IOI Group held its 2nd Supplier Technical Workshop in Kuantan, Pahang. Participants were brief ed on IOI Group ’s Annex to the Sustainable Palm Oil Policy & additional commitments that are applicable to its external suppliers, emphasis added on “No new development on Peatland regard less of depth”.

The focal point of the workshop was to build external supplier’s capacity & knowledge on Peatland and their Best Management Practices for existing plantations while the Secretariat from International & National certification schemes was invited to present their scheme’s requirements to the audience.

Global Environment Centre (GEC) was invited as the expert guest speaker for t he session on peatland & Best Management Practices. Key topics below were presented in addition to breakout sessions to encourage discussion and knowledge sharing amongst participants. Peat soil characteristics.

• Functions and importance of peatlands.
• Priority peatland landscapes in the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia.
• Best Management Practices for existing plantations on peat.
• “Off Site” impacts of development on peatland adjacent to Protected Areas.
• Peatland hydrology and the need for landscape approach in joint stewardship of wetlands.
• Similarities of “No new development on Peatlands” commitments of major refiners in theregion/supply shed