Sustainability Certifications, Approaches, and Tools for Oil Palm in Indonesia and Malaysia

This study investigates existing certifications and approaches in Indonesia and Malaysia that promote the sustainable production of palm oil. This study compares the sustainability certifications, approaches, and tools across the two countries, in regard to environmental thresholds, inclusion of smallholders, social protections including for indigenous peoples, and operational modalities.

The paper makes some recommendations using gaps and best practices identified in the study in relation to certification. It stresses that those working to improve the sustainability of palm oil should support and consider subnational jurisdictional initiatives as a mechanism to meet the information requirements to show production of deforestation throughout the jurisdiction in a manner that accounts for leakage.

Using a literature combined with interviews and consultations, the study has identified six certification systems, 13 approaches and tools and eight additional supplementary data tools applicable in oil palm landscapes.