Final Summary Narrative & Report

The Third Roundtable Meeting on Sustainable Palm Oil, or RT3, marked the most important point in the (almost) 2 years of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s existence. The public presentation of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production (or P&C), and subsequent adoption of the P&C by RSPO’s membership at the 2nd (annual) General Assembly of members has meant that the world now has a credible and practical set of tools for measuring against sustainability, meeting stakeholder demands, and, demonstrating sustainability within the palm oil industry...

This article was originally written for the RSPO Members' Newsletter #5 (Oct-Dec 2005).

Download the full article [38 KB]

The following images provide an impression of the recent RT3 meeting:

3rd Roundtable Meeting (RT3) on Sustainable Palm Oil, 22-23 November 2005, Singapore
RT3 was attended by 300 participants from 28 countries representing stakeholders along the entire palm oil supply chain

Opening remarks by Jan Kees Vis, RSPO President
Dr Neil Judd of ProForest during the presentation of the RSPO Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production

Keynote address by Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs
RT3 participants signing up for the various breakout group sessions
Dr Rosediana Suharto (Indonesian Palm Oil Commission) leading breakout group discussions
RT3 participants 'vote' during breakout group discussions

 
 

 

Introduction

The role of palm oil in providing affordable nutrition for the world is well acknowledged but several stakeholders, particularly NGOs, have called for the industry to operate on a more sustainable basis. The RSPO was created with the principal objective of promoting this change.

Among various objectives, the 2nd Roundtable Meeting (RT2) on Sustainable Palm Oil in October 2004 initiated the development of Criteria for the production and use of sustainable palm oil by the Criteria Working Group (CWG) and proposed projects that directly contribute towards the objectives of RSPO.

RSPO is delighted to announce the 3rd annual meeting to which members and all stakeholders are invited. The main event will be the presentation of the new RSPO Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production. As well, the meeting will tackle key issues including work on the supply chain, implementation of the RSPO Criteria, the role of smallholders and others. We are pleased to provide this announcement for the 3rd Roundtable meeting (RT3) on Sustainable Palm Oil to be held in Singapore from 22nd to 23rd November 2005.

Download 2nd RT3 announcement (with agenda) [176 KB]

 

Highlights of RT3

Launch of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil

Since RT2, a Criteria Working Group comprising experts from many stakeholder groups have developed the principles and criteria, which will be launched during this meeting. As well as explaining the criteria, the session will focus on case studies on the potential use of the RSPO Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production.
 

Implementation and verification of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil

The uptake and use of the criteria will be critical throughout the entire palm oil supply chain. This session will explore the methodology for verifying that organisations are meeting the standards expected in order to gain certification as a sustainable palm oil producer. Mechanisms for linking sustainable production to palm oil use in end products will also be explored which will include discussions on possible supply chain options to user markets.


Progress made by RSPO Members in promoting the production and use of sustainable palm oil

Progress made by RSPO Members representing key stakeholders of the palm oil supply chain will be collated and presented during this session.
 

Progress on projects endorsed by the RSPO and identification of new projects

The session will feature updates on projects as well as identify new projects.
 

2nd RSPO General Assembly (GA2)

RSPO Members will convene for the 2nd Annual RSPO General Assembly.

RT3 Agenda

Time

Activity

21 November 2005 (Monday)

0800 -1730

Registration

 

22 November 2005 (Tuesday)

0800 -1730

Registration

 

 

Opening Session

Session Chair: Derom Bangun, RSPO Vice-President II

  • Welcome Address by Jan Kees Vis, RSPO President

  • Presentation of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production by Neil Judd, Director, ProForest - Download presentation [39 KB]
 

Session 1

Discussion of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production

Session Chair: Azizi Meor Ngah, RSPO Vice-President III

  • Case studies on the potential use of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production:

  1. Assessment and implementation of the Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production in PT SMART Tbk, Indonesia by PT SMART Tbk - Download presentation [424 KB]
  2. The role of the financial sector in promoting sustainable palm oil by Rabobank - Download presentation [164 KB]
  3. Oil palm development and land acquisition in Indonesia: Implications for communities by Sawit Watch/Forest Peoples Programme - Download presentation [477 KB] / paper [38 KB]

 
 

Session 2

Implementation of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production

Session Chair: Teoh Cheng Hai, Advisor to the RSPO Executive Board - Download presentation [22 KB]

Session 2a: Group work

Break-out Group Work: How do these sectors implement the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production?

