Pekanbaru, 27 April 2026 — The GREEN for Riau Initiative strengthened coordination with civil society organizations or NGOs through a meeting that discussed program implementation progress, carbon trading mechanisms, and opportunities for multi-stakeholder engagement in the jurisdictional REDD+ scheme in Riau Province.
The meeting served as an open discussion space between the GREEN for Riau team, local NGOs, and technical partners to align understanding of methodological developments, carbon finance mechanisms, and future collaboration opportunities.
Program Implementation Progress and Technical Aspects
Muis Fazar, representing the GREEN for Riau technical team, explained that program implementation has been underway since the beginning of the year through coordination at the provincial level and is now entering the follow-up stage.
He stated that technical testing is still ongoing and has gone through a review process by the government to ensure methodological alignment. The pilot stage and preliminary emission reduction calculations are also still being finalized.
Muis added that the identification of beneficiaries is still being discussed together with regional agencies and NGOs to ensure that it is well targeted and aligned with field conditions. According to him, benefit distribution cannot be carried out evenly without a clear basis, but must consider location, contribution, risk, and community needs.
Carbon Trading Mechanism and Risk Management
During the technical discussion session, Muis reaffirmed that the carbon scheme being developed has considered risk aspects through a buffer fund mechanism. This fund is intended to anticipate the possibility of renewed deforestation or emission leakage after carbon credits are issued.
He also explained that responsibility for emission reductions applies within a certain period, generally between two and five years. During this period, achievements will continue to be monitored, and if disruptions occur, the buffer fund will be used in accordance with the applicable mechanism.
In addition, this mechanism will be subject to academic auditing to maintain program integrity and ensure that the resulting emission reductions can be properly accounted for.
Methodological Challenges in Aquatic Ecosystems
Responding to a participant’s question regarding carbon in aquatic areas, Muis explained that carbon accounting currently remains focused on terrestrial areas and mangroves.
He emphasized that there is not yet a nationally or internationally recognized methodology for calculating carbon in marine areas. Such methodology is still under development and may only become available within the next one to two years.
Nevertheless, the biodiversity aspect of coastal areas is still considered important because it can increase the economic value of carbon in the future.
Policy Direction and Integration with National Systems
Bambang Arifatmi, Country Coordinator of the UNEP UN-REDD Programme Indonesia, explained that GREEN for Riau implementation must align with national policies, including integration with the registry system and methodologies currently being prepared by the government.
Bambang emphasized that jurisdictional projects must follow the applicable national framework. He also stated that future financing mechanisms will involve institutions appointed by the government to ensure transparent and accountable financial governance.
On this occasion, Bambang also presented the development of the GREEN for Riau portfolio website as a program information hub. The platform will contain activity data, program updates, and a public grievance channel.
The website is designed to be available in several languages to strengthen transparency, improve information disclosure, and facilitate public access to GREEN for Riau updates.
NGO Engagement and Collaboration Scheme
During the discussion session, NGO representatives highlighted the importance of opening broader access for local NGOs to collaborate, particularly in relation to carbon trading participation and funding support for activities.
In response, Muis explained that GREEN for Riau uses an approach that also recognizes past activities as part of the program scheme. This approach is retroactive, meaning that activities previously carried out can still be taken into account within the program framework.
He added that the funding obtained in the future can be used to support follow-up activities through a bridging scheme between past and future activities. In this way, local NGOs will have greater opportunities to be actively involved in supporting the achievement of REDD+ targets in Riau Province.
Collaboration as a Core Principle
Closing the discussion, Muis emphasized that GREEN for Riau is built on the principles of collaboration and inclusivity. The program does not belong to one party alone, but is a shared initiative involving government, communities, NGOs, and development partners.
According to him, program success greatly depends on the active engagement of all stakeholders at every stage of implementation, from planning and implementation to monitoring and benefit distribution.
This meeting reaffirmed the importance of transparency, integrity, and collaboration in REDD+ implementation at the jurisdictional level. Through the active involvement of NGOs and other stakeholders, GREEN for Riau is expected to promote measurable emission reductions while ensuring that program benefits are shared fairly with communities.
