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GHG WG2 Updates

The RSPO GHG WG2 Update series provides ongoing information to members of the second greenhouse gas

working group on the ongoing activities and outputs of the group. It is produced by the WG2 facilitators,

ProForest ([email protected]), in consultation with the group Co-Chairs.

For further information on the RSPO and the activities of the greenhouse gas working group please contact the

RSPO Secretariat at [email protected] or go to the RSPO website www.rspo.org.

RSPO GHG WG2 Update 03 1 of 47

Working Group Update 03. June 2010

GHG WG2 Meeting 2

The second GHG WG2 meeting was held in Singapore on 27

& 28 May.

Meeting 2 Agenda:

The final agenda for the second GHG WG2 meeting can be found on page 5.

Meeting 2 Participant list:

The list of participants, along with observers can be found on page 7. Please

check this list and forward me any changes/ additions.

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GHG WG2 Updates


WORKSTREAM #1: OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS

Background: The aim of this workstream is to

produce a framework which RSPO members can

use to measure, monitor and report GHGs within

their operations as well as identifying voluntary

actions on GHG management.

Status: Members of this group met in Kuala

Lumpur on 24 & 25 May, 2010. The group, led by

lead author Cecile Bessou from CIRAD, reported

back to the full GHG WG2 on their progress so far

which includes initial definition of (1) the users of

the framework; (2) the system boundary; (3)

parameter values that can be collected from the

field; (4) methodology for reviewing data to

establish „generic values‟; (5) methodology for

collecting case studies on best management

practices.

GHG WG2 members spent some time in breakout

groups brainstorming feedback and input into the

next stages of the process.

Next steps for workstream #1:

*detailed timeline/output available on page 11.

Activity/ output Approximate

Timeframe

Review information on:

Needed parameters, available data,

Methodologies for GHG calculation

July 2010

Collection of data on:

The typologies of producers, case

studies of „best practices‟ to lower

GHG emissions

July 2010

Sub-group meeting to:

Make adjustments to

framework/system boundary

Discuss choice of „generic values‟ &

characterisation methodologies

End of July,

2010

Final draft of Framework & final draft

of deliverables for task 2

Sept 2010

Pilot testing of the framework 2011

Attached are:

Final ToR (see page 9)

Workstream #1 progress presentation,

presented to GHG WG2 by Cecile Bessou

(CIRAD) (see page 12)

List of group members (see page 15)

WORKSTREAM #2: PEATLAND WG

Background: This workstream will focus on

emissions related to operational management of

peat.

Status: There are presently 23 members in the

PLWG, including co-chairs Rosediana Suharto and

Faizal Parish. Members of the group first met in

22-23 April 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The outcome of the initial meeting was very

positive and was presented to the full GHG WG2 by

co-chair Rosediana Suharto. A presentation

providing an overview of tropical peat and oil palm

cultivation was also presented by Dr. Peter Lim

Kim Huan. The group have agreed to a ToR and

have developed a detailed timeline of work. The

budget has been included in draft form, but is still

in the process of being finalised.


*detailed timeline/output available from page 23


Timeframe

Identify environmental & social

impacts of oil palm plantations on

peatlands/ adjacent areas

July 2010 –

early 2011

Identify best practices for managing

oil palm plantation on peat soils to

minimize GHG emissions and enhance

sustainability

Late June 2010

– End 2011

Identify practical methodologies for

assessing & monitoring carbon stocks

and key GHG emissions from oil palm

plantations on peat soils

Late June 2010

– Early 2011

Evaluate options & constraints for the

rehabilitation of degraded peatlands

July 2010 –

End 2011

Pilot testing of the framework 2011

Attached are:

Draft report of first meeting (see page 16)

Final draft of ToR (see page 18)

Presentation summary by Dr. Peter Lim Kim

Huan (see page 31)


Updates on Workstreams

GHG WG2 Updates


WORKSTREAM #3: SCIENTIFIC PANEL

Background: The scientific panel will review

existing information about land use and land use

change and its impact on GHGs including

identifying gaps and areas of uncertainty in the

current body of information. This information will

be used to develop a series of future scenarios to

examine the impact of different land management

options

Status: The group consists of 7 scientists, all of

whom were selected through a nomination

process, and is led by Fahmuddin Agus. Members

have technical expertise across a variety of issues.

