The following publications are listed according to date of publication. If you would like to contribute to our growing list of resources or have comments on how we could improve this page, please send your suggestions and contributions to us .

 

    

Guidelines on the Better Management Practices for the Mitigation and Management of Human-Elephant Conflict in and around Oil-Palm Plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia (July 2005)

By Daniel Chong Kah Fui & Dayang Norwana binti Awang Ali Bema (WWF-Malaysia)

The main objective of this guide is to present ways for the mitigation and management of HEC through the adoption of better management practices (BMPs). This guide is not meant to be prescriptive, but some recommendations are given. The BMPs on mitigating and managing HEC, as discussed in this guide, are not specific measures but rather a description of the manner with which HEC should be addressed and approached.

 

  

[929 KB]

Training on Sustainable Palm Oil/High Conservation Value Forests (January 2005)

By The Royal Netherlands Embassy Office of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Stichting DOEN, IPOC and WWF-Indonesia

This series of ‘Training on Sustainable Palm Oil/HCVF’ was held in four Indonesian cities (Jakarta, Medan, Pekanbaru and Balikpapan) in 2004. Although some producers/plantation companies were willing to assess and adopt HCVF concepts within their plantations, they had limited understanding in implementing these concepts. To answer this, IPOC planned series of trainings on sustainable palm oil/HCVF in collaboration with WWF-Indonesia. The findings from these training sessions can be found in this report.

 

  

[198 KB]

Reports on smallholder productivity in Papua New Guinea (2001-2004)

By Koczberski, G, Curry, G N and Gibson, K (Curtin University of Technology)

Improving Productivity of the Smallholder Oil Palm Sector in Papua New Guinea: a Socio-economic Study of the Hoskins and Popondetta Schemes (2001).

Sustaining Production and Livelihoods Among Oil Palm Smallholders: a Socio-economic Study of the Bialla Smallholder Sector (2003).

Smallholder Labour in Oil Palm Production: Results of the Mobile Card Trial, Hoskins, West New Britain (2004).

 

  

Improving Productivity of the Smallholder Oil Palm Sector in Papua New Guinea: a Socio-economic Study of the Hoskins and Popondetta Schemes

[4.3 MB]

Sustaining Production and Livelihoods Among Oil Palm Smallholders: a Socio-economic Study of the Bialla Smallholder Sector

[2.0 MB]

Smallholder Labour in Oil Palm Production: Results of the Mobile Card Trial, Hoskins, West New Britain

[1.2 MB]

 

Sustainable palm oil: mission impossible?

Down to Earth No 63, November 2004

The following is an edited version of Down to Earth's paper prepared for the Roundtable. The fundamental question for local communities and the environment - not addressed at the inaugural meeting (RT2) or by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) - is whether large-scale oil palm plantations are compatible with sustainable development. To state that "The best companies and smallholders within the palm oil sector are models of sustainability" is too easy. It increases the vulnerability of the industry to charges of greenwash. Best management practice in plantations is a worthwhile aim, but is not synonymous with sustainability.

 

  

[525 KB]

Framework for BMP Development and Documentation and BMP on Mitigation of Human-Elephant Conflict (Phase 1) (March 2004)

Prepared for WWF-Malaysia/WWF Forest Conversion Initiative by Teoh Cheng Hai

In line with its objective on the development and adoption of Better Management Practices (BMPs) by the oil palm industry and relevant stakeholders, the WWF Forest Conversion Initiative (FCI) commissioned a study to develop a framework for BMP development and documentation. Based on this generic framework, a scoping exercise
was undertaken to assess if there is adequate knowledge and information to produce a pilot BMP guide on mitigating human-elephant conflict in plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia.

  

  

[195 KB]

 

Golden Hope Sustainable Palm Oil Practices (March 2004)

By Golden Hope Plantations Berhad

Golden Hope Plantations Berhad is a leading Malaysian corporation listed in the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange with more than 17,000 shareholders and over 20,000 employees. In all its business operations, Golden Hope is guided by strong commitment towards protection and conservation of the environment. This publication highlights practices that contribute significantly towards this aim, with particular emphasis being given to palm oil production.