  1. Oil palm plantations – new (A)

  2. Oil palm plantations – new (B)

  3. Oil palm plantations – existing (A)

  4. Oil palm plantations – existing (B)

  5. Smallholders (group/plasma/scheme)
 

 

Lunch

 
 

Keynote Paper Session

Session Chair: Andrew Ng, RSPO Secretary-General

 

Presentation by Associate Professor Simon SC Tay, Chairman, Singapore National Environment Agency

 
 

Session 2b: Presentation of group work results

  • Key issues needing attention for adoption and implementation of Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production

  • Some future directions and approaches for implementation of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production for producers

  1. Oil palm plantations – new (A) - Download presentation [13 KB]

  2. Oil palm plantations – new (B) - Download presentation [48 KB]

  3. Oil palm plantations – existing (A) - Download presentation [11 KB]

  4. Oil palm plantations – existing (B) - Download presentation [17 KB]

  5. Smallholders (group/plasma/scheme) - Download presentation [10 KB]

 
 

Session 3

Progress made in promoting the production and use of sustainable palm oil

Session Chair: Teoh Cheng Hai, Advisor to the RSPO Executive Board & Andrew Ng, RSPO Secretary-General

  • Presentations on projects (Concurrent Session A)

  1. A new concept for the development of sustainable oil palm plantations by Universiti Malaysia Sabah & GTZ School of International Tropical Forestry - Download presentation [177 KB] / paper [93 KB]
  2. Contribution of agricultural research to sustainable palm oil by CIRAD - Download presentation [152 KB] / paper [296 KB]
  3. A tool for mainstreaming the Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil by Wageningen University and Research Centre - Download presentation [125 KB] / paper [51 KB]
  4. Mapping potential areas for sustainable plantation development - A flexible planning tool by SarVision - Download presentation [2.8 MB] / paper [192 KB]
  5. Reducing impact and enhancing sustainable management of oil palm in peatlands by Global Environment Centre - Download presentation [464 KB]
  6. Formulation of Indonesian guidelines and training on sustainable palm oil by WWF-Indonesia & Indonesian Palm Oil Commission (IPOC) - Download presentation [206 KB]

 

  • Presentations on projects (Concurrent Session B)

  1. Soil microbial diversity and sustainability of oil palm ecosystems by CAB International Southeast Asia Regional Centre & Golden Hope Research Centre - Download presentation [230 KB] / paper [17 KB]

  2. Update on status of the Syngenta IWM/Safe pesticide use project in Indonesia by Syngenta - Download presentation [831 KB]

  3. A proposal for the establishment of a 'Smallholder Sustainable Land-Use Institute' by Borneo International Pty Ltd - Download presentation [15 KB] / paper [51 KB]

  4. Global partnership mechanism for sustainable development indicated by biodiversity conservation: Case study in Sabah by Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), Kinabatangan Orang-Utan Conservation Project (HUTAN), Zero Emissions Research Institute (ZERI) Japan & JICA BBEC Programme - Download presentation [618 KB] / paper [526 KB]

  5. Relevance of the UN’s Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP) Partnership for the palm oil P&C process: a possible win-win outcome through a priori HCVF assessments by UN GRASP - Download presentation [881 KB]

  6. Human-elephant conflict BMP guidelines by WWF-Malaysia - Download presentation [991 KB]

  7. SOS Rhino (Borneo) and SabahMas Plantation - Partners in conservation by PPB Oil Palms Berhad - Download presentation [307 KB] / paper [29 KB]

 

  • Presentation: The Biodiversity and Agricultural Commodity Program (BACP) - a IFC sponsored program to support private sector-led initiatives to implement biodiversity-enhancing better management practices (BMPs) in the palm oil sector by International Finance Corporation & PricewaterhouseCoopers - France - Download presentation [114 KB]

  • Presentation: Aims and progress of DOEN's Pure Oils Programme by DOEN Foundation - Download presentation [59 KB]
 

 

Official RT3 Dinner & Networking Session

 

23 November 2005 (Wednesday)

0800

Session 4

Verification of the implementation of the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production

Session Chair: MR Chandran, former RSPO Vice-President III

  • Overview of existing relevant global standards and initiatives

  • Case studies of implementation and verification of international standards and criteria

    1. Daabon's approach to sustainable palm oil based on our experience as organic palm oil producers by Daabon - Download presentation [145 KB]
    2. Sustainable oil palm: Implementing the Principles and Criteria of the Roundtable within the framework of ISO14001 by Environmental Management & Monitoring Pty Ltd & New Britain Palm Oil Ltd - Download presentation [468 KB] / paper [101 KB]
    3. Learning from forest certification: A way forward for palm oil certification by Dwi Muhtaman - Download presentation [73 KB]
    4. Presentation by Essent Energy Trading BV & Skal Control Union - Download presentation [52 KB]
    5. Challenges and opportunities for the management of High Conservation Value Forest in palm oil plantation forestry: A practitioner’s point of view by Indonesian Resources Institute - Download presentation [340 KB] / paper [219 KB]

