Jakarta \u2013 Greenpeace Indonesia welcomed the release today of a report from palm oil producer Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) identifying which forests should be protected as an important step forward in the fight against deforestation.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0High Carbon Stock (HCS) report, part of GAR\u2019s Forest Conservation Policy, was launched at a workshop hosted by the Indonesia government\u2019s REDD Task Force in Jakarta.\u00a0The Task Force is working to fulfill President Yudhoyono\u2019s commitment to reduce emissions by 26%, or 41% with international help, by 2020. (1)<\/p>\n
\u201cGolden Agri-Resources is providing a clear industry example that it is possible for a company to identify which forests should be set aside for conservation. This represents a critical milestone in the fight to end deforestation for palm oil,\u201d said Bustar Maitar, head of Greenpeace Indonesia\u2019s forest campaign.<\/p>\n
In February 2011 Greenpeace acknowledged GAR\u2019s commitment to eliminate deforestation from all of its operations and move to a zero deforestation footprint (2).<\/p>\n
Over the past year, GAR has been collaborating with The Forest Trust (TFT), a global non-profit organisation working to deliver responsible products, and Greenpeace, to design a set of strong standards for the identification of forest conservation areas. This effort resulted in the first study of its kind aiming to develop a practical, scientifically robust and cost effective methodology to define and identify areas of High Carbon Stock\u00a0forests for conservation.\u00a0This included a provisional threshold for HCS of greater than 35 tonnes of carbon per hectare.\u00a0(3)<\/p>\n
\u201cThis development can significantly help the Indonesian government fulfill its commitment to reduce the country\u2019s greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation,\u00a0through being able to identify forests areas to be conserved and low-carbon degraded forests which may be developed. It will be critical for the government of Indonesia to fully support GAR\u2019s efforts by facilitating a framework to enable carbon stock and forest conservation, reviewing,\u00a0and\u00a0amending regulations if necessary, and insisting\u00a0on similar requirements\u00a0across all industries operating in forest areas,\u201d\u00a0said Maitar.<\/p>\n
Greenpeace has waged a three-year campaign to stop deforestation for palm oil. GAR\u2019s commitment today clearly shows that industry and civil society can work together to implement solutions to safeguard the environment and the livelihoods of dependent communities, at the same time as ensuring continued economic growth.\u00a0Indonesia\u2019s government, for its part, should redouble its efforts to improve forest governance and strengthen its enforcement of existing forestry laws.<\/p>\n
GAR\u2019s sister company, Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), which is responsible for widespread deforestation to source paper and packaging products, should follow GAR\u2019s\u00a0initiative\u00a0and finally get serious about eliminating deforestation from its supply chain.<\/p>\n
Greenpeace will continue to monitor the implementation of GAR\u2019s global Forest Conservation Policy and urges the rest of the industry to follow GAR\u2019s lead. Palm oil and other forest use sectors, such as pulp and paper, need to create and apply global standards to ensure that deforestation has been eliminated from its supply chains.<\/p>\n
Notes to the Editor:<\/strong><\/p>\n (1) The HCS Forest Study Report is available in full in English:www.goldenagri.com.sg\/pdfs\/misc\/High_Carbon_Stock_Forest_Study_Report.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Foreword and Executive Summary of the report are available in Bahasa Indonesia: www.goldenagri.com.sg\/pdfs\/misc\/LaporanPenelitianHutanber-StokKarbonTinggi_<\/a>_KataPengantardanRingkasanEksekutif.pdf<\/p>\n