General Assembly 18-2B

Background:

As the RSPO Code of Conduct states, it is fundamental to the integrity, credibility and continued progress of the RSPO that every member supports, promotes and works towards the production, procurement and use of Sustainable Palm Oil. All Ordinary and Affiliate Members must act in good faith towards this objective and commit to adhering to the principles set out in the Code. This includes a requirement for ALL members to implement equivalent standards to the RSPO P&C wherever relevant, as stated under Clause 3.2.

RSPO Code of Conduct for Members 2017, Clause 3.2:
“Members to whom the P&C do not apply directly will implement parallel standards relevant to their own organisation, which cannot be lower than those set out in the P&C.”

One of the many fundamental requirements under the 2018 P&C is a no-deforestation approach, as mandated under Principle 7:

RSPO Principles & Criteria 2018, Criterion 7.12:
“Land clearing does not cause deforestation or damage any area required to protect or enhance High Conservation Values (HCVs) or High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest. HCVs and HCS forests in the managed area are identified and protected or enhanced.”

Therefore, in the sense of shared responsibility and as required under the Code of Conduct, the principle of no deforestation, among other key issues, such as legality, just land acquisition, FPIC, respect for workers’ rights and women’s rights, shall be implemented by all members in all stages of the supply chain as relevant. Unfortunately, it seems that not all RSPO members have so far adopted this practice or are not aware that principles in parallel with the 2018 P&C – including no-deforestation requirements – need to be applied across the whole supply chain.