RSPO Kickstarts Principles & Criteria 2018 Roadshows

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Secretariat has launched a series of Principles and Criteria (P&C) 2018 roadshows in several cities across the globe. The roadshows are designed to support existing and prospective RSPO grower members to better understand and implement the RSPO P&C 2018, as well as provide an opportunity for them to ask questions about parts of the P&C they may be unfamiliar with.

Creating solutions through interaction and engagement

Various topics are being addressed during the roadshow events, with more time given to some of the key topics, such as workers’ rights and conditions, environmental conservation and enhancement, and smallholder inclusion. To encourage interaction and engagement between the participants and key RSPO spokespeople, case studies are being used and participants are divided into groups to brainstorm solutions and allow for group discussions.

Co-hosted by the Assurance and Standard Development departments of RSPO Secretariat, the first roadshow was held in Subang, Indonesia from 29 to 30 January, followed by concurrent roadshows in Sandakan and Jakarta from 11 to 12 February. A total of 248 participants attended the roadshows in Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, Jakarta, Bintulu and Medan.

Testimonials from attendees

One of the participants from the Sandakan roadshow, Carls Ewis Julius from Melewar Properties said, “The RSPO P&C roadshow this year was successful as the smaller group of participants allowed for a more efficient delivery and sharing of information.” Another participant, Sutinah Ubin from J & S Enterprise commented, “It was great to learn that the RSPO P&C 2018 allows for a greater inclusion of smallholders, such that there are clear-cut procedures for them to obtain the RSPO certification now.”

In addition to cities across Malaysia and Indonesia, roadshows are being held for oil palm growers in Ecuador, Colombia, Thailand, Honduras, Guatemala and Nigeria. For more information about upcoming P&C roadshow events, please click here or contact [email protected].