The event will be held in Milan on 9 June and this year the theme of the conference will be “100% Certified Sustainable Palm Oil: A Climate Change Imperative”.
Whereas previous conferences have focused on shared responsibility and action plans, this year the organiser says the proceedings will be focused on stimulating a dialogue between the key players in an effort to pinpoint how market transformation can be accelerated for certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) in Europe.
Economic and environmental sustainability
The vast majority of the world’s palm oil supply is produced in Malaysia and Indonesia, in Southeast Asia, and the aim of the certification process I to reduce deforestation and greenhouse emissions in these and all other countries farming palm oil, while also supporting livelihoods and economic development.
Palm oil is a staple for many processed foods, but it is also used in cosmetics and personal care products, most commonly as a base ingredient in approximately 70% of products.
The conference programme will include a number of prominent decision makers and experts in the field of palm oil, including scientists, palm oil producers and certification experts.
What's happening in West Africa?
Amongst the palm oil producers will be Dr Christopher Stewart, Head – Environment and Sustainability, Olam Group, which is based Gabon, West Africa.
Dr Stewart will be discussing the impact of the certified sustainable palm oil development in West Africa, and in particular in Gabon, which is the first country in Africa to have committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 50% by 2025.
On the science and research side, Cécile Bessou from CIRAD (French Agricultural research institute working on the sustainable development of tropical regions) who will be discussing how the latest agricultural research findings can help mitigate the impact of palm oil production on climate change.
And Anne Rosenbarger, Southeast Asia Commodities Manager for the food, forests and water program, World Resources Institute (WRI) will be discussing the impact of the Global Forest Watch (online forest monitoring system to monitor the impact of agricultural commodities on the world’s forest cover).
For more information about the event and how to register, please click here.