Wildlife Friendly: Celebrating Palm Done Right’s Promises

Published on: September 25, 2024

September is Palm Done Right month, which means it’s time to highlight and spotlight not only our partners and consumers, but the five promises that lie at the core of our mission. These promises, 100% organic, fully-traceable, deforestation-free, wildlife friendly, and fair & social, show our commitment to creating positive change in the palm oil industry and put pressure on those using conventional palm oil production practices to move toward sustainability.  

At Palm Done Right, we understand that the conservation and protection of wildlife is crucial for maintaining the health and balance of crucial ecosystems. Our dedication to wildlife-friendly palm oil ensures that our partners, distributors, and consumers enjoy sustainable, high-quality palm oil that puts the environment and wildlife first. 

What it Means to be Wildlife-Friendly

Wildlife-friendly palm oil means that the farmers we work with use production practices designed to protect ecosystems and promote biodiversity. We prioritize the well-being of wildlife, ensuring that their habitats are preserved, wildlife diversity is maintained, and that they can coexist with our agricultural activities.  

Here’s how we achieve this: 

• Habitat Preservation: We maintain and protect habitats within and around our plantations, creating safe havens for wildlife. 
• No Harmful Practices: We avoid practices that could harm wildlife, such as the use of toxic pesticides or the clearing of forests. 
• Biodiversity: We actively work to enhance biodiversity through reforestation projects and the creation of wildlife corridors. 
• Reforestation: We actively replant native plants to help protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats. 
  

Why is Wildlife-Friendly Palm Oil Important?

Palm oil produced through conventional methods, also known as “conflict” palm oil, can often cause harm to the environment and wildlife, including deforestation, habitat destruction, wildlife displacement, and more. Conventional palm oil production has been linked to significant threats to wildlife, including: 

• Habitat Destruction: Clearing forests for palm oil plantations destroys the habitats and ecosystems of countless animal species (including endangered species), leading to population declines and even extinction. 
• Disruption of Ecosystems: The loss of key species can disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to negative cascading effects on other plants and animals. 
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Deforestation and habitat fragmentation can increase human-wildlife conflicts as animals are forced to move into human-populated areas in search of food and shelter.
  

The harmful practices associated with conventional palm oil production have led to a global outcry for more sustainable methods. The profound impact on wildlife has seen many species facing the threat of extinction due to habitat loss. For example, the critically endangered orangutan has seen its numbers dwindle as vast areas of rainforest are cleared for palm oil plantations. Tigers, elephants, sloths, and rhinoceros are also among the species affected, with their natural habitats being destroyed or fragmented, making it difficult for them to find food and reproduce. 

Part of the mission at Palm Done Right is to raise awareness of these harmful practices and put pressure on the palm oil industry to choose sustainable, organic practices that help the environment and wildlife instead of harming them.  

How We Ensure Our Palm Oil is Wildlife-Friendly

Our commitment to wildlife-friendly palm oil involves several key practices to protect animals and their habitats: 

• Direct Oversight: We work with small, independent farmers who are trained in sustainable practices that cause no harm to the environment or wildlife. This direct relationship allows us to ensure only sustainable practices are used in the production of palm oil. These practices minimize environmental impact and promote biodiversity. 
• Wildlife Corridors: We create wildlife corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to move freely and safely between different areas. 
• Community Engagement: We work with local communities to promote wildlife conservation and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. 
• Buffer Zones: By setting aside portions of our plantations as conservation areas, we provide refuges for wildlife. We replant native trees throughout our farmers’ plantations to create habitats and give animals safe areas to live and thrive. 
• Sustainable Farming Practices: Our farming methods are designed to work in harmony with nature. This includes using natural pest control methods instead of harmful pesticides, which can poison wildlife and disrupt ecosystems. We also employ soil conservation techniques that prevent erosion and maintain soil fertility, supporting a healthy environment for plants and animals alike.
  

Benefits of Choosing Wildlife-Friendly Palm Oil

By choosing wildlife-friendly palm oil, consumers, manufacturers, and distributors can contribute to the protection of our planet’s biodiversity and show that sustainability is a priority. The benefits wildlife-friendly palm oil brings include: 

• Biodiversity Conservation: By choosing wildlife-friendly palm oil, you are directly contributing to the conservation of species that are at risk of extinction. Preserving biodiversity is not only important for the animals themselves but also for the overall health of our planet.  
• Ecosystem Health: Healthy wildlife is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. When wildlife thrives, it indicates that the ecosystem is functioning well. This balance is crucial for services that ecosystems provide, such as clean water, fertile soil, and pollination of crops. 
• Ethical Production: Supporting wildlife-friendly palm oil means supporting ethical business practices. This includes fair treatment of workers, sustainable farming methods, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Consumers can feel good knowing that their purchases are helping to protect wildlife and support ethical production standards. 
• Consumer Trust: In today’s market, consumers are increasingly looking for products that align with their values. Transparency and ethical practices build trust, showing that companies are committed to making a positive impact. By choosing wildlife-friendly palm oil, companies can differentiate themselves and attract conscientious consumers.
  

Get Involved With the Palm Done Right Movement Today!

This Palm Done Right Month, we invite you to join us in our mission to transform the palm oil industry. By supporting wildlife-friendly palm oil, you are contributing to the protection of our planet’s incredible wildlife and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Together, we can make a difference. 

Learn more about our wildlife-friendly promise and how you can get involved in our initiative to promote sustainable palm oil production. Together, we can ensure that palm oil is produced in a way that respects the environment, supports local communities, and preserves our planet’s rich biodiversity.  

Your choices make a difference, and together, we can create a more sustainable and ethical future for palm oil production. Join us in making the world a better place for both wildlife and people by getting involved today!