New Initiatives and Partnerships to Propel the Delivery of APRIL2030

APRIL Group has announced a series of new concrete initiatives and partnerships to kick-start the delivery of its APRIL2030 vision to deliver a positive impact on climate, nature and people while growing as a sustainable producer of fiber and pulp-based products by 2030.

Launched in Jakarta in November 2020, APRIL2030 comprises four commitments and 18 measurable, science-based targets addressing environmental, community and socio-economic imperatives aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. APRIL2030 aims to drive vital inclusive progress in Indonesia’s developing economy through transformative initiatives in livelihoods, education, healthcare and the empowerment of women.

Five new initiatives and partnerships that contribute to specific targets were announced at the launch, to propel the delivery of APRIL2030.

• An Extended Commitment to Forest Conservation and Restoration: As we strive to meet our pledge to conserve a hectare of forest for every hectare of plantation (1-for-1), we are extending our commitment on conservation and restoration to also support other initiatives through partnerships and collaboration. Going forward, we will set aside funding per tonne of fiber used in production that will guarantee about $10 million per year for investment in nature.
• Supporting Wildlife Protection: Related to our targets on forest protection and biodiversity gains, we will support wildlife protection and conservation in Indonesia, including endangered species, through partnerships and collaboration, and we are in advanced discussions for a cooperation on this important area with the Wildlife Conservation Society. This is in addition to the ongoing work on conservation and restoration with long-time partner Fauna & Flora International.
• Tropical Peatland Science Hub: Our Riau Ecosystem Restoration (RER) project has been steadily progressing, protecting 150,693 ha of peatland forests that are home to more than 700 species and store at least 688 million tonnes of carbon. We have completed the establishment of a new Eco-Research Camp on the Kampar Peninsula that will serve as a tropical peatland science hub for national and international scientists and academics, and also for stakeholders who wish to experience ecosystem restoration work on the ground.
• 20MW solar panels by 2025: To immediately kick-off our shift to renewable energy sources, as part of our commitment to reduce our carbon emissions, we will be installing 20MW solar panels in our mill and fiber operations starting in 2021. When completed in 2025, this will be one of the largest, private-sector, solar panel installations in Indonesia.
• Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi): We have signed-up with the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) to learn and contribute to the network, particularly in the land use sector. We believe science-based target setting for nature is the only way forward as we support forest conservation in Indonesia.

Speaking at the launch of APRIL2030, Anderson Tanoto, Director, RGE, said: “Continued investment in climate, nature and sustainable development assumes even greater urgency if the global economy is to achieve a strong recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. As challenging as the current situation is, it presents businesses with an opportunity to boldly transform the future for the better.

“We are determined to ensure the next decade is one of action and further transformation for our company as we play our part to achieve a lower carbon economy and make a positive impact on climate, nature and people,” he said.

Attendees at the launch event held at APRIL’s SDG Academy in Jakarta, included Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto who delivered opening remarks, and featured a panel discussion involving Bambang Hendroyono, Secretary General, Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Erna Witoelar representing APRIL’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and Erik Solheim, former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme and former Minister of Development and Environment of Norway. The discussion was streamed live to employees in Indonesia and stakeholders around the world.