Ministry of Forestry: Forests in Papua Pegunungan Can Serve as a Bulwark for Indonesia's Tropical Forests

Wamena (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Forestry hopes that Papua Pegunungan will serve as a bulwark for Indonesia’s and the world’s tropical forests to filter greenhouse gas emissions.

Haruni Krinawati, Special Staff to the Minister of Forestry for Climate Change, stated in Wamena on Thursday that the condition of forests in Papua Pegunungan remains relatively very good, according to the Acting Regional Secretary of Papua Pegunungan, Wasuok D Siep.

“More than 80 percent of its forests are still well-preserved. We hope that Papua Pegunungan will become a province that serves as a bulwark in safeguarding our tropical forests (Indonesia),” she said.

“We hope that every development in Papua Pegunungan will continue to preserve ecological, economic, and social aspects, so that the forests remain well-maintained, development accelerates, and the community can live prosperously,” Haruni added.

She explained that once Indonesia’s Sub-National FOLU Net Sink 2030 work plan is established, Papua Pegunungan could become a champion in sustainable forest management to garner support from both national and international sources.

She added that Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 is a crucial initiative to translate and connect Indonesia’s national commitments to global climate agendas with the needs in Papua Pegunungan.

“We know that the forestry sector is a key factor in supporting the success of Indonesia’s emission programme. Nearly 60 percent of the greenhouse gas emission reduction target is borne by the FOLU sector (forestry and land use), and of course, collaboration with all parties—not just the central government and the Papua Pegunungan regional government, but also private sector, academics, community groups, and the media—is needed to achieve that target,” said Haruni Krinawati.