Response to Forest Peoples Programme Press Release Issued on 7 May 2015

Posted: May 08, 2015 • 1 minute read • GAR • 713 views

We have received a letter from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) on 6 May 2015 and noted the press release by Forest Peoples Programme (FPP) dated 7 May 2015. This is part of an ongoing matter that Golden Agri-Resources (GAR), RSPO and FPP have been in direct and regular dialogue with. GAR’s earlier response can be found here (“Golden Agri-Resources Issues Comprehensive Response to RSPO Complaints Panel”). GAR reiterates that we remain committed to acting responsibly and working with stakeholders to address the outstanding issues raised.

As highlighted earlier, since 3 November 2014, we have voluntarily put on hold land preparation for all new plantings as parties actively work to resolve issues that have been raised. This is a demonstration of our commitment to a multi-stakeholder approach to finding solutions.

The issues raised are multi-faceted with many stakeholders involved. Addressing and finding solutions to these issues which may have far-reaching implications should not create conflict and resentment. As a leading player in the industry and an active RSPO member, GAR believes that multi-stakeholder collaboration is the best way to achieve solutions for sustainable palm oil production.

GAR, together with The Forest Trust (TFT), is working with PT Ekologika Consultants, a company with extensive High Conservation Value (HCV) experience, to carry out HCV monitoring to update previous HCV assessments and trial protocols which are expected to enhance standards for the whole palm oil industry.

GAR maintains that we have complied with the national laws and regulations in all aspects of our operations. We reiterate our commitment to complying with the RSPO Principles and Criteria such as Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). We continue to improve our SOPs and build capacity in areas such as participatory mapping, mediation and conflict management.

We note the points raised in the recent RSPO letter and will be providing a fuller response later this month.

For further information, please contact:
LIM Pi Li (Ms)
Senior Manager, Communications and Sustainability
Golden Agri-Resources Ltd
Mobile: (65) 9669 6681
Email: [email protected]

Amanda LEE / Jayne TEO
Bell Pottinger
Tel: (65) 6333 3449
Mobile: (65) 9061 7047 / +65 8139 9572
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

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