Expert explains rainforest conservation project

Norway's environment and international development minister Erik Solheim has detailed how a partnership between the country and Indonesia will work to save forests.

The Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) agreement will see Norway give Indonesia $1 billion (£671.9 million), to be deployed via a three-stage approach, reports the Times of India.

Mr Solheim told the newspaper that the initial phase will involve the latter region put proper rainforest conservation systems in place, co-ordinated by the president and other organisations.

After this, a pilot project in some provinces will be undertaken - not a small effort given the size of these areas - and finally, the process will be formalised so that Indonesia achieves the maximum benefit possible.

In terms of accountability, Mr Solheim - who has served in his current role since 2007 - explained: "We would expect transparency during all the phases so that everyone, not just Indonesia and Norway, can look at how it was done - that's also the basis of the agreement with Brazil."

Written by Helen Montag

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