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<\/p>\nIndonesia is now leading the world in reducing deforestation rates, according to statistics from the World Resources Institute (WRI). Its most recent data on global deforestation shows that Indonesia has reduced deforestation rate in primary forests by 65% since 2015, which is more than any other country over the same period.<\/p>\n
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The dramatic lowering of the deforestation rate is a result of years of commitment by two successive Indonesian governments and the plantation sector, who have implemented policies to reduce deforestation across the country.<\/p>\n
Ingredients linked to deforestation<\/strong><\/p>\n The news comes at the heels that several F&B sectors are intrinsically linked to deforestation next to cocoa, including soy, palm oil and wood fiber for packaging. In recent years, the industry has been ramping up efforts to combat the crisis as consumers become increasingly concerned over food products \u2013 primarily confectionery and snacks \u2013 linked to forests being burned down to make way for specific crops.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, landmark efforts over the last year have included the EU\u2019s introduction of a law cracking down on deforestation, alongside major commitments by major players to halt deforestation by 2030.<\/p>\n Indonesia clamps down on deforestation<\/strong><\/p>\n According to the WRI, the result from the report is a \u201cstrong endorsement\u201d of these policy decisions taken by the Indonesian government on deforestation.<\/p>\n The WRI report states: \u201cGovernment policies and corrective actions have contributed to this reduction, in line with reaching Indonesia\u2019s target of Net Sink (meaning negative CO2 emissions) from the forestry and other land use sectors by 2030.\u201d<\/p>\n Indonesia\u2019s deforestation rates are the lowest on record. \u201cIncreased fire prevention and monitoring efforts, termination of granting new licenses on primary forest or peatland (moratorium), law enforcement and a renewed commitment not only to protect and restore peatlands but also to rehabilitate mangroves have led to fewer fires and fewer primary forest loss.<\/p>\n \u201cRelatively wet conditions and cloud-seeding efforts from the government and private sector may have helped with fire suppression in Indonesia. On-the-ground community efforts to suppress fire have also contributed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMandatory and voluntary corporate commitments also appear to be working,\u201d reads the report.<\/p>\n Lowest deforestation rates on record<\/strong><\/p>\n The WRI also aligns with official government estimates on deforestation in the country, showing that Indonesia\u2019s deforestation rates are the lowest on record.<\/p>\n President Yudhoyono introduced a moratorium on issuing new permits for logging in primary forests and peatlands in 2011. It was set for two years but was extended twice under his administration. It restricted new oil palm plantation development and logging in specified forest areas.<\/p>\n President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) continued and extended the moratorium and further strengthened enforcement and compliance. In 2019, the moratorium on new licenses in primary forests and peatlands was made permanent.<\/p>\n Jokowi also introduced a three-year moratorium on new oil palm plantation permits, halted new permits for plantations, and commenced a review of existing licenses.<\/p>\n In addition to these measures, the Jokowi administration introduced the Rencana Aksi Nasional Kelapa Sawit Berkelanjutan (RAN-KSB) or National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil. Its chief objectives are to strengthen regulation and enforcement to prevent illegal deforestation and protect primary forests and peatlands.<\/p>\n