The problem with palm oil – Orang Utans on brink of extinction

Rescued orangutans find sanctuary

BBC Panorama documentary:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_8518000/8518752.stm

Chingo and Jojo are just two of the thousands of orangutans whose lives have been blighted by the destruction of the Indonesian rainforest. Panorama followed their journey from rescue to re-homing.

But what does the future hold for man's closest relative? Demand for palm oil found in many products sold in British supermarkets is feeding the industry that threatens to wipe out an entire species.

Benn: 'Power lies with shoppers'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_8518000/8518843.stm

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, told Panorama that it is up to consumers to send manufacturers a message about sourcing palm oil that does not threaten the endangered orangutan or contribute to destruction of the rainforest.

In January, Mr Benn announced that DEFRA will be undertaking the first research project of its kind to assess the UK's relationship with palm oil, including how much is consumed and where it is used most, including government procurement.

He said that working with business, the government will attempt to map the palm oil supply chain to the UK in a bid to help shift Britain's supply to sustainable sources.

Panorama: Dying for a Biscuit, BBC One, Monday 22 February, 2010, 8.30pm.

Human rights violations to push agrofuels

Hi there

Allow me to step onto the soap box and share this with you:

Human rights violations are widespread in connection with oil palm expansion in Colombia, where the Permanent People's Tribunal has just delivered its decision. It condemns various palm oil companies responsible for the illegal occupation of community lands to establish oil palm monocultures.In the process, more than 113 crimes against humanity have been committed, all of which have gone unpunished.

Similarly, in Indonesia, there have already been 350 conflicts over land rights linked to oil palm plantations. The massive biodiesel expansion programme can only add to social conflicts and human rights violations.

For more info go to http://www.wrm.org.uy/GFC (Global Forest Coalition of the World Rainforest Movement)