RI-ICAO Sign Aviation Emission Reduction Project

Jakarta, Sept 24 (Antara) - The Indonesian Transport Minister Evert Ernest Mangindaan and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) President Kobeh Gonzales have signed a new project, aimed at improving the management of and reducing civil aviation carbon emissions. In a press release made available to Antara on Tuesday, Mangindaan said the project was signed in Montreal, Canada, on Monday and included the ICAO assisting Indonesia with the implementation of the new aviation emission reduction initiatives. "This cooperation project between the Ministry of Transportation and ICAO is of great importance for Indonesia because it reflects the country`s seriousness in resolving issues related to the air transportation sector," Mangindaan stated. He noted that as part of the collaboration, the ICAO will impart technical assistance to Indonesia for strengthening and improving organization, formulating regulations, managing human resources, and devising a system related to the application of a national plan of action aimed at the reduction of green house gas emissions. The large-scale Environmental Measures Project, whose estimated cost is US$ 2,136 million, will be undertaken jointly by Indonesia`s Ministry of Transportation and ICAO`s Technical Co-operation Bureau (ICAO-TCB). Meanwhile, ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin asserted that ICAO-TCB will be working directly on the new project along with Indonesia`s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The ICAO secretary general noted that the agreed objectives included a Master Plan for Indonesian legislative improvements on emissions, Green Flights and Green Airports` operational programmes, more efficient airspace design utilizing performance-based navigation guidelines, advice on appropriate market-based measures, as well as initiatives relating to alternative fuels and the development of a comprehensive emissions inventory. He pointed out that ICAO-TCB`s experience and knowledge of what works at the global, regional and local levels will be invaluable for Indonesia as it proceeds with these programmes.