDD+ programmes," Lee stated.
He met with local residents involved in the project at Katunjung village and said he was glad to see them interested in the project.
"We need to involve them in the project to ensure that it runs well," Lee explained.
"At present, seven villages have signed agreements to support the REDD+ programme. These agreements empower the local people to manage the distribution of benefits and implement the plans of the REDD+ programme," he said.
"They have tended and planted more than 1.2 million seeds that will help restore damaged peatland. This is one of the very few REDD+ programmes that pay back to the public," Lee pointed out.
"Peatland rehabilitation will help reduce forest fires and greenhouse gas emissions," he added.
During his stay, Lee also met with Kapuas district head Muhammad Mawardi.
"Both of us believe that this project will be an important lesson for Indonesia and other countries that have committed themselves to tackle climate change," Lee said.
(T.I025/Uu.S012/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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