TANJUNG SELOR – The Governor of North Kalimantan, Drs H Zainal A Paliwang, SH, M.Hum, is endorsing the potential for carbon trading in the 34th province. This commitment is evident through the signing of a joint agreement between the North Kalimantan Provincial Government and PT Global Eco Rescue (GER) Lestari.
The goal is to accelerate collaboration for the conservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of mangrove and peatland ecosystems to support the Enhanced – National Determined Contribution (E-NDC) Jurisdiction in the North Kalimantan Province.
The Governor stated that according to the work plan of GER Lestari, the mangrove area in North Kalimantan covers 262,318 hectares, and based on the Minister of Environment and Forestry Decree No. 129/Men LHK Sekjen PKT/2/2017, the peatland’s hydrological unit area in North Kalimantan is 347,541 hectares.
“Our peatland is very extensive, possibly the largest in Indonesia compared to Bali, East Kalimantan, or other places,” the Governor said.
He explained that having both mangrove and peatland areas is a significant advantage for North Kalimantan. Not only does it contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it also presents an opportunity for carbon trading.
“With the signing of the cooperation agreement for accelerating collaboration in the conservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of mangrove and peatland ecosystems, I hope we will carry out our respective functions and duties effectively,” he emphasized.
He also expressed the hope that the primary goal of strengthening the governance of restoration and conservation, as well as increasing sustainable alternatives for local livelihoods, will be achieved. The third goal is to restore and rehabilitate mangrove and peatland areas, while the fourth is to enhance monitoring, reporting, verification, and management for swift implementation.
“These activities will involve millennials in tasks such as planting, caring for, and maintaining the ecosystems. A network of millennial farmers will be established in all districts, starting in August 2023,” he elaborated.
He mentioned that a budget of 180 million US Dollars has been allocated for mangrove planting activities. The target areas are Bulungan, Nunukan, and Tana Tidung Regencies.
“The downstream benefits will contribute to the welfare of the community, as we will also sell carbon to several countries,” he stated.
He added that mangrove planting activities are conducted almost every month, especially when visitors from outside North Kalimantan come to the region, they are invited to participate. The latest mangrove planting took place during the visit of PTIK Alumni held in Tana Tidung.
John A. Embiricos, representing PT GER Lestari, explained their presence in North Kalimantan is partly due to addressing the global issue of climate change. Their approach involves extensive mangrove planting.
He recounted that discussions about addressing climate change have been ongoing since 2005, with carbon trading having been initiated in Europe.
“However, at that time, there were not many national policies that allowed for carbon trading collaboration. Therefore, today we are returning to North Kalimantan upon the invitation of Senator of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) for North Kalimantan Constituency, Mr. Marthin Billa, and the Governor of North Kalimantan, to restart what we planned 20 years ago,” he explained.
He expressed optimism that their initiatives will run smoothly, as many policies by the Indonesian Government have been formulated to support and open up opportunities for carbon trading.
He stated that what GER Lestari is doing differs from other projects. Their main program revolves around making carbon trading a foundation for environmental recovery and enhancing prosperity for the people of North Kalimantan.
“In the world, there are numerous carbon trading projects that solely focus on business models and profits for entrepreneurs. GER Lestari will not follow that path,” he asserted.
Together with the North Kalimantan Provincial Government, PT GER Lestari intends to develop a carbon trading model that collaborates with the community.
“In addition to cooperation with the North Kalimantan Provincial Government, we are also working with the lowest level of government, the village government,” he clarified.
During field activities, their approach will not involve acquiring land or obtaining location permits. Instead, they will enhance the management of existing land.
“This collaboration involves the sharing of knowledge and local wisdom, which will serve as the foundation for our partnership,” he concluded.