 

  

[5.7 MB]

 

Greasy palms (March 2004)

By Friends of the Earth

The international trade in palm oil is a key driver of rainforest destruction and a cause of human rights abuses on a massive scale. This report is a summary of research undertaken in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Netherlands in 2003 into the impacts of the palm oil industry in Indonesia, its links to the European market and the involvement of UK companies. Our research findings reveal a pressing need for Government legislation to require companies involved in the trade, processing and retail of palm oil and its derivatives to meet their social and environmental responsibilities by moving towards more sustainable sourcing of palm oil. This means companies putting in place systems so that they know where their palm oil comes from and the conditions under which it is produced; and it means taking all reasonable steps to reduce the significant negative social and environmental impacts of their business. The complexity of the palm oil issue and the vast range of uses for the products means that a consumer boycott would be all but impossible, and potentially irresponsible.

Research methodology in Indonesia included monitoring reports compiled by the Indonesian non-governmental organisation (NGO) SawitWatch, and interviews with community members and local activists. The SawitWatch data had been gathered over a period of five years, based on field investigations, meetings with local community members, media reports and regular monitoring. The analysis of the European market focused particularly on companies trading in palm oil in the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden. The research reports on which this summary is based is in two parts, titled Greasy palms: European buyers of Indonesian palm oil (Chapters 1–5) and Greasy palms: The social and ecological impacts of large-scale oil palm plantation development in South East Asia (Chapters A–J).

 

  

Summary: Greasy Palms - Palm oil, the environment and big business

[834 KB]

Greasy Palms - European buyers of Indonesian palm oil

[566 KB]

Greasy Palms - The social and ecological impacts of large-scale oil palm plantation development in Southeast Asia

[752 KB]

 

Guidelines for the Implementation of the ASEAN Policy on Zero Burning (2003)

By the ASEAN Secretariat

In response to the land and forest fires that affected the ASEAN region in 1997/98 the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment-Haze Technical Task Force (ASOEN-HTTF) formulated the Regional Haze Action Plan (RHAP) that was adopted in December 1997. At the 6th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Haze in April 1999, the ASEAN Environment Ministers agreed to adopt the policy on zero burning and to promote its application by plantation companies and owners and timber concessionaires in the region. In principle, the zero burning could be applied for development of various plantation crops and forest plantations. To-date, research and commercial experience on the zero burning approach have been focused mainly on oil palm plantations. As substantial areas in the region have been projected to undergo replanting or new plantings for this crop, these guidelines have been developed to provide advice to plantation owners, managers, supervisory staff and contractors on the application of the zero burning technique for development of oil palm plantations.

 

  

[376 KB]

 

Sustainable Palm Oil: Good Agricultural Practice Guidelines (2003)

By Unilever

This guide has been developed under the Unilever Sustainable Agriculture Initiative to support sustainable management practices for palm oil production. Ten indicators of sustainability have been identified, each with specific good agricultural practice recommendations: Soil Fertility, Soil Loss, Nutrients, Pest Management, Biodiversity, Product Value, Energy, Water, Social as well as Human Capital and Local Economy.

Areas of potential opportunity for improvement have also been identified. The development of these good agricultural practice guidelines has been based upon a thorough evaluation of potential agronomic practices and associated inputs. It has drawn upon the considerable oil palm research and practical cultivation experience in Malaysia, Indonesia and West Africa. The guidelines have been produced in consultation with relevant scientists and specialists, including members of the Unilever Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Board (SAAB).

There is also a companion booklet, Palm Oil: A Sustainable Future (2002), which describes the background to this sustainable agriculture initiative.

 		  

Sustainable Palm Oil: Good Agricultural Practice Guidelines

[779 KB]

Palm Oil: A Sustainable Future

[302 KB]

 

WWF Factsheet: Valuing Forests on the Ground - an example from High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) assessment in Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia (2003)

By WWF Indonesia/WWF Forest Conversion Initiative

The conversion of forests to other land uses imposes severe environmental and social costs due to the ecological impacts of clearance, uncontrolled burning, and disregard for the rights and interests of local or indigenous communities. In Riau province (Indonesia) for instance, the cost of human-elephant conflicts – due to the conversion of elephants’ habitat – have reached Rp1.3 billion per year (approximately US$158 million), or 86 percent of Riau's 2002 provincial budget. This factsheet describes WWF's conservation efforts using HCVF concepts in Riau, Indonesia.

