United Nation's deforestation scheme under scrutiny after Indonesia debacle

This picture taken on March 5, 2021 shows the clearing of a forest for a government project in Gunung Mas, Kalimantan. Protecting trees is key to meeting ambitious climate goals, with tropical rainforest loss accounting for about eight percent of annual carbon dioxide emissions, according to monitoring platform Global Forest Watch. - AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (AFP): The collapse of a US$1-billion deal to curb Indonesian deforestation has highlighted the pitfalls of a UN-backed global initiative, which critics say has been ineffective and trampled on indigenous communities' rights.

Protecting trees is key to meeting ambitious climate goals, with tropical rainforest loss accounting for about eight percent of annual carbon dioxide emissions, according to monitoring platform Global Forest Watch.