Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and France have strengthened forestry cooperation through the signing of a declaration of intent for sustainable forest management.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ministry of Forestry said the declaration was signed on Wednesday by Minister Raja Juli Antoni and French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Solihi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
"This declaration reflects both countries' commitment to strengthening cooperation in forestry, sustainable environmental management, and climate change," said Krisdianto, head of the ministry's public relations bureau.
The signing — witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron — follows a joint declaration between the two leaders that set the stage for a bilateral strategic partnership through 2050.
The document represents a concrete step toward forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable resource management, aiming to halt deforestation and forest degradation by 2030.
The declaration outlines plans for cooperation on sustainable forest management, rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of natural resources. This includes developing national parks and "sister parks," promoting social forestry, and advancing the legal trade of timber products.
"Forms of cooperation will include information exchange, joint project implementation, the involvement of businesses and institutions, and ongoing dialogue," Krisdianto added.
The declaration is expected to revive previously halted forestry collaboration between Indonesia and France.
Its implementation will be detailed in a future cooperation agreement specifying activities and mechanisms. The initiative will involve multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, the private sector, and local communities.
