RSPO Reiterates That FPIC Remains a Key Component in 2024 RSPO Standards

The RSPO has recently observed factually incorrect statements concerning the RSPO’s new Standards in relation to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). In particular, the article “Pelemahan FPIC Dalam Standard RSPO Picu Kekhawatiran tentang Perlindungan Hak Masyarakat Adat” published by InfoSawit raises concerns that need to be addressed.

RSPO reiterates that there has been no reduction in the requirements for FPIC in our updated Standards. We remain fully committed to protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities through robust and clear FPIC processes, ensuring they are fully informed and have given their consent before any development takes place on their lands.

We regret that InfoSawit did not reach out to the RSPO to fact-check these statements before publication.

We are actively reaching out to those individuals quoted in the article to request further clarification on the misstatements and to correct any misunderstandings regarding our updated Standards.

RSPO is immensely proud of the new standards that have been developed by our members, reflecting the shared commitment to sustainability, community rights, and environmental protection. These standards have been unanimously endorsed by our Board.  We believe they represent a significant step forward in ensuring the sustainable growth of the palm oil industry through implementable and auditable standards.

Among the key highlights of the new Standards are strengthened commitments to human rights, and to this end RSPO will continue to work with our members including growers and social NGOs to strengthen how FPIC requirements are applied on the ground, particularly in contentious areas where legacy issues prevail.

As always, we remain dedicated to promoting sustainable palm oil production that respects people, planet, and prosperity. We look forward to continued dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that our standards are implemented with the highest level of integrity and transparency.For more details, please visit our website.

About RSPO:

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs.
As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification.
The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.

For further information, kindly contact: [email protected].