Pekanbaru, May 13, 2026 – The Riau Provincial Government, through the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), together with stakeholders, held a Discussion on Guidelines and Development of the Benefit Sharing Mechanism (BSM) for REDD+ in Riau Province as part of the GREEN for Riau initiative. The event took place in the Parlaungan Meeting Room, 3rd Floor, Bappeda, and was attended by government representatives and the Benefit Sharing Mechanism (BSM) Working Group (Pokja), as well as GREEN for Riau experts.
This discussion is a crucial part of the process of developing a jurisdiction-based REDD+ Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP) in Riau Province, with the goal of establishing a transparent, inclusive, and contextual benefit-sharing mechanism tailored to local conditions.
In his opening remarks, the Riau Provincial Government representative emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder forum to ensure that the development of the benefit-sharing mechanism accommodates various parties contributing to environmental protection and emission reduction.
"This meeting is expected to produce an agreement regarding benefit allocation, recipient criteria, and a fair and accountable distribution mechanism."
Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP) Expert, Riko Wahyudi, explained that the development of the BSM is a strategic step in the implementation of jurisdiction-based REDD+ in Riau. He stated that the benefit-sharing mechanism must recognize both direct and indirect contributions to forest and ecosystem protection.
"The Benefit Sharing Mechanism must provide space for various parties who contribute to environmental protection, both through emissions reduction performance and support for ecosystem protection."
In the discussion, participants addressed various important aspects, including beneficiary identification, monetary and non-monetary benefits, distribution mechanisms, institutional strengthening, and reward schemes for community groups and villages that actively protect the environment.
Various constructive input also emerged during the forum, including the need to prioritize indigenous communities, peatland and mangrove villages, social forestry groups, the Climate Village Program (ProKlim) in the land sector, and local communities that have contributed to maintaining forest cover and peat ecosystems.
One forum participant stated that an environmental reward approach could be an important instrument for strengthening community participation.
"A reward scheme can motivate communities and the younger generation to continue their involvement in environmental conservation efforts."
Furthermore, the forum emphasized the importance of mechanisms that focus not only on technical emissions reduction achievements but also consider the social, cultural, and sustainability aspects of local communities.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of benefit management institutions with legal standing and good governance to ensure accountable and sustainable program implementation in the future.
This activity is part of the process of developing the Riau REDD+ Benefit Sharing Plan document, which was conducted in a participatory manner involving various stakeholders. The results of the discussion will provide important input for refining the draft REDD+ benefit sharing mechanism in Riau Province.