The panel met for the first time on 26 May, 2010,

and the ToRs are currently in the process of being

finalised.


*Further details on outputs available from page 37


Timeframe

Compilation of information on land

cover change in tropics from SE Asia &

other oil palm producing regions

Nov 2010

Compilation of carbon stock under

different land cover types

Sept 2010

Analysis of GHG fluxes under different

land cover & management systems for

mineral soils

Sept 2010

Synthesis of C stock of oil palm under

various variables (i.e. age, soil, variety)

Sept 2010

Analysis of GHG fluxes under different

land use & management systems for

peatland

Apr 2011

Synthesis of historical GHG emission &

scenarios for emission reduction

Jun 2011

Attached are:

Draft ToR (see page 36)

Workstream #3 progress presentation,

presented to GHG WG2 by Fahmuddin Agus

(GAPKI & IAARD) (see page 43 )


WORKSTREAM #4: POLICY PANEL

Background: The purpose of this panel will be to

focus on the legal, institutional and policy barriers

to implementing strategies to reduce GHG

emissions – particularly those related to land-use

change.

Status: From the break-out sessions, it was evident

that many initiatives are underway with similar

objectives to the policy panel. Below is a brief list

of policy initiatives underway:

Prince‟s Rainforest Trust initiative – to

investigate issues pertaining to (1) spatial

planning; (2) planting on degraded land; (3)

increasing yield for smallholders

Indonesia‟s National Planning Agency,

BAPPENAS initiative - to test the feasibility of

land swaps, and investigating ways to reduce

emissions from peatlands (not limited to palm

oil), among other objectives.

Members of the GHG WG2 identified multiple

issues that the policy panel could further

investigate. This includes being up-to-date with all

international, regional and national policy

initiatives that are currently underway or planned.

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GHG WG2 Updates


Next steps: Members of the GHG WG2 agreed that

before a policy panel is convened the new RSPO

GHG coordinator will pull together information on

existing initiatives. Based on the outcome of this

work, the GHG WG2 will investigate where issues

remain unaddressed and whether it is necessary to

convene a panel to address these issues.

WORKSTREAM #5: EMISSIONS FROM OTHER

RSPO MEMBERS

Background: This workstream will focus on the

activities being undertaken by RSPO membership

categories other than producers and processors,

including investors, NGOs etc, to reduce and

manage their emissions.

WORKSTREAM #6: ENGAGEMENT WITH RSPO

MEMBERS

Background: This workstream will collect

information on the activities which RSPO members

are already planning or implementing to better

understand and manage GHGs from production

and processing.

The data collected for this workstream will be for

the purpose of the GHG WG2 only, particularly

workstream #1. This workstream hopes to capture

information about best management practices that

are currently being employed by producers/

processors in terms of addressing and/or reducing

GHG emissions.

Other issues

NEXT MEETING: The date of the next meeting

will be the 7 – 8 October, 2010.

RSPO GHG WG2 Communication Program:

Presentation by the Secretariat can be found on

page 47.

Copyright ProForest

Copyright ProForest

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Agenda for RSPO GHG WG2 – Second Meeting

Singapore, 27-28 May 2010

Final agenda

Day 1: Thursday

0900 Welcome

Introductions and housekeeping

Overview of process –

Progress so far

Aims going forward

Agenda – discuss and agree on agenda for the two days

0930 Update on Workstream 3 - Science Panel

Introduction and summary of first meeting and plans going forward

11:30 Workstream 2 – Peatland Working Group

Presentation on first meeting and plans for next steps

1315 Update on other meetings in KL, Jakarta, Singapore, etc (PRP, MPOC

conference, etc

1345 Update on Workstream 4 - Policy discussion

Breakout groups to discuss what issues need to be considered and to

identify any existing initiatives working on the identified issues

Plenary discussion of working group findings

1545 Workstream 1 - Operational emissions

Presentation on progress to date and planned next steps

* Please note: On May 27, 2010 at 19:30 pm there is a presentation by Tim Killeen at the

Singapore Science Center on „The Cardamom Conundrum: Reconciling Conservation and

Development in the Kingdom of Cambodia‟.