 

 

Session 5

Trade in Sustainable Palm Oil

Session Chair: MR Chandran, former RSPO Vice-President III

Session 5a: Trade Mechanisms

  • Development of a mechanism for linking palm oil use to oil palm plantations managed in accordance with the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production by Ruth Nussbaum, Director, ProForest- Download presentation [76 KB] / discussion paper 1 [1 MB] / discussion paper 2 [492 KB]

 

  • Presentations:

     

    1. An interim system of accreditation and a pooling mechanism for matching sustainable palm oil production with user purchasing requirements by Borneo-International Pty Ltd - Download presentation [35 KB] / paper [36 KB]
    2. Implementation of bank risk assessment policies in the oil palm sector by WWF International - Download presentation [123 KB]

 

Session 5b: Group work – role of supply chain in implementing Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production

  • Break-out Group Work: What are the commitments that should be adopted by other sectors? How can other sectors support the production and use of sustainable palm oil?

     

    1. Palm oil processors and/or traders
    2. Consumer goods manufacturers
    3. Retailers
    4. Banks & investors
    5. NGOs

 

 

Lunch

 

 

Session 5c: Presentation of group work results

  • Results and discussion of break-out group work: Sectoral approaches to applying the Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production

  1. Palm oil processors and/or traders - Download presentation [11 KB]
  2. Consumer goods manufacturers - Download presentation [11 KB]
  3. Retailers - Download presentation [11 KB]
  4. Banks & investors - Download presentation [66 KB]
  5. NGOs - Download presentation [13 KB]

 

 

Closing Session

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Session Chair: Matthias Diemer, RSPO Vice-President I

  • Review of RSPO progress, achievements and opportunities for improvement (including lessons learned from the Roundtable on Responsible Soy) by Jan Kees Vis, RSPO President - Download presentation [67 KB]

  • Summary of results of RT3 and recommendations on next steps by Andrew Ng, RSPO Secretary-General - Download presentation [33 KB]

1600-1800

2nd RSPO General Assembly (GA2) – For RSPO Members only

 

 

Who should attend?

Stakeholders and representatives along the palm oil supply chain, including oil palm growers, palm oil processors and/or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental NGOs and social/developmental NGOs, research and development organizations, government agencies and international organizations.

Steering Committee

  • Aarhus United

  • French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD)

  • Indonesian Palm Oil Commission (IPOC)

  • Indonesian Palm Oil Producers’ Association (GAPKI)

  • Indonesian Palm Oil Smallholders' Association (APKASINDO)

  • Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA)

  • Migros

  • Pacific Rim Palm Oil Ltd

  • Unilever

  • WWF-Malaysia

  • WWF-Switzerland

Register for RT3

Participants can no longer register online. Pre-conference registration is now closed. If you still wish to attend RT3, please register onsite in Singapore. 

Registration fees

 

RSPO Ordinary and Affiliate Members

Early (before 20 August) S$225 or US$145
Regular & Onsite (21 August to 22 November) S$275 or US$175

 

Non-RSPO Members

Early (before 20 August) S$300 or US$190
Regular (21 August to 4 November) S$350 or US$225
Onsite (5 November to 22 November) S$425 or US$270

1 Singapore Dollar (S$) = 0.63 US Dollar (US$) = 0.47 EUR (€)
 

The fee will cover the printed materials, lunches and refreshments during RT3 as well as an official dinner function.

Some funds are available to support grassroots NGOs interested in attending RT3. For more information, please contact the RSPO Secretariat: rspo@sustainable-palmoil.org.

Information on sponsors


Society, environment and food safety are Agropalma’s top priorities. Since its foundation, the company’s concern is ensuring sustainable development for the Amazon region through action of environmental preservation, best agricultural practices and social responsibility. The only oil palm plantation with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification, Agropalma heavily supports the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil developing criteria. The RT3 participation kit is sponsored by Agropalma.
 

Daabon Organic CI Tequendama is the pioneer and leading grower and refiner of Organic Palm Oil in Colombia. It is part of the Daabon Group of companies, and is a family owned business, now in its third generation, recognized for its innovative practices in agriculture. Daabon Organic CI Tequendama participates in all stages of the process - growing, pressing, refining, and marketing. This vertical integration and short supply chain from farm to market gives the capacity to offer high quality, fresh products. Its palm oil products are marketed in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia by Daabon owned group of companies. The RT3 keynote speaker is sponsored by Daabon Organic CI Tequendama.