 

  

[1.8 MB]

 

New risks in old supply chains: Where does your palm oil come from? (December 2003)

By ProForest & ISIS Asset Management

"From lipstick to ice cream: a survey of palm oil use and supply chain management"

Global consumption of palm oil has surged in the last decade, making this the single-largest traded edible oil and prompting major shifts in agricultural and land-use practices. Rapid conversion of tropical forest to oil palm plantations has raised renewed concerns about forest and biodiversity loss, as well as displacement of indigenous communities. Patterns such as this can give rise to real business risks for companies whose supply chain practices do not allow for close monitoring of the conditions under which key products or ingredients are sourced. ISIS Asset Management therefore undertook a survey of 27 investee companies known or believed to be large users of palm oil or palm oil-derived ingredients. Companies were asked to comment on the risk posed to their business by doubts over the ecological sustainability of commodities such as palm oil in their supply chains. They were also asked to comment on the systems they have in place, or are developing, for monitoring and managing these risks. The results of the survey are published in this report.

 

  

[233 KB]

 

Feasibility Study for a Generic Supply Chain Initiative for Sustainable Commodity Crops: Findings and Recommendations (August 2003)

By IIED - International Institute for Environment and Development & ProForest

This project aims to assess the feasibility of establishing a generic supply chain initiative for sustainable commodity crops, by identifying and assessing mechanisms to encourage more sustainable production. The project has been commissioned by the Advisory Committee on Consumer Products and the Environment (ACCPE), which advises the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The underlying rationale of the project is that in many cases it is not clear how UK manufacturers and retailers (referred to as ‘users’ throughout the report) should tackle sustainability issues in relation to the commodities that they source. This report presents the results of the project.

 

  

[220 KB]

 

Oil Palm, Soybeans & Critical Habitat Loss (August 2003)

A review prepared for the WWF Forest Conversion Initiative by Ann Casson (August 2003)

This paper draws upon existing data to explore the relationship (both direct & indirect) between palm oil and soybean expansion and critical habitat loss in Brazil and Indonesia. The relationship is explored through a number of statements, which indicate both the direct and indirect links between oil palm and soybean expansion and critical habitat loss. However, before venturing into these statements, a brief introduction to oil palm and soybeans is first provided along with a brief explanation as to why oil palm and soybean expansion has been identified as a threat to critical habitats in a number of countries.

 

  

[679 KB]

 
     

Discussion paper 1 for the Round Table on Sustainable Oil Palm (July 2003)

"Palm oil, forests and sustainability" by ProForest

Paper 1 is an input to the first Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RT1), held in Kuala Lumpur in August 2003. It was used as a basis for discussion by the Roundtable Working Group before the meeting and formed the basis of a keynote presentation on the day. This paper concentrates on those issues that affect environmental and social aspects of sustainability in the widest sense and for which serious negative impacts have been reported. The paper aims to: summarise and critique the main issues of debate, identify the major issues of consensus, identify the unresolved issues, identify where knowledge is lacking, and provide recommendations on ways forward.

  

Paper 1 [1.3 MB]

 

Discussion paper 2 for the Round Table on Sustainable Oil Palm (July 2003)

"Defining sustainability in oil palm production: an analysis of existing sustainable agriculture and oil palm initiatives" by ProForest

Paper 2 is a technical discussion paper for RT1 providing information about the existing initiatives which seek to define or implement ‘sustainability’ in some form for oil palm plantations. The paper describes: general background information about initiatives which aim to define, implement and evaluate ‘sustainability’ in natural resource management, initiatives which are or could be applied to oil palm plantations, and options for consideration by the Roundtable, including the option to develop new, tailor-made initiatives other than those reviewed here. The companion discussion paper 1 identifies key themes concerning the environmental and social sustainability of palm oil production. This paper discusses two aspects of the potential responses to these issues that the Round Table will need to consider: the definition and the assessment of good management or sustainable management.

