OPG receives RSPO certification for palm plantations in Gabon

Singapore-based agribusiness Olam Palm Gabon (OPG) has received Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification for the Bilala palm oil mill and concessions in Mouila, Gabon, in Central Africa.

The certified plantations managed by OPG covers 15,900ha of planted oil palm and 19,500ha of protected High Conservation Value areas.

Olam International Oil Palm and Natural Rubber managing director Ranveer Chauhan said: “Certified palm oil accounts for about 19% of global volumes, with Europe leading the way, and we expect other regions to start following suit.

“Achieving the certification was not easy – and nor should it be – we are proud of the environmental standards we have achieved, the jobs we have created (more than 7,700 Gabonese), and the wider social benefits created for the village communities around the plantations.”

The agribusiness firm noted that it also manages two other lots that include 27,300ha of planted palm and the protection of 36,600ha of High Conservation Value forest and Savannah. These are said to be on target to achieve RSPO certification by 2021.

RSPO CEO Datuk Darrel Webber said: “Oil palm is native to Africa and when grown sustainably, it is the best solution to balance the competing demands of people, profit, and the environment.

“This hard-won certification shows that RSPO members such as Olam continue to represent the gold standard for sustainable palm oil in Africa.”