Papua to Utilise REDD+ Funds for Indigenous Forest Guardians

The Papua Provincial Government is encouraging the use of Result-Based Payment (RBP) REDD+ funds to provide real benefits for indigenous communities as the primary guardians of forests in Tanah Papua. Asisten Bidang Administrasi Umum Sekretariat Daerah (Setda) Provinsi Papua Suzana D. Wanggai stated in Jayapura on Friday that the utilisation of RBP REDD+ funds must produce measurable, sustainable impacts that are directly felt by the community, particularly indigenous peoples. “We want to ensure that the use of RBP REDD+ funds has a real impact on indigenous communities as the main protectors of Papua’s forests,” she said. “On Thursday (18/6), we kicked off the utilisation of the RBP REDD+ for Results Period 2014-2016 Green Climate Fund (GCF) Output-2, which was carried out to strengthen coordination and shared commitment between the central government, regional governments, indigenous communities, universities, development partners, the business sector, and environmental organisations in running this programme,” she added. She explained that the RBP REDD+ scheme is a form of international recognition for Indonesia’s success, including Papua’s, in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. She noted that Papua’s current development direction must be able to strike a balance between economic growth, environmental conservation, and respect for indigenous values and local culture. “We are optimistic that through collaboration among all stakeholders, Papua can become an example of equitable and sustainable low-carbon development while strengthening forest protection and improving the welfare of indigenous communities,” she said.