Despite Indonesia's President Joko Widodo signing the agreement to end deforestation by 2030 deal, its Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said development remained Indonesia's top priority. She said the authorities could not "promise what we can't do" and went on to say forcing Indonesia to commit to zero deforestation by 2030 was "clearly inappropriate and unfair", signalling that the country may not abide by it.
"The massive development of President Jokowi's era must not stop in the name of carbon emissions or in the name of deforestation," she said, referring to Mr Widodo by his nickname. "Indonesia's natural wealth, including forests, must be managed for its use according to sustainable principles, besides being fair," she said.
Ms Nurbaya argued that the country's vast natural resources must be used for the benefit of its people. She cited the need to to cut down forests to make way for new roads.
Indonesia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar said that describing the deal as a zero-deforestation pledge was "false and misleading".
COP26: Indonesia criticises 'unfair' deal to end deforestation - BBC News
It is all very well for politicians to sign treaties designed to protect the planet's health but they are after all are politicians and are accustomed to breaking pledges and promises that are made for popularity and winning elections. Indonesia has stated the quiet stuff out aloud. We can fully expect other national leaders to pay lip service to their commitments.
No comments:
Post a Comment