 

  

Paper 2 [1 MB]

Handbook of social and environmental issues (Edition II) (July 2003)

By Pacific Rim Palm Oil Ltd

This is the second year Pacific Rim Palm Oil Ltd (PRPOL) has published their Environmental and Social Handbook. Since the first publication in September 2002, all five of PRPOL’s plantations have achieved international certification for both ISO 9001 and 14001 for Quality and Environmental Management Systems. This is a significant achievement, and PRPOL is the first oil palm plantation group in the world to achieve this from their nursery to final product. Sustainability of PRPOL's plantations is about ensuring long term success whilst contributing to social and economic development. It is a responsibility PRPOL takes very seriously, and this handbook is a summary of their approach to these important issues. PRPOL will continue to update this information annually, and expand this to meet the needs of their stakeholders. An example of this is the conservation partnership between Asiatic Persada and the Zoological Society of London, aimed at preserving the sustainability of Sumatran tigers around the plantation. More detail on this excellent collaboration is on page 16 and 17 of this handbook.

 

  

[682 KB]

 

WWF Factsheet: Oil Palm and Soy: The Expanding Threat to Forests (July 2003)

By WWF Forest Conversion Initiative

The expansion of oil palm plantations and soy fields has become a major threat to tropical forests and other critical habitats. WWF believes that economic development, environmental conservation and social priorities can be met if proper land-use planning and good plantation practices are implemented.

  

[296 KB]

 

Elephant Forests on Sale: Rainforest loss in the Sumatran Tesso Nilo Region and the role of European banks and markets (March 2003)

A report commissioned by WWF Germany with support from WWF US

This report is based to a large extent on data provided by WWF's Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy (AREAS) Riau Project which has worked onsite since 1999. This report presents the status of the Tesso Nilo forest as of the end of 2002, elaborates on the forces that threaten this forest and the landscape in which it resides. It explains how Riau-based wood and palm oil companies threaten remaining forests and discusses the global markets that drive their activity. It concludes with strategies and recommendations that might be able to ensure the survival of this unique forest.

 

  

[933 KB]

Oil Palm and the Environment

Published by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)

Throughout its entire development in Malaysia, both upstream and downstream, the oil palm and its products have always been linked with the environment. It is this sensitivity to the environment that sees the crop to where it is today. This publication from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) covers topics such as biodiversity, plantation practices, nutrient recycling, fertilizer requirements, mill and refinery wastes, as well as environmental quality regulations. MPOB is responsible for promoting and developing national objectives, policies and priorities for the orderly development and administration of the Malaysian palm oil industry.  

  

Read online copy of publication

 

Growing for the Future II: Unilever and sustainable agriculture (2002)

By Unilever

Since the mid-1990s Unilever has been consulting with experts and engaging with suppliers, customers, consumers and business partners to find a sustainable way forward for agriculture. As one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world, Unilever is highly dependent on agricultural raw materials, such as tea, vegetables and vegetable oils, and therefore on the future of agriculture. This has led Unilever to develop the sustainable agriculture initiative. In 1999, Unilever published their first booklet on their approach and the initial results. This second booklet reports Unilever's progress, the richness of the learnings and the challenges ahead for sustainable agriculture.

 

  

[819 KB]

 

Oil Palm Plantations and Deforestation in Indonesia. What Role Do Europe and Germany Play? (November 2002)

An update of the 1998 "Lipsticks from the Rainforest" report by WWF Germany in collaboration with WWF Indonesia and WWF Switzerland

This report is an update of an earlier study made in 1998, "Lipsticks from the Rainforest," which analysed, for the first time, the role of the rapidly expanding oil palm sector in Indonesia's devastating forest fires of 1997-98. Because of the international dimensions of this sector - its dependence on the global market for palm oil products - trade and capital relations with consumer countries were examined, with particular emphasis on Germany. In the light of all the changes in Indonesia's political, economic and social situation in recent years, it was decided that an update on the issue would be timely.

