Environmental policy commitment of North Sumatera provincial government in climate change mitigation efforts (case study of mangrove protection)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the policy commitment of North Sumatera provincial government in mitigating climate change (case study of mangrove protection). The Regional Action Plan for Greenhouse Gas (RAD-GRK) has been adopted in 2012 by the Province of North Sumatra. The action plan identifies action needed to rehabilitate mangroveswithin or outside of forest conservation areas. The action plan aimed for reforestation of 50,000 ha mangroves areas. However, data showed that by 2017 the North Sumatra government has only been able to rehabilitate 4,765 Ha of mangrove forest. On the other hand, mangroves conversion to non forest land continues including conversion to oil palm plantations in Langkat District. Based on the qualitative data of interview with policy makers at the Provincial of North Sumatera and document analysis particularly from the government agencies, the research discovers that the policy commitment of the local government for mangroves protection is weak.