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Day 2: Friday

0900 Review of previous day

0910 Update on Workstream 5 - Collection of information from non-producers

on what they are doing.

Presentation and discussion

Update on Workstream 6 - Collection of information from producers/

processors to inform Workstream 1 –

Presentation and discussion

0915 Workstream 1 - Operational emissions

Break-out sessions (circa 40 mins) to discuss proposal from technical

working group, followed by discussion in plenary

1115 Communications update

1145 Wrap-up and date of next meeting

1200 Meeting for EB members of the group

1230 Close

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Participants who attended the Second RSPO GHG WG2 meeting

Final list of participants who attended the second WG2 meeting between 27 and 28 May, 2010

Co-Chairs

Name Organisation Type

Jeremy Goon MPOA Producer, Malaysia

Tim Killeen Conservation International ENGO, USA

Facilitators

Ruth Nussbaum ProForest Technical expert

Pavithra Ramani ProForest Technical expert

From the EB

Adam Harrison WWF ENGO, EU

Chong Wei Kwang HSBC Banker, Malaysia

Jose Den Toom Rabobank Banker, Singapore

Simon Lord (Alternate for RoW) New Britain Palm Oil Producer/Processor, Singapore

Purboyo Guritno GAPKI Producer, Indonesia

Chew Jit Seng MPOA Producer, Malaysia

Norman Jiwan Sawit Watch SNGO, Indonesia

Jan-Kees Vis Unilever Manufacturer, EU

Non EB members

Daud Dharsono

PT SMART / GAPKI - Indonesia Producer (Technical expert),

Indonesia

Tan Teck Hock (Alternate for

Joshua Mathews)

IOI – Global Processor/Producer, Malaysia

Dr. Gan Lian Tiong Musim Mas - Indonesia Producer (Agronomist), Indonesia

Fahmuddin Agus GAPKI and IAARD - Indonesia Technical expert

Ong Kim Pin Kulim Berhad Malaysia, PNG Producer, Malaysia

Kai-Uwe Ostheim ADM International Sarl Processor (General Manager), EU

Ian Orrell Oil Palm Research Association

(OPRA) of PNG

Technical Expert, PNG

Haris Iskandar (Alternate for

Ken MacDicken)

IFC Technical Expert (Forestry and

Carbon specialist)

Puvan Selvanthan Sime Darby Producer (Chief Sustainability

Officer)

Sanin Triyanond Pathum Oil Processor (Director)

David Lee (Alternate for Faizal

Parish)

Global Environment Centre ENGO, Malaysia

Amir Abdul-Manan Shell Global Solutions

Processor (GHG Intensity Analysis

Expert), Malaysia

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Rosediana Suharto

IPOC Technical expert, Indonesia

Cecile Bessou

CIRAD Technical expert, UK

Observers

Mukesh Sharma

Asian Agri Producer, Indonesia

Jean-Pierre Caliman

(Alternate for Daud

Dharsono)

PT SMART Producer (Technical expert),

Indonesia

Peter Heng Golden Agri Producer, Indonesia

Ira Larasaty PT SMART Producer, Indonesia

Llorenc Mila-i-Canals

(Alternate for Jan-Kees

Vis)

Unilever Technical expert, UK

Dr. Bambang Hero Saharjo

(Alternate for Norman

Jiwan)

Sawit Watch SNGO, Indonesia

Abdul Rashid Ab. Mali Forest Research Institute,

Malaysia

Technical expert (policies on forest

management, climate change,

forest plantation & renewable

energy)

K.T. Joseph University Malaya, Kuala

Lumpur, Malaysia

Technical expert (land use

planning, remote sensing & GIS

technologies, soil chemistry)

Petrus Gunarso Ministry of Forestry,

Indonesia

Technical expert (Forest

management & conservation,

community forestry, ecosystem

services)

John Pearson British Embassy

Mamat Salleh MPOA

Wong Mum Keng IOI Global Producer, Malaysia

Sin Chuan Eng KLK Producer, Malaysia

Secretariat

Sarala Aikanathan RSPO Staff

Jutta Poetz RSPO Staff

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Terms of Reference for RSPO GHG WG2

Workstream #1 – Operational Emissions

04 June 2010

These Terms of Reference outline the scope of work, activities, expected outputs,

composition, and timeframe of the RSPO GHG WG2‟s Workstream #1.

