Reducing Illegal Logging in Indonesia with Forest Management
September 2011
A Model Forest in eastern Ontario. Photo Credit: Eastern Ontario Model Forest
When Indonesia wanted advice to develop its forest management strategy, it turned to Canada for guidance.
In April, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) hosted a delegation that included Indonesia’s Ambassador to Canada and ten Indonesian parliamentarians. The delegation was tasked with drafting legislation to manage one of the most significant challenges to the healthy development of Indonesia’s forestry sector: illegal logging.
Addressing illegal logging is a priority for the Indonesian government. Not only does the national economy suffer from the rerouting of timber royalty funds to the underground economy: local communities also lose significant revenues as well as higher-paying jobs. In addition, the forests that are left after these illegal operations are often severely degraded.
The effects of illegal logging in Indonesia are felt far beyond Indonesia’s shores, including in Canada. Illegally harvested wood depresses prices on international markets, undermining fair practices in the forest sector around the world.
Representatives from the Republic of Indonesia, the International Model Forest Network Secretariat, the Canadian Model Forest Network and NRCan's Canadian Forest Service at a chalet in Limerick Forest, Ontario
Andy Laksmana, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Indonesia in Ottawa, explained that Canada was selected to help develop the legislation because it is one of the leading countries in the world in applying sustainable forest management to its forests. He remarked: “the legal and regulation aspects of forestry in Canada have been a reference for countries in the world in managing their forests.”
NRCan was well equipped to meet this challenge. “NRCan helped Indonesian parliamentarians in their efforts to combat illegal logging by providing the delegation with a comprehensive perspective on Canada’s approach to sustainable forest management,” explained Peter Besseau, Director of International Affairs at NRCan’s Canadian Forest Service.
The approach involves clear policy direction, regulation, enforcement and extensive consultation with forest dependent communities and other stakeholders.
The delegation had the chance to see Canadian forest management in practice when they visited Limerick Forest, part of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest. This forest, like other vast stands in Canada, has earned third-party certification for its management practices, something in which Canada is a global leader.
Canadian Model Forest Network President Brian Barkley and a visiting Indonesian delegate discuss Canada's forest management strategy at Limerick Forest, Ontario
After meeting with representatives from provincial governments, industry and the Canadian Forest Service, the Indonesian delegation was able to leave with a well-rounded understanding of both the theory and practice of forest management in Canada.
This visit is just one example of the continued collaboration between Indonesia and Canada on forest management development. Through efforts such as these, Canada is doing its part to be a responsible player in the international market.
To learn more about Model Forests in Canada and around the world, visit the International Model Forest Network Web site.
To read about related articles, see Sustainable Forest Management
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