IFSA Delegation Conducts Learning Visit to APRIL Group and Riau Ecosystem Restoration

Author: Dito Akbar

Figure 1. Delegation of IFSA who are affiliated with IFSA LC UGM, Muhammad Fawzaan, Ferizta Hardika Putri, Dito Akbar, and Rizka Afif,  taking a picture together at the Yogyakarta International Airport before departure to Riau, Indonesia.

Yogyakarta, 24/12/2024 - The International Forestry Students’ Association has collaborated with APRIL Group to visit their operational area, especially the Riau Ecosystem Restoration (RER). It started from October 27th until November 3rd and took place in Riau, Indonesia. This initiative started when the Head of Operations of Riau Ecosystem Restoration, Brad Sanders, talked with one of the IFSA members and expressed interest in inviting IFSA members to visit their operational area.  The delegates affiliated with IFSA, including 4 delegates affiliated with IFSA LC UGM, 3 delegates affiliated with IFSA LC IPB, 3 delegates affiliated with IFSA LC UNHAS, and there is 1 student from Universitas Riau, and 1 student from Universitas Lancang Kuning, Riau. The delegates affiliated with IFSA LC UGM, namely Rizka Afif (General Forestry, 2019), Dito Akbar (General Forestry, 2021), Ferizta Hardika Putri (General Forestry, 2022), and Muhammad Fawzaan (General Forestry, 2022). This program aims to educate young people as the future generation about restoration areas, especially in peatlands, and to demonstrate APRIL Group’s contributions and commitments to environmental conservation through APRIL2030.

Figure 2. Delegation of IFSA taking a picture together with Addriyanus Tantra (Sustainability Operations Fiber Manager at APRIL Group), Yoan Dinata (Research and Monitoring Manager at RER), Jhon Pereira (Deputy Head of Operations of Ecosystem Restoration at RER), and Muhammad Iqbal (Ecologist at RER) after welcoming dinner for the first day.

This activity was conducted in the operational areas of APRIL Group and Riau Ecosystem Restoration, Palalawasan, Riau, Indonesia. Over the course of seven days, the delegates visited and observed firsthand the activities carried out in these areas. These included tours of the Kerinci Central Nursery, the Paper Mill, the Solar Panel facility, and the Nursery, all located within the APRIL Complex. This program provided information about the products produced by APRIL Group and how the company implements sustainability practices with solar panels, all of which are manufactured by APRIL Group. This is one of APRIL’s tangible actions to fulfill their commitment to APRIL Vision 2030, where they aim to supply 90% of the mill’s energy needs and 50% of the fiber operations' energy requirements using cleaner and renewable energy sources.

Figure 3. Delegation of IFSA visited the Nursery, which is the mechanism and procedures used to produce the ideal seedlings for planting in APRIL’s forest plantations. Key mechanisms included the Mother Plant House, Production House, Rooting House, Acclimatization House, and Open Growing Area.

From the second to the sixth day, the delegates made direct visits to the Riau Ecosystem Restoration. Some of the places visited included the Eco-Research Camp, where they participated in weeding and blanking activities, visited the Greenhouse Gas Flux Tower, observed canal blocking, engaged in wildlife monitoring by installing camera trapping, examined peat cores, and had the opportunity to receive information about the recruitment process by APRIL Group. One of the most memorable visits was to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Flux Tower. This 48-meter structure, built and managed by APRIL Group within the RER area, is an advanced tool for environmental monitoring. The standard height limit for the tower is 45 meters, determined based on the height of the tallest tree in the area This technology specifically measures GHG fluxes such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

Figure 4. Delegation of IFSA (IFSA LC UGM, IFSA LC IPB, and IFSA LC UNHAS) taking a spot at the Greenhouse Gas Flux Tower at a height of 48 meters to check the greenhouse gas monitoring equipment.

These programs are really great for seeing how large companies, especially pulp and paper companies, address environmental issues and demonstrate their commitment to youth empowerment. The APRIL Group, one of Indonesia's largest pulp and paper companies, has set ambitious targets under its APRIL2030 vision. This vision comprises four commitments with 18 concluding these four main theme ambitious targets: Climate Positive, Thriving Landscape, Inclusive Progress, and Sustainable Growth. APRIL2030 aims to support the Indonesian government in achieving its climate, biodiversity conservation, and development goals. It also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national level in Indonesia and, more importantly, at the village level in the province of Riau. During the visit, the delegation learned how these commitments are being implemented to support Indonesia's climate and biodiversity goals.

Figure 5. Delegation of IFSA and students from Riau visited the Sangar Post to learn about water management and the ecology in the Riau Ecosystem Restoration.

Additionally, their support for young future leaders and the next generation, who will take on important roles and make policies, is crucial. We are grateful to the APRIL Group, especially Riau Ecosystem Restoration, for caring about youth empowerment and initiating programs that invite young people to see conservation work in peatland areas. By involving youth in their initiatives, they are fostering a new generation of leaders who are passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship. This approach not only empowers youth but also ensures that the future of our planet is in capable hands. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from their experiences and to witness the tangible impacts of their work. The knowledge and inspiration we gained will undoubtedly influence our own efforts in promoting sustainability within our communities.