EC helps RI curb deforestation

JAKARTA: Minister of Forestry Malam Sambat Kaban is scheduled to launch a joint project between the European Commission (EC) and Indonesia aimed at tackling deforestation in the country.

The EC will donate 16,746,000 euro to finance the five-year project until 2010, while Indonesia will contribute only 1,765,000 euro, a statement from Kaban's office said on Monday.

The project is aimed at pushing and supporting government agencies, private sector companies and communities to help stop or reduce illegal logging and forest management practices that are against conservation principles.

The financing agreement for the project was signed on March 30, and will be carried out in Jakarta, Jambi and West Kalimantan.

The project is expected to improve law enforcement on forestry, particularly concerning illegal logging, ensure accountability and transparency, and enhance coordination between donors and international organizations in reforestation programs. --JP