Sustainable palm oil: inclusion, innovation and cooperation

The Italian Union for Sustainable Palm Oil participates in the Sustainable Development Festival promoted by ASviS by organizing three virtual events to help increase awareness of sustainable development goals and promote an active and constructive dialogue on the challenges related to palm oil supply chain sustainable development.

The first webinar “EUDR and sustainable palm oil: challenges and opportunities” took place on Monday 8 May 2023 and was dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the implications of the new EU regulation on zero deforestation (EUDR) for the palm oil supply chain. New analysis conducted on the environmental impacts of oil palm expansion, and innovative solutions to comply with the new provisions on monitoring and risk analysis were illustrated and discussed. The point of view of WWF and its recommendations to all stakeholders were also presented.

Academics and NGOs agree that boycotting palm oil would simply shift the problems elsewhere and on the pivotal role of smallholders. The palm oil supply chain contributes to improving the living conditions of millions of small farmers, who produce around 40% of world production but less than 10% of certified palm oil. Only through the inclusion of all actors will it be possible to create a fully sustainable deforestation-free and resilient palm oil supply chain. To ensure that even small owners participate in this virtuous path towards sustainability and access the global market, innovation must be accessible to everyone, and cooperation is fundamental.

This second webinar, scheduled for Tuesday 16 May 2023 (3.00-4.00 pm), is co-organized with Solidaridad and will address those issues with:

• • Marieke Leegwater, Palm Oil International Program Coordinator, Solidaridad;
  • Michel Riemersma, Palm oil policy adviser, Solidaridad;
    
  • Matteo Bellotta, IAFES – Impacts on Agriculture, Forests and Ecosystem Services – CMCC Foundation;
  • Elena Proietti, Export Manager, Erreppi – Vice President Confindustria Foligno.

The panel will be moderated by the President of the Italian Union for Sustainable Palm Oil, Mauro Fontana.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English – Italian.