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MPONGOC Wants To Have A Say In Palm Oil Debate
MPONGOC Wants To Have A Say In Palm Oil Debate
31/07/2013 (Bernama) - Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), unhappy over unproductive debate over demand for palm oil and its impact on indigenous peoples' rights, crucial wildlife habitats and environmental pollution, have teamed up to form a coalition.
The Malaysian Palm Oil NGO Coalition (MPONGOC) wants to engage in constructive and on-going dialogues with the industry via the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, Malaysian Palm Oil Board and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council and with other stakeholders as part of its advocacy work.
In a statement today, MPONGOC said it aimed to influence land use policy and decision-making, and was also working towards advocating consumer responsibility.
The other objectives were: strengthening implementation of best environmental management practices, supporting community-based organisations largely made up of indigenous people to engage with the industry on their own terms, and creating awareness on human-wildlife conflict.
The current members are Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA), Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (JOAS), Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), Malaysian Nature Society, Sabah branch, Partners of Community Organisations (PACOS) Trust and WWF Malaysia.
The Borneo Conservation Trust (BCT) is acting as an observer.
LEAP Executive Director, Cynthia Ong, said MPONGOC was born out of a growing need for local and regional groups to step up, organise and engage constructively with the palm oil industry.
BORA Executive Director, Datuk Dr Junaidi Payne, said the coalition was not out to create a whole new process, but rather, help the palm oil sector play a more positive role in the natural and human environment.
PACOS Trust Executive Director, Anne Lasimbang, said indigenous people often found themselves at the losing end in oil palm development.
"Many have lost native customary rights land to large estates. This is a serious issue and one that is largely swept under the carpet. We see MPONGOC as being able to offer solutions by involving all stakeholders," she said.
BCT Head of Conservation and Research, Raymond Alfred, said it was hoped that the coalition will be able to initiate transparent consultation with oil palm companies that were found to have encroached into riparian reserves and come up with win-win solutions.
The coalition is also collaborating with international NGO counterparts, which could lead to better understanding of oil palm issues in the region and its importance to the Malaysian economy.
The Malaysian Palm Oil NGO Coalition (MPONGOC) wants to engage in constructive and on-going dialogues with the industry via the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, Malaysian Palm Oil Board and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council and with other stakeholders as part of its advocacy work.
In a statement today, MPONGOC said it aimed to influence land use policy and decision-making, and was also working towards advocating consumer responsibility.
The other objectives were: strengthening implementation of best environmental management practices, supporting community-based organisations largely made up of indigenous people to engage with the industry on their own terms, and creating awareness on human-wildlife conflict.
The current members are Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA), Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (JOAS), Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), Malaysian Nature Society, Sabah branch, Partners of Community Organisations (PACOS) Trust and WWF Malaysia.
The Borneo Conservation Trust (BCT) is acting as an observer.
LEAP Executive Director, Cynthia Ong, said MPONGOC was born out of a growing need for local and regional groups to step up, organise and engage constructively with the palm oil industry.
BORA Executive Director, Datuk Dr Junaidi Payne, said the coalition was not out to create a whole new process, but rather, help the palm oil sector play a more positive role in the natural and human environment.
PACOS Trust Executive Director, Anne Lasimbang, said indigenous people often found themselves at the losing end in oil palm development.
"Many have lost native customary rights land to large estates. This is a serious issue and one that is largely swept under the carpet. We see MPONGOC as being able to offer solutions by involving all stakeholders," she said.
BCT Head of Conservation and Research, Raymond Alfred, said it was hoped that the coalition will be able to initiate transparent consultation with oil palm companies that were found to have encroached into riparian reserves and come up with win-win solutions.
The coalition is also collaborating with international NGO counterparts, which could lead to better understanding of oil palm issues in the region and its importance to the Malaysian economy.