UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon visited the Central Kalimantan region in Indonesia, the location of a pilot REDD+ initiative, on the occasion of the opening of the UN Office for Coordination of REDD+ for Indonesia (UNORCID).
17 November 2011: Speaking at a news conference in Indonesia, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon stated that, while REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, as well as conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks) is a win-win-win situation for local communities, Indonesia and the world, it is no substitute for deep greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in developed countries.
The Secretary-General visited the Central Kalimantan region in Indonesia, the location of a pilot REDD+ initiative, on the occasion of the opening of the UN Office for Coordination of REDD+ for Indonesia (UNORCID). He highlighted efforts to improve forest governance, fight corruption, improve understanding of the physical environment and the social implications of REDD+, prevent forest fires and establish sustainable plantations. He noted the shortfall in promised and required funding from developed countries. Ban further stressed that it was crucial to obtain the free, prior and informed consent of the communities who depend on forest resources for REDD+ to be successful.
Ban met with representatives of indigenous communities affected by deforestation, and visited a health clinic, to showcase Indonesia’s progress in advancing women’s and children’s health. [UN Press Release][UN Secretary-General Statement on Climate Change and REDD] [UN Secretary-General’s Statement at the Opening of UNORCID]