 

Rabobank is a leading global bank with a rich 105 years of history rooted in agriculture. We have a presence in nearly 40 countries and we are the only private sector bank with an “AAA” rating rated by both Moody’s and Standard & Poors. Food and agribusiness is a core area of competence and we have clients throughout the food chain. Our clients benefit from our domain expertise in food & agribusiness, which is further sharpened through our global Food and Agribusiness research teams. Being a major participant in the financing of the global food chain, Rabobank has developed a strong foundation in Corporate Social Responsibility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Food and beverages on Day 2 are sponsored by Rabobank.

 

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com. The RT3 official dinner is sponsored by Syngenta.

 

Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer products companies, adds vitality to life by meeting the everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. With a portfolio of great brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life, 150 million consumers around the world choose Unilever products everyday, including icons such as: Knorr, Hellmann's, Lipton, Dove, Lux and Surf. Unilever has 223,000 employees in around 100 countries and generated annual sales of €42 billion in 2004. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.unilever.com. Food and beverages on Day 1 are sponsored by Unilever.

 

Meeting venue

RT3 will be held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, 392 Havelock Road, Singapore 169663. Further contact details for the venue are provided below.

Hotel accommodation

Participants are to make their reservation directly with the hotel of their choice. Copthorne King’s Hotel and Riverview Hotel are at close proximity to the RT3 venue while travel to the Grand Hyatt is about 5 to 10 minutes by taxi. All rates are inclusive of breakfast.


Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore (RT3 venue)

www.grandcopthorne.com.sg 
Phone: +65 6733 0880
Fax: +65 6737 8880
Email: frontoffice@grandcopthorne.com.sg

Deluxe (Single) S$155+++
Premier (Single) S$175+++
Club Deluxe (Single) S$195+++
Club Premier (Single) S$215+++


Grand Hyatt Singapore

http://singapore.grand.hyatt.com/
Phone: +65 6738 1234
Fax: +65 6732 1696
Email: reservations.sg@hyattintl.com

Deluxe (Single/Twin) subject to availability & 'rate of the day'
Grand Deluxe (Single/Twin) subject to availability & 'rate of the day'
 

Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore

www.copthornekings.com.sg 
Phone: +65 6733 0011
Fax: +65 6732 5764
Email: rooms@copthornekings.com.sg

Deluxe (Single/Twin) S$120+++ / S$132+++
Premier (Single/Twin) S$135+++ / S$147+++

 

River View Hotel Singapore

www.riverview.com.sg
Phone: +65 6732 9922
Fax: +65 6732 1034
Email: reservation@riverview.com.sg

Superior (Single/Twin) S$110+++ / S$120+++
Deluxe (Single/Twin) S$130+++ / S$140+++
 

NOTE: Above rates (+++) are subject to 10% government tax, 1% cess and 5% service tax. Rates quoted are applicable for the mentioned period and event only.

Payment instruction & enquiries

Registration form with full payment (please refer to payment schedule above) should be submitted:


1.

By cheque in equivalent MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) or bank draft (overseas participants) in S$ (Singapore Dollars) or US$ (US Dollars) to:

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
RSPO Secretariat
Mont Kiara Business Centre
Suite D-03-01, Plaza Mont Kiara
2, Jalan Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA


2.

By bank transfer to:

Name of account : Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
Account number : 359-170750-101
Sorting Code (TT) : HBMBMYKL

HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad
Level 1, Damanlela
Pusat Bandar Damansara
Damansara Heights
50490 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

Tel: +60 3 2050 7676
Fax: +60 3 2093 2321

NOTE: When paying registration fees by bank transfer, please pay the sending charge and also include inter-bank transfer charges or pay these charges in full so that the RSPO Secretariat receives your registration fees in full

3.

By credit card

Payment by major credit cards are accepted at the conference venue for onsite registrations during the conference ONLY. Please note that a 5% service charge on top of onsite registration fees apply.

 

Call for papers

The RT3 Steering Committee is pleased to invite interested parties to propose paper presentations for consideration. In meeting this, we are seeking interested parties to propose paper presentations on the following:

  1. Case studies on the potential use of the RSPO Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production by RSPO members

  2. Reporting of progress on projects by RSPO members

  3. Proposals for new projects on the promotion and use of sustainable palm oil

  4. Case studies of implementation and verification of international standards and criteria from other sectors

The deadline for submission of brief outlines are 14 October 2005. For more details, please download the official call for papers below.

Download the call for papers [29 KB]

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Downloads
 

Final RT3 summary narrative & report

[38 KB]
 

2nd RT3 announcement (October 2005)

[176 KB]
 

Call for papers

[29 KB]
 

RT3SC 03-05 (23 September 2005)

[65 KB]
 

RT3SC 02-05 (2 September 2005)

[46 KB]
 

RT3SC 01-05 (22 April 2005)

[45 KB]
 

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