Overview

The huge demand for palm oil products and massive expansion in the tropics make it a major driver of deforestation and a huge threat to wildlife, such as orangutans, elephants and tigers. Large swathes of land that were once forest, rich with biodiversity and gigantic trees, are today covered with palm oil plantations. However, it is not palm oil that harms the orangutan, nor other agricultural crop that damages the environment. It is unsustainable agricultural production that impacts the environment, affecting natural ecosystems, reducing wildlife habitats, emitting greenhouse gases and polluting freshwater. WWF-Malaysia believes that responsible production and sustainable consumption of palm oil through its entire supply chain is vital to the maintenance of biological diversity, ecosystems and natural resources.

Sustainable palm oil is important because it fulfills increasing global food demand, supports affordable food prices and poverty reduction. As the demand for palm oil steadily increases, it is important for us to ensure that palm oil is sustainably produced, used and consumed. The establishment of palm oil plantations, big or small, must not harm or degrade the environment, and must ensure our fragile ecosystems and wildlife are protected and not adversely affected.

Speaker

Mr Benjamin Loh

Benjamin Loh is currently the Manager for Sustainable Palm Oil under the Sustainable Markets Programme of WWF- Malaysia. Benjamin is responsible for driving the strategy of sustainable production, supply and consumption of Palm Oil in Malaysia, and within the WWF global network.

Benjamin is currently the focal point for Sustainable Palm Oil in WWF-Malaysia and represents WWF-Malaysia various multi-stakeholder engagement processes and committees including the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and also in the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO).

Benjamin has over 10 years of professional experience in the palm oil industry as well as a background in environmental conservation and sustainability management.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Palm Oil Processing Special Interest Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.