By: Masayu Yulien Vinanda
Bogor (11/06)-WWF-Indonesia reforestation initiative, NEWtrees, gained another support from private sector. This time, PT. SGS Indonesia, the world’s leading company in testing, verification, and certification showed its commitment by planting trees in Ciliwung Watershed. The tree planting ceremony took place in Telaga Saat, Puncak, Bogor, Saturday (11/06), coinciding with the company’s family gathering.
President Director of PT. SGS Indonesia Guy Escarfail, WWF-Indonesia Deputy Director of Forest, Species, and Fresh Water Program Erwin Widodo, and NEWtrees Program Coordinator Dudi Rufendi also attended the event.
The Upper Ciliwung watershed has become NEWtrees priority area besides Rinjani and Sebangau National Park. Not only because it is categorized as critical zone by Department of Forestry, but also it plays a vital role for millions of people in Jabodetabek (Greater Jakarta).
“The WWF’s reforestation initiative, NEWtrees is our contribution for supporting One Man One Tree which was declared by the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in November 2008. The more trees we plant, the more carbon captured, which will in the end boost production of oxygen. This is the simplest action that we all can do to reduced the impact of global warming,” Erwin Widodo said.
The restoration activity is also expected to substantially improve the function and condition of the watershed which will prevent improve its catchment area as well as reduce the risk of nature disaster.

Meanwhile Guy Escarfail said that sustainability has become the key driver for PT. SGS Indonesia as they do their businesses.

“We believe that sustainability is about managing the long term profitable business while at the same time taking into account the environmental, social, and economic impact we have on society. The tree planting with NEWtrees is our commitment start putting sustainability aspect at the front of the business. Next year, we are planning to plant 3000 trees more. I hope this initiative will continue for the long term,” he added.
For its first restoration phase with NEWtress, PT. SGS Indonesia will be planting 2000 trees in a 5 ha of area in Kampung Rawa Gede, Tugu Utara village, Bogor District. Four tree species which are Agathis alba, Toona sureni, African wood (Maesopsis eminii), and Indonesian cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii) have been prepared for the tree planting which will be conducted in December 2011.
A group of farmers named Kaliwung-Kalimuncar are actively involved in assisting seed supply, tree planting and monitoring. Through NEWtrees partnership, the community involved will get incentives.
Public and corporations participated in NEWtrees program will be able to monitor the tree growth through Geotags System (accurate coordinates) which enables them to do the monitoring via internet. Photos and location of the trees will be able to be viewed in Google Earth or visit www.wwf.or.id/newtrees.