§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with EU partners on Strek Plots in East Kalimantan; and if she will make a statement. [70790]
§ Ms KeebleThe research undertaken on Strek Plots is of critical importance for the sustainable management and exploitation of Indonesia's forest resources. The plots are under immediate threat from illegal logging. A secondary threat from mining operations is currently the subject of amicable, but unconcluded, negotiations.
DFID is working with the Government of Indonesia to promote a sustainable timber industry, which protects the interests of poor people who are dependent upon forest resources for their livelihoods. We co-ordinate this work closely with other donors supporting the Government's efforts to reform the forestry sector. This includes the European Union with whom we are in regular contact.
The UK Government have recently concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Indonesia that commits us to working together to combat illegal logging. This will help secure the future of the Strek Plots. My officials are currently working with their Indonesian counterparts to finalise an action plan to 449W implement the memorandum. Details were given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley) on 27 June 2002, Official Report, column 995W.