 

  

[1 MB]

 

The palm oil industry in Malaysia: From seed to frying pan (November 2002)

Prepared for WWF Switzerland by Teoh Cheng Hai

World production of palm oil, the most widely traded edible oil, has seen significant leaps in production and planted areas; production had almost doubled from 1990 to 2001, with Malaysia and Indonesia contributing to most of the increased production. As world production of both palm oil and soyoil is expected to continue to increase at the current pace, there is a growing concern that this expansion would result in conversion of a large proportion of the remaining High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) in the tropics. In order to provide a better understanding of various issues pertaining to forest conversion and the edible oils sector, a study was undertaken on the supply chain of the palm oil industry in Malaysia. The study is divided into two sections, Part A gives an overview of the palm industry and the players in the supply chain while Part B provides detailed information on the various players.

 

  

Part A [2.5 MB]

Part B [510 KB]

 

Palm oil from sustainable production - a Migros pilot project (January 2002) + Migros Criteria for environmental and social best practices for Oil Palm Plantations (Version 2, August 2001)

Press release by Urs Riedener, Head of Marketing Food and Near Food, Federation of Migros Cooperatives

Palm oil is an essential raw material that is contained in many foods, in margarine, for instance, in bakery products, in soups and in sauces. The unchecked cultivation of oil palms poses a serious threat to the tropical forests, which are absolutely vital for global ecological balance. This situation has prompted Migros, the number one retailer in Switzerland, to set about dealing with the problem. Over the past 2 years, Migros have, together with the WWF in Switzerland, defined the criteria for environmentally sound and socially acceptable production of palm oil. The Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Ltd. was the first oil palm plantation to be audited against the "Migros Criteria." Migros has committed itself progressively to change over to palm oil from sustainable production.

 

  

[213 KB]

 

The Rabobank in the palm oil industry (October 2001)

By Rabobank

The Rabobank plays a leading international role as a financial services provider in the Food & Agribusiness. As such the bank aims to have a distinctive position as an expert partner and an organization that makes choices based on a transparent consideration of the consequences of its actions for people, planet and profit. The Rabobank’s activities in Indonesia include operating as a financier of oil palm plantations. In connection with continual reports on damage to the tropical rain forest due to the construction of plantations and the social unrest relating to certain plantations, the Rabobank now explicitly defined its policy for this sector (in consultation with experts and NGOs). This policy has been established in writing and brought to the attention of customers, potential customers and interested and concerned parties.

 

  

[13 KB]

 

Vegetation Fires in Sumatra Indonesia: Oil Palm Agriculture in the Wetlands of Sumatra: Destruction of Development? (February 2001)

Produced by European Union and Ministry of Forestry, Jakarta, Indonesia

Ten leading conglomerates, one Malaysian owned, drive the expansion of the palm oil industry within Indonesia. They are encouraged by a Government aware of the need to alleviate poverty and to provide food and employment on an economically sound and sustainable basis to an already large and rapidly increasing population. However the oil palm estates face mounting criticism, particularly because of their use of fire to clear further new land. Much of this reproof is directed towards companies operating in Sumatra. Many of the new estates lie within the 11.5 million hectares of wetlands of the island, often on peat soils. The initial fire set to clear the residual wood debris enters the peat, which continues to smoulder and emit dense smoke haze long after the surface fire has died. The pollution drifts from Sumatra to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore on three or four occasions each year.

Fifteen reports, this one included, have been prepared since January 1999 by the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Project.

 

  

[2.6 MB]

 

Funding Forest Destruction: The Involvement of Dutch Banks in the Financing of Oil Palm Plantations in Indonesia (March 2000)

Report for Greenpeace Netherlands by Eric Wakker

This study aims to: a) raise awareness about the environmental and social concerns related to the rapid expansion of oil palm companies in Indonesia; b) determine the involvement of Dutch financial institutions in this development and c) encourage financial institutions to reconsider their investments in the sub-sector and to contribute to more responsible forms of plantation development.

  

[771 KB]

 
   

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