Indonesia: World Bank, Denmark Chip In for Indonesia's Forest Management

Ratri M. Siniwi Jakarta Globe 4 Oct 16;

Jakarta. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has launched a new project to improve forest management and help out communities living near forest areas in Indonesia.

The initiative, officially called "Promoting Sustainable Community-Based Natural Resource Management and Institutional Development Project," is backed by a $17.5 million grant from the World Bank's Forest Investment Program and 40 million Danish kroner ($60 million) from the Danish International Development Agency.

"This initiative puts into action the concept of sustainable forest management and helps reduce emission from deforestation and forest degradation," Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said in a statement on Monday (03/10).

The five-year project is expected to help the Indonesian government integrate policies and legislations concerning forest management, form new partnerships and increase the skills of local administrators.

"Communities living near forest areas are often dependent on produce from the forests to earn their income, but increasing threat to forest lands is making these communities more vulnerable to poverty," Rodrigo Chaves, World Bank country director for Indonesia, said.

Danish Ambassador Casper Klynge said Denmark's contribution is meant to help the Indonesian government reduce threats to forests, including widespread fires.

"This grant complements our earlier support for the Ecosystem Restoration Concessions model, where forest-based livelihoods and management of forests with the involvement of local communities are also essential," Casper said.

The new project will be implemented in 10 locations in Indonesia.