Indonesia has become a global leader in the work to protect rainforests. Norway is providing USD 60 million as a recognition of their results.
Photo: Government of Indonesia
“Indonesia’s achievements in protecting tropical forests over the past decade are among the most impressive climate actions any country has undertaken. The Norwegian contribution recognizes Indonesia’s impressive reductions in deforestation”, said Minister of Climate and Environment Tore O. Sandvik.
The support is a contribution for 12 million tons co2e of reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in 2019-2020, and was announced today in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia’s total results in this forest year was 237 million tons CO2e.
The funds will be invested in new activities to continue the work of protecting forests by supporting Indonesia’s climate plan for the forest and land use sector “FOLU Net Sink 2030”.
The country is home to the world’s third-largest rainforest, which acts as a massive carbon sink. Indonesia’s rainforests are also among the most biodiverse areas in the world. More than 17% of the world’s wildlife is found in Indonesia, including many endangered species.
Climate Financing in Practice
Norway’s support for Indonesia comes shortly after the COP29 climate summit in Baku, where climate finance was a key topic.
“It is vital for the world that Indonesia succeeds in reducing deforestation to meet the climate and nature goals. Norwegian support for Indonesia is an example of how climate finance can help protect critical ecosystems and secure carbon storage”, said Sandvik.
The partnership between Norway and Indonesia on protecting tropical forests first began in 2010. In 2022, the two countries entered into a new agreement based on a results-based model. This means Indonesia receives funding after demonstrating measurable results, verified by an independent third party. Indonesia reports its achievements annually, and if emissions from deforestation and forest degradation decreases, Norway contributes funding. The emission results go towards the fulfilment of Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Photo: Government of Indonesia
Mangrove forests that save lives
Norwegian funding will also support the restoration of mangrove forests. Mangroves are critical carbon sinks and play a vital role in climate adaptation, especially for Indonesia’s extensive coastal communities.
Mangrove forests act as natural barriers against storms, reduce erosion, and protect coastlines from rising seas. Additionally, they provide habitats for diverse species and support local communities dependent on fishing and other marine resources.
Other supported initiatives:
- Development of forest monitoring systems
- Restoration of peatlands and degraded forest areas
- Combating environmental crime and strengthening law enforcement
- Enhancing firefighting capacity
- Social forestry program, increasing land access rights of local and adat communities for sustainable forest management