FAQ


  1. What is Green Growth?

Green growth refers to a strong economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. In contrast to conventional development models that rely on the unsustainable depletion and destruction of natural resources, green growth is a coordinated advancement of economic growth, environmental sustainability, poverty reduction and social inclusion driven by the sustainable development and use of global resources.

 

  1. What does ‘socially inclusive’ mean?

A socially inclusive society is defined as one where all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity (Cappo, 2002). The Green Growth Program strives to plan and design green projects and activities that translate directly to a better and sustainable access to basic services and resources, and the creation of green jobs while ensuring safeguards, poverty reduction, and social inclusion.

 

  1. What is sustainability?

Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have the water, materials and resources to protect human lives and our environment.

 

  1. Why does our growth have to be ‘green’?

Becoming ‘green’ and sustainable does not only help the environment, but would also help make businesses more profitable and successful.

 

  1. Why has green growth come about?

The importance of green growth has emerged as a result of major concerns about the unintended social, environmental and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of our natural resources. This leads to the development of approaches and mechanisms, drawing on advances in science and technology to achieve strong economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.

 

  1. What is the difference between green growth, green economy, and sustainable development?

The main reason behind the emergence of the concept of both green economy and green growth is the movement towards a more integrated and comprehensive approach to incorporating the environment and social factors in economic processes, to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, green growth is economic growth that contributes to responsible utilization of natural capital, prevents and reduces pollution, and creates chances to improve the overall social welfare by building green economy, and finally makes it possible to enter on the path towards sustainable development; hence the integrity of the trio: green growth—green economy—sustainable development. (Kasztelan, Armand. 2017. Green Growth, Green Economy and Sustainable Development: Terminological and Relational Discourse. Prague Economic Papers, 26 (4), 487-499, https://doi.org/10.18267/j.pep.626 )

 

  1. Is green growth a trend or an essential need?

The ‘green’ lifestyle has evolved in the last few decades to become a mainstream concept as more people and entities recognize the importance, the urgency, and the benefits of sustainable practices.

 

  1. What does the Indonesia Green Growth Program aim to deliver?

The program is designed to deliver a sustainable and equitable rise in GDP and living standards while, at the same time, curbing pollution, making infrastructure clean and resilient, using resources more efficiently, and valuing the often economically invisible natural assets that have underpinned economic success over the centuries and on which human wellbeing ultimately depends. The program also serves as the facilitator in bringing together various stakeholders needs, including the government, international and national investors, and project developers for green capital to flow.

 

  1. Why does the program only focus in three sectors, i.e. energy, landscapes, infrastructure?

The three priority sectors were selected to reflect and ensure alignment with Indonesia’s nine priority agenda (Nawa Cita) as well as the country’s global commitments to the Paris Agreement—as stated in Indonesia Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)—and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

  1. Why does the program mainly work in Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan?

Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan were chosen as pilot provinces for green growth planning and activities based on recommendations and requirements of the Government of Indonesia (GoI). Results and/or designs from these two provinces are expected to provide the GoI with the ability to replicate and scale-up in other provinces.

 

  1. How is the Green Growth Program supporting various entities in the transition to green growth?

The Green Growth Program hosts a range of public consultations and workshops with stakeholders in the process of mainstreaming green growth in regional and national development plans to take into account various needs and requirements.

 

  1. How does a government and/or public institution get involved and support green growth?

The commitment of the government at all levels towards green growth is crucial, because green investment will only flow with the pivotal role of the government in creating enabling policy that promotes project risk mitigation for green investors and business ventures, by providing incentives, capacity-building, best practices, manuals, on-business tailored support, and funding opportunities for green businesses. The government also plays a key role to ensure the highest quality of its public institutions that, in turn, will have to support green growth projects and activities, either financially or as implementing entities.

 

  1. How does a business get involved and support green growth?

The private sector or businesses should adopt and implement best management practices that adhere to green growth principles. The Green Growth Program can help provide guidelines and, when necessary, expertise, for businesses that require them. The private sector is also expected to realize that investing in sustainability makes good business sense. It improves brand image, reduce costs of operations, support local communities, and increase client-customer base through green image and increased profits. Therefore, the private sector is encouraged to be an integral part of funding to financially support a wide range of green growth goals.

 

  1. As an individual, how can I get involved and support green growth?

Simple everyday practices can be a great starting place. See and/or download the following poster to start your green action.

 

Download Image

 

  1. How do I get more information?

You are very welcome to contact the Green Growth Secretariat.