Public Consultation on the Summary of Safeguards for REDD+ in Riau Province -Resident Coordinator's Speech, Gita Sabharwal

Selamat Pagi.
 

I welcome you to this public consultation on the Safeguards for REDD+ in Riau Province together with the acting Governor Pak Rahman Hadi.

We are gathered here today in the spirit of partnership and shared commitment to advancing sustainable development goals and safeguarding our planet’s invaluable natural resources.

Indonesia’s enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution commits to reducing emissions by 31.8% unconditionally and 43% conditionally by 2030.

Achieving this ambitious target requires coordinated and integrated efforts across sectors and with provinces to scale up nature-based solutions that protect the rights of masyarakat adat.

REDD+ plays a pivotal role in Riau province – a biodiversity hotspot - by working in close partnership with the provincial government to protect and manage its natural assets related to forests and protected areas, peatlands and mangroves. These provide habitat for wildlife, store large amounts of carbon, and provide other ecosystem services.

The REDD+ safeguards framework offers a solution to co-creating with the government and local communities a transparent, equitable, and inclusive approach to conserve, sustainably use and share the benefits.

These safeguards are designed to uphold community rights and ensure the highest standards of environmental sustainability.

For Riau Province, these safeguards are not just mechanisms, but a reflection of institutional commitments as set out in the Governor’s Decrees on peatland restoration and initiatives like the Riau Green Program which focuses on low carbon development.

Today’s consultation with technical assistance from UNEP provides a valuable opportunity to collaboratively shape a framework that supports emission reductions while fostering social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

I look forward to the insights and outcomes from today’s discussions and assure you of UN’s continued commitment to supporting Indonesia as it leads the way in protecting and sustainably managing biodiversity across the country.

Terima kasih.