SustainPalm project

SustainPalm is a joint implementation program between Indonesia and The Netherlands to support sustainable palm oil production in synergy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Netherlands and Indonesia have a common interest in palm oil. With the value chain connected to both countries, the SustainPalm consortium is dedicated to implement viable strategies that promote sustainability across the palm oil production process. Our strategies target efficient and effective land use via intercropping and integrating livestock that increases livelihood security for smallholder farmers and generates revenues via increased area-based productivity. Improved area-based productivity also has the potential to reduce pressure for land conversion that contributes to enhance biodiversity. Special attention is warranted to oil palm production on peatlands. Viable strategies on peatland include diversification and intercropping as well as new management measures including rewetting and phasing out of oil palm production in underproductive areas. The solution to improving palm oil sustainability go beyond land use systems only. Hence, SustainPalm also focuses on residual oil extraction from palm oil mill effluent (POME) and biogas production to increase efficiency and reduce fossil fuel use at the mills. Also using field residues such as utilizing palm trunks for veneer, timber or sugar production are being experimented.