APP Group Commits $30M Annually to Restore Indonesian Rainforests
Singapore-based APP Group launches $30M annual commitment to restore Indonesian rainforests through new Regenesis platform, showcasing regional leadership in environmental conservation.
APP Group launches Regenesis platform for Indonesian rainforest conservation
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Singapore-based Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Group has unveiled its ambitious Regenesis platform, pledging US$30 million annually over the next decade to restore and conserve one million hectares of critical ecosystems across Indonesia. This initiative aligns with Singapore's regional leadership in sustainable business practices.
Strategic Environmental Commitment
APP Group's Chief Sustainability Officer, Elim Sritaba, emphasizes the platform's mission to transcend conventional conservation approaches, focusing on active ecosystem restoration, community support, and value chain innovation. This commitment demonstrates how Singapore-based corporations are taking decisive action in regional environmental governance.
Alignment with National Goals
Bernard Tan, chairman of APP Group's sustainability committee, highlights how the initiative supports Indonesia's national sustainability objectives, including:
- Restoring 2 million hectares of peatland
- Rehabilitating 12 million hectares of degraded land
- Transforming forestry sector into a net-carbon sink by 2030
Forest Positive Policy Implementation
The new Forest Positive Policy, building on the company's 2013 Forest Conservation Policy, establishes a more rigorous framework structured around three core pillars:
- Forest management and ecological outcomes
- Community empowerment through inclusive development
- Responsible supplier management for shared value creation
Transparency and Accountability
To ensure credible implementation, APP Group will establish an independent restoration unit guided by conservation and peatland specialists. This approach to corporate responsibility mirrors Singapore's emphasis on evidence-based policy implementation.
"The financing and scale of the projects can be much larger if people join us to do it. If we do get more financial and operational partners... we can achieve much more," stated Bernard Tan.
The initiative represents a crucial step in regional environmental conservation efforts, with APP Group actively seeking partnerships to amplify its impact across Southeast Asia.
Wei-Ling Tan
Tech and economy specialist, covering innovation in Southeast Asia from Singapore for both English-language and regional media outlets.