During the past 20 years global palm oil consumption has greatly increased. This surge in demand has driven the large-scale conversion of primary rainforest to monoculture oil palm plantations in south east Asia and, more recently, parts of central Africa. As a result, many environmental and social issues have arisen, including endangering native flora and fauna, displacing local peoples and increasing carbon emissions. Due to this surge Bornean Orangutans have now joined their Sumatran cousins on the IUCN’s critically endangered list.

The Jane Goodall Institute Australia has joined many of our fellow NGO’s in the region as a signatory of the Responsible Palm Oil Network. Our network is helping to break the link between palm oil production and deforestation, climate pollution, and human rights abuses through educating and empowering consumers, and those involved in the supply chain, to take actions that support the transition towards a truly responsible palm oil industry.

Our vision is that 100% of all products in Australia and New Zealand are deforestation free. Using palm oil as a flagship crop we aim to halt and reverse deforestation globally, and encourage the restoration of forest cover at least to the levels seen in 2010, and protect the world’s last intact rain forests. Our full Joint Position Statement offers further information on our position including our support for responsible labelling.

Campaign Objectives

• Raise public awareness about palm oil and the connections between consumer choices and deforestation
• Promote the use of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) with grocery manufacturers, government agencies and the Australian community

How You Can Help

Palm Oil Education Kit                             Palm Oil Poster