APP to support Indonesia’s efforts in protecting peatlands

I refer to the report “APP ‘uncooperative’ in peatland restoration efforts” (June 9). Asia Pulp and Paper Group wishes to clarify what data on its suppliers’ concession areas and the surrounding landscapes in Sumatra and Kalimantan it has shared.

On May 11, APP provided the Ministry of Environment and Forestry with Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) peat maps following several dialogues this year with both the ministry and the Peatland Restoration Agency.

To date, we are the only company operating in Indonesia that has undertaken such comprehensive mapping of peatlands using Lidar technology.

The data analysis was finalised in April, and the results have had an impact on promoting understanding of how to manage peatlands more responsibly. This is even more important in the light of last year’s forest fires that devastated Indonesia.

Following the data submission, the ministry’s director-general of environmental pollution and damage control responded by inviting APP to a meeting on May 23 to present the technical details of the Lidar peatland maps.

The director-general also invited representatives from the Geospatial Information Agency and the Peatland Restoration Agency. During the meeting, it was agreed that the latter should co-ordinate with the director-general in accessing the data APP submitted.

APP will continue to abide by and fully support the Indonesian government’s efforts to protect and restore Indonesia’s peatlands.

APP will co-ordinate with relevant stakeholders, including the ministry and the Peatland Restoration Agency, in the utilisation of our data to create the necessary transparency for effective protection, restoration and monitoring efforts across Indonesia.

APP has made, and will continue to make, relevant data available to stakeholders to facilitate the responsible protection of Indonesia’s peat landscapes.