PALMOILMAGAZINE, SANUR – The 7th International Conference on Oil Palm and the Environment (ICOPE) opened with a keynote speech from Chairman Jean-Pierre Caliman, who highlighted the major changes that have occurred in the seven years since the last conference in 2018. Addressing industry stakeholders, academics, NGOs, and government representatives, Caliman emphasized the crucial role of science in bridging differences and achieving consensus on environmental and sustainable agriculture issues.
“We believe that science can serve as a bridge to agreement, even when stakeholders have different objectives,” Caliman stated during the 7th ICOPE conference, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com in Sanur, Bali, on Wednesday (February 12, 2025).
Over the past seven years, climate change has significantly impacted the agricultural sector, including oil palm plantations. Caliman pointed to the rise in extreme temperatures worldwide, including in Indonesia. In the past eight months, several regions in Indonesia have experienced maximum temperatures of up to 40°C for 50 consecutive days.
“These extreme temperatures have a major effect on agricultural ecosystems, particularly on natural pollination. Our studies show that pollination is highly sensitive to temperature changes, with a decline of up to 50% when temperatures reach 40°C,” he explained.
Beyond temperature increases, climate change has also led to unprecedented biodiversity loss, posing new challenges for sustainable farming practices.
ICOPE 2025 is a three-day event focusing on commitments, biodiversity management, and technological solutions for sustainable agriculture.
- Day One features discussions on Indonesia’s agricultural and environmental policies, with insights from countries such as Malaysia and Colombia.
- Day Two explores strategies for biodiversity conservation and the role of farmers and companies in maintaining ecosystem balance.
- Day Three highlights innovative solutions for climate adaptation, including new technologies, genetic crop diversification, and strategies for reducing carbon emissions in agriculture.
This year, ICOPE has drawn over 500 participants, featuring 45 presentations and 50 research posters from 24 countries. Notably, many attendees are under 30 years old, reflecting growing youth awareness of sustainability issues.
“When we planned ICOPE 2025, we were concerned that participation might decline. However, the reality exceeded our expectations. The enthusiasm from all sectors shows that sustainable agricultural transformation is no longer just a concept—it is a necessity,” Caliman concluded.
As climate challenges intensify, the conference is expected to provide clear guidance for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for agriculture. (P2)
