MEPs believe that it is time the European Union took steps and was no longer complicit in the destruction of tropical rainforests as jungle is removed to be replaced by monoculture palm plantations, particularly in the countries of South-East Asia.
Putting their words into action, MEPs voted by 640 to 18, with 28 abstentions in Strasbourg on Tuesday 4 April to pass a non-legislative resolution calling for a robust action plan to ensure the sustainable use of palm oil in foods, cosmetics and agri-fuels in Europe in order to protect forests and the indigenous peoples who depend on them, biodiversity and the climate (see EUROPE 11742).
Rapporteur Katerina Konecna (GUE/NGL, Czech Republic), who has been highlighting the problem since the end of 2015 after she became aware of the damage to rainforests in Indonesia cited among the evils associated with palm oil production, “corruption, child labour, human rights violations, violation of the rights of indigenous peoples, the disappearance of animal species through habitat loss, greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants, putting profit before sustainability”. All damaging “the lungs of our planet”, she said, adding: “We want an open debate with all players”.
Parliament calls for the phasing out, ideally by 2020, of agri-fuels made from vegetable oils that drive deforestation.
It also calls for the EU to introduce a compulsory single certification to guarantee that only environmentally and socially sustainable palm oil enters the EU market. MEPs believe that this would be more effective and less confusing for consumers than the current myriad of voluntary schemes.
Parliament calls on the Commission and the member states to help developing countries to put in place environmentally and socially responsible production practices and to guarantee the rights and the means of subsistence of indigenous peoples and local communities.
The resolution highlights the crucial role played by forests in mitigating climate change and for sustainable development, and provides a reminder of the pledges made by the EU to preserve and restore forests. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)