Palm Oil Production Linked to Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss in Guatemala, Study Finds

The Impact of Palm Oil Production on Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

Cheap, versatile, and easy to grow, palm oil is the most consumed vegetable oil in the world and is found in a wide range of packaged supermarket products. However, the production of palm oil has led to deforestation and biodiversity loss in Southeast Asia and other regions. While efforts have been made to address these issues through voluntary environmental certification programs, these programs have been criticized for allowing companies to claim sustainable palm oil while still contributing to deforestation.

The Study on Palm Oil Production in Guatemala

A recent study led by the University of Michigan focused on Guatemala, which is projected to become the world’s third-largest palm oil producer. The study examined the effectiveness of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an influential environmental certification system. The researchers found that the supply chains of multinational corporations involved in palm oil production drove deforestation in Guatemala to meet the demand for palm oil in the United States.

The study used satellite imagery and machine learning to quantify deforestation caused by palm oil plantation expansion in Guatemala from 2009 to 2019. The researchers found that palm oil plantations in Guatemala expanded by an estimated 215,785 acres during the study period, with 28% of the new cropland replacing forests. Additionally, more than 60% of the palm oil plantations were located in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), which are critical for biodiversity conservation.

The study also revealed that RSPO-certified plantations, which made up 63% of the assessed cultivated area, did not significantly reduce deforestation or encroachment into ecologically sensitive areas in Guatemala. Furthermore, despite their RSPO membership and commitments, several multinational corporations sourced palm oil from noncertified mills in Guatemala. This means that even RSPO-certified palm oil plantations and mills were contributing to deforestation.

The researchers identified seven KBAs and 23 protected areas that were being impacted by palm oil expansion. These included areas like the Río La Pasión, Caribe de Guatemala, and Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, which are important for endemic species and livelihoods of local communities. The study also found that RSPO-certified plantations had less forest loss compared to noncertified plantations but were still responsible for a significant amount of deforestation.

The Limitations of Environmental Certification Programs

The findings of this study highlight the limitations of environmental certification programs in mitigating deforestation risks. The researchers argue that companies should not rely solely on certification to achieve deforestation-free supply chains. Instead, changes to governance and supply chains are necessary to address the ongoing issue of deforestation caused by palm oil production.

Overall, this study adds to the growing body of evidence linking palm oil production to deforestation and biodiversity loss. It emphasizes the need for increased accountability and sustainability in the palm oil industry to protect valuable ecosystems and species.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

• SDG 15: Life on Land – This goal focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, to combat deforestation and biodiversity loss.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – This goal aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, including sustainable management of natural resources like palm oil.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:

• SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
• SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Deforestation caused by palm oil plantation expansion in Guatemala from 2009 to 2019.
• Expansion of palm oil plantations in Guatemala by an estimated 215,785 acres during the study period, with 28% of the new cropland replacing forests.
• Percentage of palm oil plantations located in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).
• Percentage of RSPO-certified plantations that did not significantly reduce deforestation or encroachment into ecologically sensitive areas in Guatemala.
• Presence of palm oil plantations impacting seven KBAs and 23 protected areas in Guatemala.
• Forest loss in RSPO-certified plantations compared to noncertified plantations.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: energyportal.eu

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.