Pekanbaru, June 9, 2026 – The GREEN for Riau (Growing Resilient Through Emission Reduction, Community Empowerment, and Ecosystem Restoration for Nurturing the Future) initiative continues to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration in supporting low-emission development and sustainable natural resource management in Riau Province. Through the GREEN for Riau Goes to Campus event, held at the Postgraduate Auditorium of the Islamic University of Riau (UIR), students were encouraged to understand the REDD+ approach and take an active role in climate change mitigation and ecosystem restoration.
In his remarks, Bambang Arifatmi, Ph.D., Country Coordinator of UNEP UN-REDD Programme Indonesia, emphasized Riau's strategic position in the global ecological system due to its peat ecosystem, which is one of the world's largest carbon stores. He noted that the world is currently facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. According to him, GREEN for Riau is a collective movement that integrates science, technology, data, policy, and moral values in environmental management. He also emphasized the importance of implementing the principles of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GESI) and encouraging students to become agents of change through research, innovation, education, and concrete action to support green development.
"Students must become agents of change capable of delivering innovation, promoting evidence-based policies, and spreading positive narratives about green and sustainable development in Riau," he said.
In a public lecture, Danang Kabul Sukresno, Provincial Coordinator for UNEP, explained that Riau has approximately 4.9 million hectares of peatland, which plays a vital role in absorbing carbon. However, the province still faces various challenges, such as deforestation, forest degradation, forest and land fires, land use conflicts, and socio-economic vulnerability. He explained that GREEN for Riau is supported by UNEP, FAO, the Riau Provincial Government, and various development partners through a jurisdictional approach at the provincial level. This program focuses on three main pillars: greenhouse gas emission reduction, community empowerment, and peat and mangrove ecosystem restoration, supported by collaboration between the government, academics, communities, the media, and development partners.
Meanwhile, Abdul Madian, S.T., M.T., a representative of the Riau Province Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), explained that GREEN for Riau is a strategic step to open access to international climate finance based on emissions reduction performance. He stated that UNEP and the FAO are currently supporting the readiness process to ensure Riau meets the international standards required for carbon financing schemes. He emphasized that various low-emission development policy documents and Net Zero Emission targets are available, but their success depends heavily on implementation and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Furthermore, a benefit-sharing mechanism is being developed to ensure that the benefits of emission reductions are equitably shared by the government, communities, universities, and other community groups.
Dr. Matnuril, S.IP., M.Sc., Head of the Forest Planning and Utilization Division of the Riau Provincial Environment and Forestry Service, emphasized that the successful implementation of REDD+ and Green for Riau depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders, including academics and the younger generation. According to him, the Riau Provincial Government is currently strengthening the policy and institutional foundations to support sustainable emissions reduction efforts.
"The preparations underway today are an investment for the future. Therefore, we invite students to be part of this process through capacity building, research, and concrete actions on the ground," he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Suwondo, Mitigation Expert for the Green for Riau Action Plan, highlighted the importance of supporting science and innovation in supporting the green development agenda. He emphasized that universities are strategic partners in supporting the Green for Riau agenda through research, innovation, and the development of science-based solutions. He encouraged students to take an active role in various environmental and sustainable development programs, considering that the younger generation will be the successors to the green transformation efforts currently underway.
"The success of Green for Riau requires the support of science, research, and the involvement of the younger generation. Students are not merely recipients of information, but must be part of the solution through research, innovation, and concrete action on the ground," he said.
Representing the Rector of the Islamic University of Riau, Dr. Dede Ardian, S.P., M.Pd., expressed his full support for various sustainable development initiatives in Riau Province. He stated that universities have a strategic role in producing research, innovation, and policy recommendations that can support environmental management and sustainable regional development.
Through this activity, GREEN for Riau and the Islamic University of Riau are committed to strengthening collaboration in research, environmental education, community service, and youth capacity development. Student involvement is expected to expand the climate action movement at the local level while strengthening Riau's position as an example of green development that balances economic growth, environmental protection, and community welfare.
