Jayapura Regional Government Signed MoU for REDD Scheme

Jayapura (03/07) Jayapura District regional government and WWF-Indonesia signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to develop REDD (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) scheme as well as speed up sustainable economy.

The document was signed by Jayapura District Head Habel Suwae and Director of Sahul Region WWF-Indonesia Benja Mambai. Jayapura Vice Head District, Regional Secretary of Jayapura District , District Expert Staff and every head of Jayapura District Regional Government Work Unit (SKPD).

After signing the document, Jayapura District Head in his keynote speech stated three main reasons why Jayapura District officially declared their commitment. First, to protect forest and natural resources in Jayapura District. Second reason was to protect indiginoeus peoples’ basic rights to forest resources, so there would be no rights violation just like what had happened during the Forest Concession Right (HPH) era. Lastly, He realized that this was the time for Jayapura Regional Government to see other alternative breakthrough to promote development process by utilizing natural resources without causing any harm such as practicing environmental service.
WWF-Indonesia together with Jayapura District Government has studied the implementation of REDD scheme in Jayapura District since the beginning of 208 as a response to the result of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) held in Bali. Result had been highlighted was the possibility of implementation of REDD scheme or reducing emission caused by forest degradation in developing countries.

Director of Sahul Region WWF-Indonesia said that they WWF wanted to make a model of REDD scheme which can be implemented in Papua. Today WWF team and regional government has been working to prepare management set up mechanism for REDD scheme and do social and economy research (survey). The results of the research will be presented this September in district, provincial, then continued to national level. Furthermore, he believed that the process of practicing REDD scheme would not be an obstacle for any economy activities. On the other hand, it would promote the development of economy activities which are far more environmentally friendly and responsible. As an example, indigineous peoples-based forest management has been practicing in Unuruam Guay.

Souvenirs exchange and an informal and friendly meeting with District Head, Director of Sahul Region WWF-Indonesia, all heads of Jayapura District Regional Government Work Unit (SKPD), and mass media closed the event.

Notes to Editors:

1. About WWF-Indonesia
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
WWF started working in Indonesia in the early 1960s. In April 1998, WWF-Indonesia Foundation was established as a WWF global network’s independent national organization. WWF-Indonesia Jakarta office leads and coordinates 23 field offices and more than 300 staf. WWF-Indonesia conservation programme takes place in protected areas in 16 Indonesian provinces.