The palm oil industry’s controversial practices continue to wreak havoc in Indonesia. According to a recent survey carried out by Indonesian environmental NGOs, many companies in the sector do not hesitate to clear land dried up by their own activity by fire, with the aim of producing at lower cost.
This illegal practice involves intentionally starting fires to quickly clear plantation areas needed for palm oil production. In addition to being illegal since 2009 in Indonesia, it has devastating consequences on ecosystems and the health of populations.
Peatlands, particularly vulnerable to fires, are particularly affected by these destructive practices. Peatlands are swampy ecosystems rich in organic matter that have been decomposing for thousands of years. When they are cleared and dried, they become extremely flammable and generate a significant rate of greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2015, massive fires in Indonesian peatlands led to severe air pollution that caused nearly 100,000 premature deaths in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Despite the disastrous consequences of these fires, palm oil companies continue to practice illegal burning.
To highlight these practices, NGOs use satellite images and conduct field surveys. Thanks to public mapping of fires in Indonesia, combined with an analysis of satellite images and field surveys, they are able to document cases of clearing by fire in palm oil concessions.
These revelations highlight the urgency of taking measures to put an end to these destructive practices in the palm oil industry in Indonesia. Existing regulations must be strictly enforced and tough penalties imposed on companies that continue to destroy ecosystems and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
It is also crucial to promote sustainable alternatives to palm oil, encouraging the consumption of certified sustainable products and supporting local farmers who practice environmentally friendly agriculture.
In conclusion, it is essential to raise public awareness of the reality of the palm oil industry in Indonesia and to support the actions taken by NGOs to put an end to these destructive practices. The future of our ecosystems and our planet depends on it.