Indonesia, US strengthen cooperation in environmental protection
The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost bilateral relations on environmental protection and climate action on April 5.
Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar (second from right) after the signing of the MoU on environmental protection and climate action. (Photo: antaranews)
Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry andthe US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inked a memorandum ofunderstanding (MoU) to boost bilateral relations on environmental protectionand climate action on April 5.
Indonesian Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said her countryhopes to cooperate with the US-EPA in implementing real action that will bebeneficial for it and the planet.
The MoU implements a framework for collaboration in variousenvironmental issues, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, airquality management, water quality management, waste management, environmentaleducation, environmental law enforcement, and circular economy approach.
The document is intended to encourage the exchange ofinformation between both nations.
It also reflects Indonesia's and US' commitment to cooperatein handling global environment challenges that the two countries face today andwill certainly do so in the future, said EPA's Administrator Michael Regal./.
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