01-02 Sep, 2016 - Abidjan, COTE D'IVOIRE
Radisson Blu Hotel Abidjan Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel Abidjan Airport
While palm oil was originally used for frying, since the 1980’s the oil palm industry has flourished, and palm oil is now widely used in a huge amount of common products, including consumer retail food and snacks, personal care and cosmetic products, biofuel products and energy sources, various animal feed, pharmaceutical products, industrial products and the food service industry.
With restrictions and regulations now being put into effect in Southeast Asia, where the bulk of palm oil is produced, the market has now set their eyes on the forests of Africa. But with industrial progress, comes the concern for the natural habitat. Deforestation has many risks to the environment and has been linked to global warming. Africa is currently facing the challenge of trying to keep up with the supply and demand of the booming oil palm industry.
Deforestation causes the land to become less fertile, producing stunted crop growth. The forests in the Congo basin cover over 200 million hectares and are home to thousands of indigenous plant species. The global impact of deforestation in this area would be devastating if not properly managed and regulated by the local government.
Deforestation does not just put plants and animals at risk, but affects people. In a study on the link between the direct impact of deforestation and the spread of infectious disease, it was found that the malaria infections was affected by deforestation in Indonesia, and attributed to an increase of 360,000 to 880,000 additional malaria infections.
Deforestation is a serious concern for the entire planet, as it contributes to global warming and effects agriculture and human health. As Africa becomes a major source of palm oil, it is hoped that the African governments will step up to regulate the industry to protect African forests.
Find out about the sustainability measures being practiced in the African oil palm industry, at the 4th Africa Palm Oil Value Chain on 1-2 September in Abidjan.