1. Background

As was agreed in GHG WG1 and further developed in detail in WG2 that there is a need to

understand and manage operational emissions of GHGs related to palm oil production,

which include emissions from methane from POME, fossil fuel use, fertilizers, processing

and transport.

2. Scope of work

It was agreed at the first GHG WG2 meeting in February 2010 that this workstream should

focus on improving information about operational GHG emissions and sequestration and

on utilising practices and activities that are currently being implemented by RSPO

members that could lead to reductions in GHG emissions from palm oil operations.

The main focus of workstream #1 will be to:

Task 1. Develop a harmonized framework and guidance for monitoring, measuring and

reporting operational emissions, consisting of boundaries, toolkits, definitions, default

values and models for best practices.

Task 2. Identify opportunities for avoiding, mitigating or leveraging reductions in

operational GHG emissions via voluntary action

3. Composition & Responsibilities of workstream #1 group

The tasks mentioned above will be undertaken by a group with expertise in operational

emissions in palm oil. The group will consist of 6-9 people, from within and outside the

GHG-WG2, who will be identified by the GHG-WG2 members. Within the group there will

be the following roles:

Lead author – The lead author will be leading this group, and whose responsibility is

to develop the outputs with a clear vision, i.e. framework and guidance, for moving

forward on operational emissions.

Technical group – These members are responsible for contributing to the outputs

from the lead author.

In addition, other GHG WG2 and RSPO members, while not actively part of the workstream

#1 group, will be asked to provide input by this group.

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4. Activities

Each task will require a number of activities:

Task 1: Develop a framework with user friendly guidance which RSPO companies can use

to monitor, measure and report GHG emissions and sequestration consistently

# Activity Responsibility

1 Review approaches currently being used by GHG WG2

members and others in the industry and in similar

sectors.

Preparation by lead

author and discussion

in full group

2 Review GHG requirements in different agricultural

commodity standards, legislations, and GHG calculations/

reporting standards, e.g. EU-RED, WRI GHG Protocol,

RTRS, etc.

Preparation by lead

author and discussion

in full group

3 Develop a draft framework for discussion by the full GHG

WG2 working group.

Proposed by group then

written up by lead

author with comments

from group

4 Finalise the draft framework based on input from the GHG

WG2 working group and develop accompanying guidance.

Lead author with

comments from group

Task 2: Collate information and guidance for RSPO members on methodologies/options

available for reducing emissions.

# Activity Responsibility

1 Identifying all RSPO members currently undertaking

activities relating to GHG monitoring or control

Group supported by

GHG WG2 facilitators

2 Documenting and reviewing case studies and examples of

best practice being undertaken voluntarily by RSPO

members to reduce emissions.

Lead author supported

by GHG WG2 facilitators

3 Evaluating potential revenue streams to support best

management practices including international emission

trading schemes like the CDM and voluntary schemes

such as VCS.

Lead author supported

by GHG WG2 facilitators

5. Outputs & Timelines

The work of the Workstream #1 sub-group will take place within the GHG-WG2 mandate of

one year, which may be extended or terminated as the Executive Board deems necessary.

Initially one meeting of the group is planned though other meetings may be suggested by

the sub-group members in consultation with the GHG WG2 Co-Chairs and Facilitators.

