Malaysia calls for sustainable expansion of palm oil plantations

Expansion of palm oil industry — which many hope will provide the fuel of the future — must be sustainable, environmentally-friendly and protect local communities, Malaysia’s deputy prime minister said in a speech Tuesday.

Since the 1990s, the area under palm oil cultivation globally has increased by 43 percent, mostly in Malaysia and Indonesia, the world’s No. 1 and No. 2 exporters of palm oil respectively.
In the speech, Najib said it is necessary to develop a globally acceptable definition of sustainable palm oil production and use, as well as to implement better management practices.

He noted that development of new plantations has led to cutting down large areas of forests, threatening rich biodiversity in their ecosystems. Also, use of fire to clear land for plantations has contributed to forest fires and haze. The clearing of vast tracts of land has also led to social conflicts between local communities and project proponents, he said.

International Herald Tribune