Experts from different backgrounds explained the latest advances proving the commitment of producing countries to sustainable palm oil production
The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) has organised a webinar ‘Net-Zero Emissions: Achievements and Way Forward in the Palm Oil’s Production’ on January 26, 2022. The webinar presented facts and figures on palm oil industry is well on its way to achieving carbon neutrality.
During the opening session, MEP Seán Kelly underlined the need for a partnership between the European Union and producing countries, and reaffirmed that palm oil can be produced sustainably. MP Kelly’s statement assuring progress on sustainability was confirmed by CPOPC Executive Director Tan Sri Dr Yusof Basiron, who insisted that the palm oil industry had started working on carbon neutrality well before other sectors and recalled the crucial role of this oil in the development of producing countries.
Experts from different backgrounds explained the latest advances proving the commitment of producing countries to sustainable palm oil production. The scientific data presented during the event, once again demonstrated that the false narratives concerning palm oil, in particular concerning its role in deforestation, must and can be debunked.
Dr Rosediana Suharto, Director of the Indonesian NGO Responsible Palm Oil Initiative, clarified that deforestation in Indonesia is constantly decreasing and that the palm oil industry is constantly evolving to operate in a sustainable way, in accordance with the strict measures of the government. She emphasised the crucial role of smallholders as well as their interests in the global palm oil debate.
The importance of smallholders was also highlighted by Dr Ruslan Abdullah, Malaysian Palm Oil Council, who gave a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s performance in reducing CO2 emissions compared to other countries. other countries, outlining national measures to improve palm oil production and reduce GHG emissions.