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The outputs to the sub-group will include:

Task 1:

# Output Expected

deadline

1 Draft Framework to be discussed at next GHG WG2 meeting May 2010

2 Final draft Framework to be discussed by GHG WG2 Sep 2010

3 Final Framework with guidance to be discussed at RT8 and

available for pilot testing

Nov 2010

Task 2:

# Output Expected

deadline

1

List of ongoing activities and projects being undertaken by GHG

WG2 and RSPO members:

Outline draft list of voluntary projects for discussion May 2010

Second draft list of voluntary projects Sep 2010

Full list of voluntary projects for RT8 Nov 2010

2

Summary of case studies and examples of best management

practices undertaken by RSPO members to reduce emissions

Draft for discussion Sep 2010

Final summary for distribution Nov 2010

3

Summary of potential funding streams

Draft for discussion Sep 2010

Final summary Nov 2010

General:

1. Presentations of framework - The lead author, in coordination with the Co-Chairs and

Facilitators, will provide updates and/or results of their activities during each GHG

WG2 meeting.

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12

Workstream #1 – Operational emissions

Progress presentation – presented to GHG WG2 by Cecile Bessou

(CIRAD)

27 May 2010

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15

Workstream #1 – Operational Emissions

List of group members

April 2010

Participation from:


Cecile Bessou CIRAD Lead author (Technical expert),

France

Mukesh Sharma Asian Agri Group Producer, Indonesia

Bambang H Saharjo Sawit Watch SNGO, Indonesia

Jean Pierre Caliman PT SMART Producer, Indonesia

Llorenc Mila-i-Canals Unilever Manufacturer, UK

Amir Abdul-Manan Shell Global Processor, Malaysia

Sarala Aikanathan RSPO Secretariat

Jutta Poetz RSPO Secretariat

Pavithra Ramani ProForest Facilitator

With apologies from:


S.S. Chen SIRIM Technical expert, Malaysia

Joshua Mathews IOI Global Producer, Malaysia

Shabbir Geewala Mongkut‟s University of

Technology Thonburi

Technical expert, Thailand

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Workstream #2 – Peatland Working Group

Final Draft Report on RSPO Peatland Working Group Meeting

22-23 April 2010

Jakarta, Indonesia

The meeting was attended by 17 participants (see Annex 1) and was held from the 22nd

-23rd

April 2010 at Grand Kemang Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. Apologies were accepted from 5

members of the WG.

1. Introduction

The co-chair of RSPO GHG WG2, Tim Killeen opened the meeting and gave an update of the

work on GHG WG and the process of establishment of PLWG. He also gave an overview of the

various workstreams under the GHG WG (see Annex 2).The PLWG operates as workstream 2

under the GHG WG. The initial TOR approved by the RSPO Board for the PLWG was presented

by Tim Killeen.

2. Presentation on Peatlands and Palm Oil

A presentation was made by Dr. Peter Lim Kim Huan from PT TH Indo Plantation entitled

“Overview of Tropical Peat under Oil Palm Cultivation” (see summary in Annex 3).

3. Appointment of co-chairs

Two co-chairs were appointed as follows, Dr. Rosediana Suharto from the Indonesia Palm Oil

Council and Mr. Faizal Parish from the Global Environment Centre representing the growers

and the NGOs respectively.

4. Revision of TOR

The initial TOR was deliberated and reviewed in detailed, and changes were proposed (see

Annex 4).

5. Discussion on Workplan for 2010-2011

Sub-groups were established to look in detail at the best way to implement key tasks for each

of the four objectives. The sub-groups reported back to the overall working group and the

final workplan for 2010-2011 was adopted (see Annex 5).

6. Timetable and milestones

The key milestones over the two year period were reviewed and a draft timetable attached as

Annex 6.

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7. Linkages

The group emphasized the need to establish appropriate linkages with other on-going RSPO

WGs and the relevant external initiatives.

8. Budget framework

An outline budget framework ( Annex 7) was developed to be submitted for Executive Board‟s

approval.

9. Next meeting

It was proposed that the next meeting to be held in Malaysia (provisionally in Kuala Lumpur)

in late July/early August, with a field trip to one or more oil palm on peatland sites.

The meeting was closed by the co-chairs with thanks to all participants as well as to RSPO and

the British government for providing support.

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Revised Draft Terms of Reference

23 April 2010

These Terms of Reference outline the scope of work, proposed activities, outputs and

operational arrangements of the RSPO PLWG. They have been revised in the first meeting of

the PLWG on 22-23 April 2010.

