Riau Province is currently a key learning area in preparing a jurisdictional nesting model for REDD+ in Indonesia. Through the GREEN for Riau Initiative, various technical, institutional, policy, social, and public communication processes are being consolidated to support readiness for jurisdictional-based REDD+ implementation.

Riau's experience demonstrates that preparing jurisdictional nesting is not just about carbon accounting, but also about building governance and safeguards, trust, collaboration, community engagement, data readiness, and equitable benefit mechanisms. Here are some interesting lessons from the ongoing process in Riau Province.

1. Indonesia's First Jurisdictional Nesting REDD+ Project

The implementation of the Jurisdictional Nesting REDD+ project in Indonesia, which will be the first in Riau Province, is a source of pride for the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Environment, the Riau Provincial Government, and the nation at large. To support the implementation of Riau's jurisdictional nesting REDD+, as packaged within the GREEN for Riau Initiative, the involvement of various sectors is essential.

The Riau Provincial Government continues to implement various policies in the forestry and land sector. These include support for the implementation of sustainable forest management (SFM), peatland protection and conservation, protection of high conservation value forests (HCVF) in plantation areas and natural forest concessions, a moratorium on permits in natural forests and peatlands, and empowerment of communities living in and around forests. This phase of preparing jurisdictional nesting for REDD+ will strengthen the Riau Provincial Government's commitment to low-carbon development.

2. Preparation of a Performance-Based Incentive Mechanism

The preparation of a performance-based payment mechanism (Results-Based Payment) in Riau Province will be regulated in the BSM/Benefit Sharing Mechanism document, including the Riau Provincial BSM Guide. This document was developed using a bottom-up, transparent approach, through public discussions and consultations, resulting in an agreement on benefit sharing for all parties involved in the emissions reduction program in Riau.

The benefit sharing plan (BSM) document to be prepared will clearly state who the beneficiaries are, what benefits they will receive, and how they will be distributed to those entitled to receive them.

3. Collaboration Between Central and Regional Governments, Regional Commitments

Collaboration is a process of participation and any form of cooperation undertaken by two individuals or groups to achieve specific results. Building collaboration requires a process of achieving mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual understanding of the shared goals to be achieved.

The project, under the UN-REDD program, led by UNEP and supported by the FAO, to prepare for the implementation of REDD+ nesting jurisdictions in Riau Province, is a collaboration between UN-REDD, the Central Government (Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Forestry), and the Riau Provincial Government. UNEP UN-REDD has collaborated effectively to prepare the necessary tools. This strong collaboration is based on UNEP UN-REDD's good intentions to support the low-carbon development program in Riau specifically and Indonesia in general.

This strong collaboration is characterized by actions to prepare data and information, equipment, and all necessary resources. Riau is even willing to facilitate the involvement of indigenous and local communities and all parties involved in the project. Riau's willingness and commitment are also evident in its efforts to integrate the REDD+ program into the 2025-2029 regional development strategy plan and even develop the necessary legal instruments in the form of decrees and other regulations.

4. How to Coordinate at Various Levels

Certainly, building strong communication and coordination to ensure this preparation process runs smoothly at the national, sub-national, and even grassroots levels is not easy. With the facilitation of UNEP UN-REDD, coordination at various levels has been successfully implemented. Meetings at various levels, both formal and informal, will be effective if there are clear topics and objectives for discussion.

Several meetings between UNEP UN-REDD and the central and Riau governments have been very effective in building mutual understanding. Furthermore, various Regional Apparatus Organization (OPD) Coordination Meetings at the provincial level have been synergized with various multi-level stakeholders, serving as a means to integrate emission reduction programs into regional development plans. Other informal meetings have also served as a platform for dialogue and simultaneous communication of progress on REDD+ jurisdictional nesting readiness in Riau. Large-scale interactive dialogues involving various parties have even been held in collaboration with UNEP UN-REDD, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Environment, and the Riau Provincial Government.

5. Involvement of Indigenous and Local Communities

The involvement of indigenous and local communities in REDD+ projects is a mandate and a prerequisite. This means that communities can freely decide whether or not to participate in the project. The preparation phase leading up to the implementation of REDD+ jurisdictional nesting in Riau continues through parallel public consultations at the provincial, district/city, and village levels. This process aims to ensure and ensure the commitment of indigenous and local communities, fully informed and aware, to participate. This consultation process is called Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Community involvement is essential, as it aligns with national and international laws, policies, and agreements.

If communities are involved, they will provide Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and build shared ownership.

