EU and Indonesia Explore Palm Oil Contribution to Sustainable Development

THE European Union (EU) welcomed President Joko Widodo’s instruction to halt the issuing of permits for palm plantations, calling it a much welcomed step toward sustainable development. The EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guérend said in a statement on Thursday (27/9/2018), concerning a venue of stakeholders to consider the extent to which palm oil growth has underpinned socio-economic development. `To the extent that palm oil can be beneficial to the people and the planet, it is and will remain a key commodity for global companies and consumers. Sustainability efforts from all sides should help the fair and transparent participation of small, responsible producers to the global economy, on the same or better footing as large businesses. EU believes current approaches can of course be improved, and will maintain an intense dialogue with producing countries in this endeavour. The recent palm oil moratorium is a much welcomed step,` Guérend said. As part of Climate Diplomacy Week 2018 programme, the European Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (EuroCham) convened on Thursday (27/9) a broad range of stakeholders to consider the extent to which palm oil growth has underpinned socio-economic development, and whether it is, or could also be made consistent with longer term, global objectives such as preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change and its impacts. “EuroCham Indonesia believes that communication is key in every dialogue. In regards to the palm oil discussion, we understand the importance of delivering the right messages to allow constructive talks. EuroCham acknowledges the vast use of palm oil in varied range of products, thus we trust that a multi-stakeholder approach will enable the industry to pursue a sustainable palm oil that will benefit future generations,” Mark Magee, EuroCham Chairman said. ***