Infodoc : Sciences, Techniques et Culture

The palm-oil story started in 1848, when it was discovered that the oil palm, a native of West Africa, grew well in the Far East. Its giant bunches of red fruits are rich in oil that proved useful in soap and later as a lubricant for steam engines. Demand grew, and plantations sprouted in Malaysia in the 1930s. As the industry matured, cultivation spread to Indonesia. These two countries today produce 90% of the world's palm oil. However palm oil production has been the target of many criticisms. Concerning deforestation, biodiversity destruction, greenhouse gas emissions and respect of local populations. This report will focus on the environmental side of the critics and innovative practices that are implemented by companies that aim for “zero deforestation”. Throughout this analysis[...]

The palm-oil story started in 1848, when it was discovered that the oil palm, a native of West Africa, grew well in the Far East. Its giant bunches of red fruits are rich in oil that proved useful in soap and later as a lubricant for steam engines. Demand grew, and plantations sprouted in Malaysia in the 1930s. As the industry matured, cultivation spread to Indonesia. These two countries today produce 90% of the world's palm oil. However palm oil production has been the target of many criticisms. Concerning deforestation, biodiversity destruction, greenhouse gas emissions and respect of local populations. This report will focus on the environmental side of the critics and innovative practices that are implemented by companies that aim for “zero deforestation”. Throughout this analysis, the social aspect will not be addressed. This thesis will study on the characterisation of nature, in “zero deforestation” practices implemented by a palm oil plantation company in Liberia. The focus of the study is on how the interactions between stakeholders impact the definition of what is nature, and what is classified as “forest” and therefore protected in this “zero deforestation” approach. The analysis will start by describing the definition of the “High Carbon Stock Forests Conservation” approach in Indonesia. It will then focus on the transfer of this method of “zero deforestation” practices to Liberia. Firstly the implementation of this method in concessions of the centre of Liberia will be described. Secondly the implementation of this method in the west of Liberia will be studied. Finally the results of these observations will be discussed.