Oil palm plantations and forest loss - an objective appraisal


Citation

Henson, Ian E. and Chang, K. C. (2003) Oil palm plantations and forest loss - an objective appraisal. [Proceedings Paper]

Abstract

In the last two decades of the 20th century it is estimated that worldwide some 300 million hectares of tropical rain forest were converted to other uses. Oil palm has recently gained a bad reputation in some consumer countries because of its association with the destruction and loss of tropical rainforest. This perception was reinforced by the forest fires in Southeast Asia (mainly in Indonesia) that raged and devastated huge areas of forest and crop lands during the prolonged dry period of the 1997-98 EI Nino event. In this paper we review briefly the extent of recent forest loss in the tropics with data for palm oil producing countries and those countries in Southeast Asia with appreciable land area. We also compare these data with those for tropical soybean production. The results indicate that the causes of forest loss are multiple and complex and that worldwide, the expansion of oil palm plantations during the 1990s accounted for less than three per cent of the forest area lost in the tropics. In Southeast Asia, loss of forest area has sometimes been greatest in countries that grow little oil palm. Overall, forest loss appears to be mainly a function of population pressure. Deterioration in the quality of remaining forests, which is of equal concern to conservationists, is mainly the result of logging activities. However, the pressure to expand oil palm cultivation may accelerate forest degradation and promote unsustainable logging practices, favouring the conversion of over-logged forests to agriculture. Oil palm can provide one of the best options as a productive and sustainable agricultural system in the tropics provided proper care is exercised in site selection. plantation establishment and subsequent management. Many of the functions of the tropical rainforest can be emulated by plantation crops. However, there will inevitably be a loss of biodiversity in the process of conversion and a substantial reduction of stored carbon in the replacement biomass. It is concluded that there is a need for producer countries to radically review their land use policies so as to effectively conserve diminishing and unique natural habitats. A balance needs to be struck between agricultural needs and conservation of natural resources. A positive commitment to tackle environmental problems and to minimise further loss of natural ecosystems should be demonstrated both by governments and the industry. We suggest the need for the oil palm industry worldwide to support such commitment and to display its own concern for environmental conservation. It will gain in the long-term by reacting responsibly and positively in the light of greater public environmental awareness.


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Abstract

In the last two decades of the 20th century it is estimated that worldwide some 300 million hectares of tropical rain forest were converted to other uses. Oil palm has recently gained a bad reputation in some consumer countries because of its association with the destruction and loss of tropical rainforest. This perception was reinforced by the forest fires in Southeast Asia (mainly in Indonesia) that raged and devastated huge areas of forest and crop lands during the prolonged dry period of the 1997-98 EI Nino event. In this paper we review briefly the extent of recent forest loss in the tropics with data for palm oil producing countries and those countries in Southeast Asia with appreciable land area. We also compare these data with those for tropical soybean production. The results indicate that the causes of forest loss are multiple and complex and that worldwide, the expansion of oil palm plantations during the 1990s accounted for less than three per cent of the forest area lost in the tropics. In Southeast Asia, loss of forest area has sometimes been greatest in countries that grow little oil palm. Overall, forest loss appears to be mainly a function of population pressure. Deterioration in the quality of remaining forests, which is of equal concern to conservationists, is mainly the result of logging activities. However, the pressure to expand oil palm cultivation may accelerate forest degradation and promote unsustainable logging practices, favouring the conversion of over-logged forests to agriculture. Oil palm can provide one of the best options as a productive and sustainable agricultural system in the tropics provided proper care is exercised in site selection. plantation establishment and subsequent management. Many of the functions of the tropical rainforest can be emulated by plantation crops. However, there will inevitably be a loss of biodiversity in the process of conversion and a substantial reduction of stored carbon in the replacement biomass. It is concluded that there is a need for producer countries to radically review their land use policies so as to effectively conserve diminishing and unique natural habitats. A balance needs to be struck between agricultural needs and conservation of natural resources. A positive commitment to tackle environmental problems and to minimise further loss of natural ecosystems should be demonstrated both by governments and the industry. We suggest the need for the oil palm industry worldwide to support such commitment and to display its own concern for environmental conservation. It will gain in the long-term by reacting responsibly and positively in the light of greater public environmental awareness.

Additional Metadata

[error in script]
Item Type: Proceedings Paper
Additional Information: Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. TP684 P3I61 2003 Call Number
AGROVOC Term: oil palm > oil palm Prefer using Elaeis guineensisElaeis guineensis
AGROVOC Term: plantations
AGROVOC Term: deforestation
AGROVOC Term: environmental assessment > environmental assessment Prefer using environmental impact assessmentenvironmental impact assessment
AGROVOC Term: monitoring
AGROVOC Term: scientists
AGROVOC Term: sustainability
AGROVOC Term: environmental impact
AGROVOC Term: land use change
Geographical Term: Malaysia
Depositing User: Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited: 04 Aug 2024 08:09
Last Modified: 04 Aug 2024 08:09
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/870

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