The support is outlined in the agreement memorandum between the Task Force of REDD+ with Pertamina Foundation.
The agreement was signed by Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, the Head of the Presidential Working Unit on Development Supervision and Control (UKP4), and Pertamina Foundation Executive Director Nina Nurlina Pramonodi in Jakarta, on Wednesday, Feb 8.
"Pertamina has been long-concerned with educational and environmental issues, for that reason we chose to establish this program," Pramonodi said.
Furthermore, she stated Pertamina will invite 56 champion schools that received the President�s award in practicing environmentally friendly school habits to participate. Those schools are varied from elementary school to senior high.
"Out of those 56 champion schools, there are 17 schools which pass the qualifications to join the Earth Friend School Program," she said.
This program, Pramonodi added, was designed to promote public awareness, especially in the education field, to develop and implement eco-character and an everyday life that is environmentally friendly.
Responding to this, Kuntoro Mangkusubroto welcomed the program since its scope is in line with the UKP4`s goal.
"Government has targeted reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The REDD+ is a result of the Letter of Intent which was signed by the Indonesian and Norway governments in May 2010 in Oslo, Norway," he said.
Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said the best way to achieve this goal is by targeting mothers and children.
Therefore, the education field is considered to provide the best starting point.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Rizali, the Program Director of the Pertamina Education Foundation, confirmed that support for the REDD+ Task Force is proof of the government`s commitment to environmental issues.
"The program focuses on four EFS environmental projects, including renewable energy, saving trees, green waste processing and green transportation," said Ahmad.
This cooperation, continued Ahmad, will run for three years and it is expected they would expand to 170 green schools spread across Indonesia from the target 17 EFS Champion.
These schools will be used as a model and each will have a chance to receive an award from the Ministry of Environment Adiwiyata, as achieved by the 17 EFS Champions.
I027/INE/A014
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
