Pekanbaru, 27 July 2026 — The Riau Provincial Government welcomed a visit from the United Kingdom (UK) team as part of coordination for the implementation of the GREEN for Riau Initiative at the Riau Governor’s Office on Monday, 27 July 2026.
The meeting served as an important momentum to strengthen collaboration between the Riau Provincial Government and international partners in supporting climate action, sustainable forest governance, and the low-carbon development agenda in Riau Province.
The visit was part of efforts to align steps between the Riau Provincial Government and international development partners in advancing environmental and sustainable development agendas. Through this coordination, the parties discussed program continuity, with a focus on environmental protection, emission reductions, and strengthened forest and land governance.
The GREEN for Riau Initiative is a climate action initiative that supports carbon emission reductions, peatland restoration, forest and land fire prevention, and strengthened sustainable forest governance. The program also promotes collaboration among government, communities, and development partners to support low-emission development in Riau Province.
Malay Wisdom as a Foundation for Protecting Nature
The Regional Secretary of Riau Province, Syahrial Abdi, stated that the presence of the GREEN for Riau Initiative is closely connected to the cultural values of Malay communities, which have long taught the importance of maintaining balance with nature.
According to him, local wisdom is an important foundation for supporting environmental conservation efforts in Bumi Lancang Kuning, a cultural name for Riau.
“GREEN for Riau exists because of the wisdom of Malay communities in protecting nature. The traditional teachings on environmental protection have long been written as a message,” said Syahrial Abdi.
He noted that Riau Province holds a strategic position in environmental issues and has therefore drawn attention at both national and international levels. This condition should be seen as an opportunity to expand cooperation with institutions that are committed to sustainable development.
“We realize that Riau Province has become a point of attention nationally and internationally. We see this as an opportunity for Riau to work together with institutions that are concerned with developing Riau,” he said.
Strengthening Commitment and Coordination
Syahrial emphasized that the Riau Provincial Government is committed to maintaining the continuity of regulations and policies that support the implementation of the GREEN for Riau Initiative.
The provincial government will also continue to strengthen coordination with various partners, including the United Kingdom team, to ensure that program implementation can continue sustainably and deliver long-term benefits for Riau’s environment and communities.
“As the regional government, we are committed to maintaining the GREEN for Riau regulations. One way is to continue coordinating, doing our best, and improving the regulations for the sustainability of Riau for future generations,” concluded Syahrial Abdi.
Through this visit, the synergy between the Riau Provincial Government and international partners is expected to become stronger in supporting the achievement of the GREEN for Riau Initiative’s targets, particularly in strengthening forest and land governance, protecting peatland ecosystems, preventing forest and land fires, and advancing inclusive and sustainable low-carbon development.
Source: https://riau.go.id/read/kunjungan-tim-uk-perkuat-sinergi-program-green-for-riau-initiative