6. Committed Development Partners

The Riau Provincial Government's efforts to develop Riau for all are supported by the entire Riau community and development partners, including companies, academics, religious leaders, women's groups, local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and even various international partnerships in Riau.

An interesting lesson from this process is that the preparation phase leading up to implementation is a long journey, requiring significant energy and resources. However, development partners in Riau have always been supportive and enthusiastic. Each institution's contribution is, of course, commensurate with its capacity and competence.

7. Stakeholder Capacity Building

The Riau Working Group (Pokja) team, based on their respective competencies, took active roles and initiatives. Each institution, according to its capacity, played a role in the preparation process for the implementation of this jurisdictional nested REDD+ project. Participating in this process allowed team members to optimize and even develop their capacities.

Capacity building for various parties in Riau was carried out through technical training through hands-on training, workshops, seminars, and intensive mentoring by relevant consultants. The UNEP UN-REDD Riau program was used to support partner capacity building at both the national and sub-national levels.

8. Private Sector Participation in Emission Reduction through REDD+ Jurisdictional Nesting

An interesting question that consistently arises during the preparation process in Riau is how to strengthen the role of the private sector in reducing emissions in Riau. With jurisdictional nesting, the private sector is given flexibility to participate or not in the Riau jurisdictional program through inclusive and transparent FPIC activities. Private sectors already undertaking carbon projects or registering are given the flexibility to choose whether or not to participate in the jurisdictional nesting program, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions.

9. Encouraging Policy and Legal Breakthroughs

The issues of climate change and REDD+ are relatively new and have become a topic of intense discussion among various groups. At the sub-national level in Riau, UNEP UN-REDD is encouraging and facilitating the development of various mechanisms for preparing REDD+ jurisdictional nesting, such as feedback mechanisms and community complaint handling, as well as the integration of REDD+ programs into ongoing regional development programs at both the provincial and district/city levels.

10. Data & Information Management in Riau

The Riau Provincial Government continues to improve its efforts to promote public information transparency regarding its green development initiatives. Several websites have been developed in Riau, including the Riau Government's public information system, the development data information system, one map, complaint handling, the GREEN for Riau website, and several websites in relevant regional government agencies (OPDs). The REDD+ implementation plan in Riau has stimulated the development of a better data and information management system.

The data information system developed in Riau provides a platform for public participation in the emissions reduction program. The GREEN for Riau initiative, which will be implemented in Riau's jurisdiction, has stimulated and encouraged a more effective public information service system and a platform for conveying aspirations and complaints. When participating in the REDD+ program, the public, the private sector, and other stakeholders will utilize the system developed by the Riau Provincial Government as an effective means of monitoring project progress.

11. Public Outreach

The achievements and processes of the preparatory phase leading to REDD+ implementation through UNEP UN-REDD are readily accessible to various parties through mass media coverage, with the support of the Riau Provincial Government Public Relations and the Riau Communications and Information Office. Journalists have received news and news releases as needed and at the right time.

Even during major events, press conferences have been held for resource persons and journalists/press personnel, such as the launch of the GREEN for Riau program and other major events. The involvement of journalists as potential messengers and/or agents of change has been optimized.

In addition to sending news releases to the mass media, the GREEN for Riau website and the Riau Provincial Government website have also published regular news related to the jurisdictional nesting preparation program for REDD+ in Riau.

Other public outreach efforts have been maximized through short videos, print media (posters, information sheets, banners, flyers, etc.), audiovisual media (local radio and television), and various social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).

Conclusion

Riau Province's experience in preparing jurisdictional nesting for REDD+ provides important lessons for Indonesia. This process demonstrates that REDD+ readiness is determined not only by technical strength, but also by collaboration, political commitment, community engagement, GEDSI (Governing Indonesia for Development) and support from development partners, capacity building, data readiness, and open and transparent public communication.

The GREEN for Riau Initiative serves as an innovative shared learning space to connect the agendas of climate change, forest and peatland protection, low-carbon development, and community well-being. If this process continues to be maintained consistently, persistently, and transparently, Riau has the potential to become an important example for credible, innovative, inclusive, and integrated jurisdictional-based REDD+ implementation in Indonesia.

Author:

I Wayan Susi Dharmawan


Bambang Arifatmi

  • Country Coordinator UNEP UN-REDD Indonesia
  • ⁠⁠Head of Applied Green Economy Innovation, HA IPB

Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views and opinions and does not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or official position of GREEN for Riau and its implementing partners.