1. Background

Peatlands are estimated to hold the largest pool of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems.

Accounting for less than 3% of the global land surface, peat stores more carbon than all other

terrestrial carbon pools combined and twice as much as the above ground biomass of both

temperate and tropical forests.

Peatlands cover approximately 30 – 45 million hectares in tropical regions and are especially

abundant in Insular Southeast Asia, with an estimated 20 million hectares. The conversion of

tropical forest on peat soils to establish agricultural and forest plantations has been estimated

to account for between 3% and 5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These

emissions are the direct result of forest degradation and biomass burning associated with the

conversion process; however, converted and drained peatlands continue to emit significant

GHG for decades following clearing.

Modified hydrological regimes, which are a necessary management component of plantation

agriculture, change the soil environment typical of wetland ecosystems from an anaerobic to

aerobic state, which greatly facilitates the oxidation of soil organic matter. Consequently,

instead of sequestering atmospheric CO2 through the formation of peat, draining peat

swamps reverses a process that has led to the large-scale sequestration of carbon that has

created massive terrestrial carbon stocks over tens of millennia.

Peatlands are also wetlands and they play an important role in providing fresh water and other

ecosystem services to human society at the local, regional, and global scale. As a habitat

type with extreme chemical and physical characteristics, biological organisms have evolved

specialized physiological processes in order to survive. Moreover, drained peatlands

experience both subsidence and compaction that leads to reduced water retention capacity

and topography.

The palm oil industry is one the most productive and efficient agricultural production systems

on Earth, providing approximately 40% of all edible vegetable oils traded globally. It is labor

intensive and incorporates value-added industrial components at downstream stages of the

value-added production chain. As such, it represents an important option for economic

growth and job creation for developing countries.

Oil palm plantations currently cover approximately 15 million hectares globally, with

approximately 4.5 million hectares in Malaysia and between 7 million hectares in Indonesia,

the two most important producers of palm oil. These countries are also home to the world‟s

largest and most extensive tropical forested peatlands and an estimated 1 million hectares of

peat forest have been converted to oil palm plantations.

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Conservation initiatives and the ongoing conversion of available forest landscapes with

mineral soils are increasing the pressure to establish oil palm plantations on peat forest,

especially those that have been degraded by non-sustainable logging, or which may have been

impacted by drainage of adjacent areas.

The net GHG emissions from oil palm plantations vary greatly depending upon management

regime. Biomass burning during establishment or replanting greatly aggravate the emission

of CO2, especially when the peat itself catches fire. Aggressive measures to maximize

drainage can accelerate soil oxidation, while efforts to maintain relatively high water levels

minimise oxidation and emission. Over the medium-term, subsidence (which is the combined

result of peat oxidation and compaction), may impede efforts to manage water levels in the

future, which could increase flooding and potentially lead to salt water intrusion in coastal

areas.

Managing plantations on peat are a special challenge. However management options that

minimize subsidence and degradation of peat soils also lower GHG emissions and tend to

lower operation cost and improve the yields of existing plantations. The impending

development of global carbon markets may change the economic viability of establishing or

operating plantations on peat soils and increase the viability of alternative options to “rewet”

these landscapes in order to stop peat oxidation and restore the ecological processes that

lead to carbon sequestration.

The need to address these issues, the RSPO General Assembly in November 2009 agreed that

a working group would be established to explore and develop business models for optimizing

sustainability of existing oil palm plantations on peatlands, including exploring water

management regimes appropriate to reduce emissions, mechanisms that facilitate restoration

of peatlands and recommendations on after-use of plantation areas on peat.

This working group will build on the literature review, experience and proposals of the first

RSPO Working Group on Green House Gases, and will also work within the framework of the

GHG Working Group 2.

2. Scope of Work

The proposed objectives of the PLWG are to:

Objective 1: Identify the environmental and social impacts related to oil palm plantations on

peatlands.

Objective 2: Identify best practices for managing oil palm plantations on peat soils in order

to minimize GHG emissions and enhance sustainability.

