The Business and Investment Forum for Natural-Based Innovations in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, as part of the Lestari Festival 5, has resulted in a total commitment of USD 22.7 million in investment and support. Out of the total amount, USD 20 million was committed by various parties to support cross-regional efforts, while USD 2.7 million specifically targeted businesses in Sigi Regency. Regent of Sigi, expressed his appreciation to the business actors and partners in Sigi Regency and Central Sulawesi Province who have encouraged value-added downstream activities from the potential of biodiversity in a healthy environmental ecosystem, representing a form of the bioeconomy scheme that is also a national target. This serves as motivation for the region to continue preserving environmental quality and become an inspiration for other regions to consider a region-based bioeconomic approach in developing their economic potential.
Sigi Regency is one of Indonesia's assets in terms of biodiversity and culture, located within the Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve. Innovative business approaches is greatly needed to drive the local economy while preserving the 75% forested area of Sigi Regency. The focus of investment mobilization and business development in Sigi must be innovative. Through a bioeconomic approach, Sigi Regency has proven that businesses in the region can seize market opportunities, funding, and investment by leveraging high-value derivative products from agroforestry commodities, non-timber forest products (HHBK), and polyculture plantations. The Communication and Coordination Forum for the Management of the Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve also welcomes the approach pioneered by Sigi Regency using a restorative economic approach. Another collaboration initiated through this new approach includes six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and four commitment declarations at both regional and national levels.
