Australian embassy, GPA launch tree planting program

Antara News, Sunday, January 10, 2010 19:03 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australia`s Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer, together with youth organisation Gerakan Pemuda (GP) Ansor, launched on Sunday a tree planting program in Depok, West Java.

GP Ansor members and community volunteers will plant approximately 6,000 starfruit and avocado trees across Depok in an effort to improve the local environment and to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, the Australian Embassy in a media release said here on Sunday.

According to Bill Farmer, the project received funding support through the Australian Embassy`s small-grants scheme which provides funds for community groups and non-government organisations engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis.

"Our objective is to promote sustainable development initiatives that help communities boost their living standards," said the Australian ambassador.

Farmer said Australia was pleased to work together with GP Ansor following the announcement of the Australian Government`s strengthened five year development partnership with Indonesia, providing aid of up to an expected Rp21.3 trillion between 2009 and 2013.

"This program provides a wonderful opportunity to support GP Ansor`s efforts to improve the local community and to help the environment at the same time, said Bill Farmer.