Addressing participants drawn from various agriculture and environment protection-related entities and agencies, Elikplim Dziwomu Agbitor who is RSPO Technical Manager stated that over the years it had been observed that even though palm oil is the most edible oil in higher demand than other edible oils, the reality is that the methods and processes used in producing palm oil need to be closely watched in order to avoid environmental and health hazards in future. He said that apart from the fact that palm oil is grown in specific areas around the world, the production process of palm oil is if not similar not too far different as the process can cause air and water pollution if not handled carefully and professionally.
He added that it is against this background is the main reason why RSPO is particularly encouraging private and other owners of palm oil production businesses to voluntarily become members of RSPO so that the manner in which they go about producing palm oil is not only environmentally-friendly but also safe and sustainable.
Host, Mr. Edward Sesay, Programme Manager Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) informed his audience that Sierra Leone though keeping pace with RSPO P&C needs to do more if palm oil production in the country is to bring about more dividends. He maintained that over the years due to RSPO procedures and guidelines, many countries have evolved in best practices with international flavor that has benefitted the respective country in general and the individual farmer or farmer group in particular.
Another vibrant speaker was Haja Kaday Sesay, Executive Director Climate Change, Environment & Forest Conservation Consortium – Sierra Leone (CEFCON-SL) informed participants that her organization had been following the progress of RSPO, adding that she is extremely happy and confident that RSPO is here to correct and regularize palm oil production processes across the African continent and Sierra Leone in particular to make it more environmentally friendly and more economically beneficial for not only the producers but for consumers as well.
