October 2019: Connecting isolated high conservation value forest fragments using forest corridors across palm oil plantations could contribute to a more sustainable production of palm oil. The paper calls for the RSPO to include clearer guidelines and criteria on the connectivity of set–aside forests.
Information
Palm oil is one of the most productive vegetable oils, but unsustainable production methods have caused a rapid expansion of palm oil plantations into rainforests, causing loss and fragmentation of forested areas. New research suggests that existing plantations could improve their sustainability in connecting isolated but high conversation value forest fragments through forest corridors running across all plantations. Connecting isolated forest fragments to remaining natural habits could allow species like orang-utans, birds, bats, and insects to move freely between habitats, contributing to wildlife conservation and boosting ecosystem services.
Implications & Opportunities
The report calls for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to adopt clearer guidelines and criteria on the connectivity between set-aside areas of forests. This may allow for a greater integration of agriculture and biodiversity conservation in critical areas. In addition, reforesting and reconnecting set aside but degraded forests could improve their biodiversity and allow for better movement of vulnerable species between forest areas. The report highlights that these changes should be done in symbioses with the palm oil industries and should focus on engaging local farmers and companies.
Limitations
The report focuses on the palm oil industry in Malaysia and Indonesia and more research will be needed to test the results in other geographic locations, such as the Amazon.
Sources
Scriven, S. A., Carlson, K. M., Hodgson, J. A., McClean, C. J., Heilmayr, R., Lucey, J. M., & Hill, J. K. (2019). Testing the benefits of conservation set‐asides for improved habitat connectivity in tropical agricultural landscapes. Journal of Applied Ecology, 00, 1-12. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.13472
Mongabay. (20019). Connected Forests Key to More Sustainable Palm Oil Industry: Report. Retrieved from https://news.mongabay.com/2019/09/connected-forests-key-to-more-sustainable-palm-oil-industry-report/
