Commitment of Republic of Korea to Climate Change Mitigation through ODA Projects in Indonesia
The Republic of Korea has placed a strong emphasis on climate change mitigation as part of its global development efforts. A key focus of the country’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) projects is to achieve carbon neutrality and support the Green New Deal—initiatives that aim to promote a low-carbon economy both domestically and internationally. The Korean government is committed to advancing its Green ODA, which strengthens climate action through key strategies such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering knowledge exchange, transferring green technologies, and building local capacities.
In alignment with this mission, South Korea has partnered with developing countries such as Indonesia to address the pressing challenges of climate change, particularly in the areas of peatland restoration and sustainable land management.
Peatland Restoration: A Collaborative Effort to Combat Climate Change
The National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS) has funded the Sustainable Community-based Reforestation and Enterprises (SCORE) Project in South Sumatra Province. This initiative uses an innovative agro-silvo-fisheries approach to restore a 10-hectare demonstration plot. The project, which involves 11 local farmers, has successfully eliminated land clearing by burning. As a result, it has enhanced carbon sequestration, increased biodiversity, and improved ecosystem services. Moreover, the project has uplifted the livelihoods of local communities by developing markets for sustainable agri-food products, essential oils, and biomass.
Beyond peatland restoration, South Korea has continued its support for forest restoration projects in Indonesia. In 2016, the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), with Korean support, developed a 10-year Climate Action Plan for forest restoration, focusing on peatlands through community-driven solutions and digital innovations in Central Kalimantan.
In 2019, the Korea Forest Service, through the Korea-Indonesia Forest Cooperation Center, launched a major restoration project in Jambi Province, aiming to restore 200 hectares of peatland. This project, the Joint Project on the Restoration of Burnt Peatland in Jambi, is roughly the size of 280 football fields, representing a significant step in addressing land degradation while supporting the Indonesian government’s climate goals.
One of the most significant areas of collaboration between the Korean and Indonesian governments is peatland restoration. This partnership focuses on the 3Rs: rewetting, revegetation, and revitalization of land surrounding local villages.
A Green Future for Indonesia and Beyond
These joint efforts in peatland and forest restoration are part of Korea’s broader vision to create a sustainable and low-carbon future for Indonesia and the region. By strengthening partnerships through Green ODA, Korea is helping to promote environmentally practices, reduce the impacts of climate change, and support the transition to a green economy. Through sustained collaboration, the future of Indonesia’s climate resilience appears more promising than ever before.
Source: