BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) — An Indonesian court has thrown out a lawsuit concerning the development of peat swamp forests that was brought by conservationists who fear for the fate of orangutans.
Walhi environmental group is challenging a license to convert part of the Tripa peat swamp to a palm oil plantation. The Aceh local government issued the license to palm oil company PT Kallista Alam.
Walhi says the conversion would damage the habitat of critically endangered Sumatran orangutans.
The Banda Aceh Administrative Court said Tuesday it has no authority to rule on the case because the parties involved haven't tried to solve the case outside of court.
The ruling means the parties could attempt mediation, but Walhi says it will appeal to the high court.
Shares