Objective 3: Identify practical methodologies for assessing and monitoring carbon stocks

and key GHG emissions from oil palm plantations established on peat soils

Objective 4: Evaluate options and constraints for the rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.

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3. Activities

It is proposed that the PLWG will work closely with and with the second RSPO Greenhouse Gas

Working Group (GHG WG2), in order to provide specific information on oil palm plantations

established on peat lands and make recommendations that would allow members to the RSPO

to reduce emissions from existing plantations and avoid or mitigate potential future emissions

from new plantations. The detailed tasks of the PLWG according to the four objectives are as

follows:

1. Identify the environmental and social impacts related to oil palm plantations on

peatlands.

1.1 Conduct a review of literature/other information sources to identify

a) The environmental impacts of oil palm plantations on peatlands with focus on

GHG, but including other issues (biodiversity etc)

b) social and economic impacts of oil palm plantations developed on peatlands

c) impacts of oil palm plantations on peatlands at a landscape level – eg impacting

adjacent lands through drainage

1.2 Collate information on the current spatial extent of existing plantations established

on peat soils, as well as the planned extent of future oil palm planting in peatland

areas .

1.3 Collate information (and identify gaps) on the spatial extent of peatlands in main

countries with oil palm on peatlands and stratify into appropriate categories

including:

a) depth of peat; and,

b) the degree of existing land degradation (eg forest clearance, fires, overdrainage,

subsidence etc)

1.4 Collate information on potential GHG emissions and other environmental impacts for

a “business as usual” scenario for peatland development based on current practices

and probable expansion under existing conditions.

1.5 Assess the long-term effect of subsidence on the viability of oil palm cultivation on

peat.

2. Identify best practices for managing oil palm plantations on peat soils in order to

minimize GHG emissions and enhance sustainability.

2.1. Conduct review of literature/other information on best management practices for

oil palm plantations on peat.

2.2. Compile/prepare case studies on best practices in oil palm plantations.

2.3. Organize field visits to a selection of oil palm plantations on peat with different

management regimes.

2.4. Collate and compare current practices of peat management with other production

systems on peat soils.

2.5. Develop best practice guidelines on oil palm plantations on peat.

2.6. Develop a strategy for promotion of best practices on peatlands.

3. Identify practical methodologies for assessing and monitoring carbon stocks and key

GHG emissions from oil palm plantations established on peat soils

3.1. Compile information on practical methodologies to document and monitor carbon

stocks and GHG flux from oil palm plantations on peat.

3.2. Work with GHG WG2 (Workstream 3) to develop practical procedures applicable in

peatlands to estimate changes in GHG flux following enhanced management.

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4. Evaluate options and constraints for the rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.

4.1 Collate information on the experience of rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.

4.2 Assess the changes in carbon stocks and flows (and flux of other GHG) that would

occur from rehabilitated peatlands.

4.3 Compile information on potential of carbon finance and other mechanisms to avoid

peatland degradation and support peatland rehabilitation

4.4 Identify options and constraints for rehabilitation or sustainable use of degraded

peatlands, land cleared or earmarked for oil palm (but not planted) and after use of

oil palm plantations

4.5 Evaluate the cost and feasibility of rewetting degraded/drained peatlands.

4. Outputs

The main outputs of the Working Group are envisaged as follows:

A. A review identifying the main environmental and social impacts related to oil palm

plantations on peatlands.

B. A guideline for best management practices (BMP) for oil palm plantations on peat in

order to minimize to minimize GHG emissions and enhance sustainability.

C. Identification of practical methodologies that can be adopted by RSPO members to

assess and monitor key GHG emissions that originate from oil palm plantations

established on peat soils.

D. An evaluation of options and constraints for the rehabilitation of degraded peatlands

Options for converting oil palm plantations on peat soils to alternative sustainable

land-uses, including the restoration of peatlands.

