Indonesia environment minister wants 'permanent' forest moratorium
Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar signs the Paris Agreement on climate change held at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, U.S., April 22, 2016. -REUTERS/Mike Segar
Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said on Monday she wants to make permanent a moratorium on issuing new licences to use land designated as primary forest and peatland.
The moratorium, part of an effort to reduce emissions from fires caused by deforestation, was extended by President Joko Widodo for a third time in May.
"So far its only been extended, and extended again. I want a permanent (moratorium)," she said. "Our primary forest can not be cleared out."
Must-Watch Video
Stay updated with our news