GSA to Invest USS 75 Billion in Forestry Development in Papua
Copyright 2001 Antara - The Indonesian National News Agency
December 5, 2001
Jakarta, Dec 05 (ANTARA) - GSA management group in cooperation with the Iyapupai foundation will invest some US $ 75 billion to run the forests in Papua province under a environmentally-friendly system.
"THE PRESENT FOREST CONCESSIONS FAILED TO PRESERVE THE FORESTS, CHAIRMAN of Iyapupai foundation Bonafisius Mote said after meeting with vice-president Hamzah Haz here Wednesday. He also promised that the new forest management system would also help the local people raise their income.
He however did not mention elaborate the benefits the local people may enjoy.
"UNDER THE EXISTING CONCESSIONS, SOME 30 PERCENT OF THE FORESTS IN PAPUA WERE DAMAGED AND THE PEOPLE ARE STILL POOR,"HE SAID. ANOTHER EXECUTIVE of the Foundation, Peter Revasi, said the company will use helicopters as transportation means as land-clearing is out of the question.
Some 75 to 100 helicopters would be prepared, he said, noting that one helicopter could carry 12.5 tons of timber.
Revasi said the company also promised to be selective in the cutting of trees.
The investment would be started in January next year.