US partnering with Indonesia to stem deforestation

Jakarta, USAID is partnering with the government of Indonesia to stem deforestation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support climate change adaptation, according to the US embassy here on its Website.

The USAID Indonesia Forestry and Climate Support (USAID IFACS) project supports the new U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership announced during the recent trip by President Barack Obama.

The USAID IFACS project will reduce the threats of deforestation and climate change, and help the Government of Indonesia to conserve the country`s tropical forests and wildlife (including orangutans).

In doing so, the project will support activities to reduce carbon emissions and soil erosion and increase the availability of clean water. The project will work with Indonesian central, provincial, and local government agencies as well as NGOs, local communities, and the private sector.

This four-year $40 million project is expected to result in a 50 percent reduction in the rate of forest degradation and loss from conversion, illegal extraction, over-harvesting and climate change for six million hectares.

It will improve management of 3.5 million hectares of selected tropical forest to deter illegal logging. Changes in land use practices and improved forestry management will result in a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the targeted areas.

The project provides strong support for Indonesian climate change objectives by supporting Indonesia`s REDD+ National Strategy as well as leveraging Norway`s $1 billion effort to increase forest conservation and reduce carbon emissions in Indonesia.