JAKARTA — Indonesia is home to one of the largest areas of tropical rainforest in the world – and has one of the highest rates of deforestation. Now, signs of progress are being seen in efforts to balance economic growth with conservation of the natural rainforests.
In 2010, the governments of Norway and Indonesia signed a billion-dollar deal to impose a moratorium on the clearance of peatland and natural forest. The deal was seen as a way to help Indonesia meet its ambitious goal of cutting carbon emissions by 26 percent by 2020.
But despite the ban, natural forests have continued to be cleared for industry, in part due to weak governance and rampant corruption.
Read more: VOA
