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With world leaders in Glasgow pledging to end deforestation by 2030, Jersey politicians are being asked to take a stand on the use of palm oil.
The palm oil industry has been heavily criticised for being responsible for the destruction of native forests in place of farming land. These forests not only absorb huge amounts of carbon but are also home to many endangered species, including orang-utans, rhinos and tigers.
St. Martin Constable Karen Shenton-Stone is asking the States Assembly to back her proposal for the Government to take action to “mitigate the use of palm oil”.
Specifically, she wants the Government to “lead by example and only use and procure products that do not contain palm oil”.
She also wants to see legislation that ensures that “any food item produced in Jersey is labelled with a clear statement of whether the food item contains palm oil or any palm oil derivatives” and for a public-awareness campaign to be developed.
Pictured: Swathes of rainforest in Indonesia have been destroyed to make way for palm oil plantations.
The Constable said: “This proposition aims to set Jersey on course to reduce the amount of palm oil it consumes by developing awareness of the substance and highlighting the global impact of how it is produced, so that Islanders can make environmentally-conscious decisions about what they buy wherever it is practical and affordable for them to do so.”
In proposing a new awareness-raising campaign, Mrs Shenton-Stone said it would be logical for the Government to work with Jersey Zoo and other environmental groups and charities, as well as businesses, schools and consumers, to increase its chances of success.
She said: “It is my belief that action on palm oil could be the first step towards a wider goal: the development of a ‘sustainably resourced Island’, in order to play its part in developing a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
“This could warrant global recognition and have a positive impact on the Island’s culture and global standing.”
Pictured: St. Martin Constable Karen Shenton-Stone has brought the proposition to the States Assembly.
The Constable has suggested that the awareness campaign could cost around £10,000, although she added the final figure would depend on the amount of non-Government engagement.
Giving an example of work elsewhere, she said: “Campaigns in the UK and worldwide, have resulted in a greater awareness of the environmental impact of palm oil farming practices, and the ubiquity of palm oil and its derivatives in the products we use in everyday life.
“The city of Chester became the world’s first ‘sustainable palm oil city’. Oxford launched the same campaign in 2019, and Singapore is aiming to become the world’s first sustainable palm oil nation.
“Jersey should take the opportunity here to take action towards encouraging Islanders to reduce the amount of palm oil products wherever possible, and acknowledge that ‘sustainable’ palm oil is not a good enough compromise.
“The Island should instead seek to limit consumption of any type of palm oil.”
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