A group of NGO has demanded more clarity from the Forestry Ministry on its REDD+ programs after it accepted US$3.6 million in grants from the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.

Since the launching of the Ministry's REDD+ program, several organizations including Solidaritas Perempuan, CAPPA, YPD and the Ulu Foundation had requested transparency clarity because the government had not shared documents, briefings or provided opportunities for discussion at the launch, Puspa Dewy of Women's Solidarity women and natural resource conflict division said on Thursday.

"There were only small group of NGOs at the meeting and it only ran for two hours. We are afraid that the funds will be wasted if not monitored properly," she said.

Puspa added that there were still many questions about the implementation of the REDD+ program in Indonesia.

The REDD+ program (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) encourages conservation, the sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in exchange for incentives. (rpt)