A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by CIFOR and the Indonesian Government's Institute of Sciences (LIPI) will enhance Indonesia's research into the country's forests and those who depend on forests for their livelihoods.

Director General of CIFOR, David Kaimowitz, said the MOU was an expression of the common vision shared by CIFOR and LIPI.

"CIFOR and LIPI are two very complementary organizations. Through close collaboration, their research can make a significant contribution to the future of Indonesia's forests," Kaimowitz said.

"This MOU will consolidate this collaboration and optimize the research efforts of both LIPI and CIFOR. CIFOR is proud to work with LIPI, an institute that is highly regarded for the quality and broad range of its scientific research. LIPI's diversity of knowledge and research, and its high level of scientific expertise, will be of considerable benefit to CIFOR's forest research," Kaimowitz said.

Prof. Dr. Umar A. Jenie, the Chair of LIPI, said the MOU would not only benefit both organizations but, more importantly, also benefit the forests and people of Indonesia.

"LIPI and Indonesia can gain a lot from CIFOR's expertise in researching forest issues. In particular, LIPI will benefit from CIFOR's international expertise. For example, CIFOR's research in places like Cameroon and Brazil is often applicable to what is happening in Indonesia's forests. I am confident this knowledge will make a significant contribution to LIPI's own research into forest and environmental issues. For example, as a global research organization, CIFOR will be able to help make the rest of the world more aware of the important work LIPI is doing," Prof Dr. Umar said.