Abholzung

Pelalawan, Riau (ANTARA News) - Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan has asked Indonesian non-governmental organization activists not discredit their own country abroad and thus disrupt the country`s business development.

"We ask for the NGOs` cooperation to jointly settle any problem that arises. Do not denigrate your own country abroad," he said after inspecting an acacia nursery of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper in Pelalawan, Riau, Sumatra on Thursday.

Ali Bongo Ondimba, president of the African nation of Gabon, will deliver a speech at the College of William & Mary on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Ondimba’s speech, which will be given at the Great Hall of the Sir Christopher Wren Building and followed by a question-and-answer session, is open to the public. It will focus on “Sustainable Africa.” In it, Ondimba is expected to outline how Africa, led by Gabon’s example, can promote ecological and politically sustainable institutions.

On Tuesday, Secretary Clinton announced the U.S. plan to contribute $50 million to help send fuel-efficient stoves to developing countries.

The rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has fallen by almost half over the past year, according to government data. The figures are only preliminary and need to be confirmed with satellite data, but indications are that the estimate of a 47.5 per cent decline in lost forest area in the period August 2009 and August 2010 is close to the mark.