We are excited to share details of our latest pilot project in Thailand, where World Forest ID is developing best practices for palm fruit collection, palm oil extraction, and transport. Building on the success of our rubber pilot project, this new initiative aims to establish a streamlined protocol that can be replicated across the region, promoting sustainable palm oil production.

Despite recent reports from Chain Reaction Research and Mongabay indicating a decline in palm oil-related deforestation, the impact remains significant. In 2021 alone, deforestation due to palm oil production amounted to 19,000 hectares across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. As palm oil is one of the seven commodities covered under the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), establishing a comprehensive reference database is essential for improving traceability, enforcement, and supply chain transparency.

Our project in Thailand is a critical step towards this goal. By refining the processes involved in palm oil production, we aim to reduce the environmental impact and enhance the sustainability of this vital commodity. This initiative will provide valuable data and insights that can be used to support the enforcement of EUDR and other regulations, ensuring that palm oil is produced in a manner that protects forests and promotes sustainable development.

The comprehensive reference database we aim to build will play a crucial role in achieving better traceability and transparency in the palm oil supply chain. By leveraging advanced geolocation and forensic testing technologies, we can verify the origins of palm oil products, ensuring they are sourced responsibly.

As we continue to refine our protocol in Thailand, we look forward to expanding our efforts throughout the wider region. Our commitment to sustainability and supply chain transparency drives us to develop innovative solutions that support the responsible production of forest risk commodities.

Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and the impact of this exciting project.