PALMOILMAGAZINE, SANUR – Dewi Lestari Yani Rizki, Director of Conservation at WWF Indonesia, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by the palm oil industry. She delivered this message at the 7th International Conference on Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE) in Sanur, Bali, held from February 12-14, 2025.
Under the theme “Agro-Ecological Transformation of Palm Oil: Towards Climate-Friendly and Sustainable Agriculture,” ICOPE 2025 serves as a strategic platform for governments, businesses, academics, and NGOs to develop concrete solutions for enhancing the sustainability of the palm oil industry.
Dewi highlighted the complex challenges confronting the sector, including global market pressures and increasing demands for sustainable practices. “ICOPE is a space for knowledge-sharing, discussions, and collaboration, aligning with WWF Indonesia’s efforts over the past five years to promote sustainable palm oil practices,” she stated during her keynote address, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com on Wednesday (Feb 12, 2025).
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Since 2017, WWF Indonesia has been actively involved in various studies and pilot projects in partnership with government and industry stakeholders to develop sustainability standards. “We also collaborate with universities to conduct research and drive technological innovation within the palm oil sector,” Dewi added.
A key focus for WWF Indonesia is empowering smallholder farmers, who manage over 40% of palm oil plantations in Asia. “Inclusivity and smallholder empowerment are essential for agro-ecological transformation. They need access to technology, financing, and markets,” she emphasized.
WWF Indonesia is also advocating for the “natural capital transformation” approach, where palm oil is recognized not only as a commodity but as a high-value asset in global markets. “Mechanisms such as carbon credits and biodiversity offsets present strategic opportunities for the industry,” she noted.
Additionally, Dewi stressed the need for stronger synergy between governments, businesses, and NGOs to develop policies supporting sustainability. “Based on data and research, we actively contribute to government initiatives, including regulations on deforestation and carbon emissions,” she explained.
WWF Indonesia hopes that ICOPE 2025 will serve as a momentum to strengthen collaboration and drive innovative solutions for the palm oil industry. “We call on all stakeholders to take an active role in implementing sustainable practices. This is not just the responsibility of large corporations but also of small farmers and other key players,” Dewi concluded.
ICOPE 2025 is expected to generate policy recommendations and concrete initiatives that accelerate the agro-ecological transformation of the palm oil industry. With strong collaboration, Indonesia’s palm oil sector can not only maintain its status as the world’s largest producer but also set a global benchmark for sustainability.
“Let’s transform palm oil into a force for both community prosperity and environmental conservation,” Dewi Lestari urged all participants of ICOPE 2025. (P2)
