DOI
10.5642/envirolabasia.20170103.02
Abstract
In Southeast Asia, expansion of oil-palm agriculture, in combination with other industries (logging, fiber, and mega-dams), is transforming significant portions of the landscape threatening biodiversity, key ecosystem services, and human cultural diversity. While transformative answers to these multifaceted environmental issues seem daunting, the conservation biology literature provides a road map for effective techniques to mitigate environmental degradation while allowing for thoughtful, well-planned economic growth. I suggest that the lack of strict operational definitions and a holistic approach to sustainability are the two most critical factors hindering development of sustainable oil-palm agriculture. The task for environmental practitioners is to succinctly define quantifiable long-term sustainability practices and persuade governments and industries that it is in their best interest not to dismiss environmental concerns. If adopted, oil-palm and other industries in SE Asia could become a sustainable model for the world by preserving diverse biological and human communities while expanding economic interests.
Recommended Citation
Meyer, Wallace M. III
(2017)
"Re-envisioning Sustainable Oil-Palm in SE Asia,"
EnviroLab Asia:
Vol. 1:
Iss.
3, Article 2.
Available at:
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/envirolabasia/vol1/iss3/2
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