Forestry Minister: Forests to become new economic driver through green development

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, stated that the forestry sector needs to become a new engine of growth through the concept of green growth or green development.

Minister Raja Juli emphasised that future forest management concepts should not only focus on environmental preservation but also on creating economic growth and improving community welfare sustainably.

“Forests must be preserved. The primary responsibility of this ministry is to maintain forest sustainability for the future of the nation and the world, but development must not stop. We need growth and job creation, but how do we then encourage green growth, so that our forests become a new engine of growth through a green growth pattern?” the Minister said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

“The most important thing in planning now is its implementation. How we can be consistent and steadfast in following through with what we have already planned,” said the Minister.

Minister Raja Juli added that the government has opened a new chapter in forestry management through carbon trading as one of the instruments that allows forests to remain protected while simultaneously providing economic benefits to the community.

“My message is singular, once again, be consistent. Be consistent with what is planned, so that we can achieve three things: forests must be preserved, development must not stop, and community welfare is certain,” said Minister Raja Juli Antoni.