5. Proposed Operational Arrangements

To ensure an appropriate mix of stakeholders and expertise it is proposed that the core

membership of the PLWG will be comprised of about 16 members. Participants preferably will

have experience in management of oil palm plantations on peatlands or assessing the impacts

of peatland development and rehabilitation. Additional experts or organisations may be

invited to contribute to the specific work of the group from time to time. Nominations are to

be made to the Secretariat by members of the RSPO, who will forward them to the Co-Chairs

of the second RSPO GHG WG for an initial screening process. This list of nominations will then

be presented to the members of the RSPO Executive Board who are participating in the GHG

WG2, who will determine the final composition of the group.

The Co-Chairs of the working group will be selected by the members of the RSPO Executive

Board that are participating in the GHG WG2. The Co-Chairs will be responsible for leading the

working group, coordinating the contributions of the members and ensuring that the mandate

is fulfilled. The working group should be supported by one or more independent

consultant/facilitator(s) with appropriate experience related to peatlands and palm oil and

preferably who understands the RSPO processes. The facilitator will also be responsible for

supporting the co-chairs in preparing for the meetings and in following up between the

meetings.

22

The working group will receive a budget from the RSPO to manage itself, organize the

meetings, field visits, consultancies, report writing and editing. A budget will be developed by

the Co-Chairs and Secretariat for approval by the Executive Board.

The working group will work over the period April 2010- November 2011. It will report on

progress at the time of the RT8 in November 2010 and deliver its final report at RT9 in 2011.

It will develop its own workplan.

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23

Actions Priority How When

1. Identify the environmental and social impacts related to oil palm plantations on peatlands /adjacent areas

1.1 Conduct a review of literature/other

information sources to identify

d) the environmental impacts of oil

palm plantations on peatlands with

focus on GHG, but including other

issues (biodiversity etc)

e) social and economic impacts of oil

palm plantations on peatlands

f) impacts of oil palm plantations at a

landscape level – eg impacting

adjacent lands through drainage

H Compiling/collecting literature/other

information

- first GHG group review

- from group members.

- Inclusion of case study and results

of field visits

a) - Other sources including

IFC review paper

Studies by companies

other studies eg IPOC/ ICRAF,

MPOB

Compilation and Preliminary review

by July 2010

Final review: Sept 2010

1.2 Collate information on the current

spatial extent of existing plantations

established on peat soils, as well as the

planned extent for future oil palm

planting on peatland areas

H Compile information on overall area of

oil palm on peat as soon as possible

with a subset of area of Oil palm

plantation on peat by RSPO members

general survey from documents in

public domain, as well as information

from MPOB, IPOC, WI

July 31 2010

24

1.3 Collating information (and identify

gaps) on the spatial extent of

peatlands in main countries growing oil

palm on peatlands and stratify into

appropriate categories including: a)

depth of peat and b) the degree of

existing land degradation (eg

overdrainage, fire subsidence etc)

M a. Compilation of existing data to

produce preliminary map of peatland

spatial distribution

b. Subgroup to come with a definition of

degradation for discussion at next

working group

c. Compilation on spatial data on

degradation of peatlands ( by fire,

drainage, clearance etc to be

undertaken in selected countries at

sample provincial/state level

Target basic maps by end of 2010

Selected provinces/regions in more

detail on degradation by end 2011

1.4 Collate information on potential GHG

emissions and other environmental

impacts for a “business as usual”

scenario based on current practices

and changes due to expansion and

best management practices.

M - Scenario of expansion and possible

changes due to expansion and best

management practices

Gather background studies eg

Abatement cost curve/potential of

palm oil within this curve(MacKenzie)

Prelim work to start in 2010 with

small workshop/meeting.

Complete by 2011

1.5 Assess the long-term effect of peat

subsidence on the viability of oil palm

cultivation on peat

H - Compile information on subsidence

levels and impacts including:

- Feedback submissions from RSPO

members on subsidence rates and

impacts.

- Use experience from other crops on

peat (eg agriculture, tree

plantations)/long-term subsidence

studies.

- Also look at issue of lodging of palms

(falling over)

- Subsidence in relation to flooding and

saline water intrusion

- Implications for peat underlain with

PASS soils/sandy soils/saline soils

Compile information 2010

Analysis 2011

25

Outputs 2010:

1. review of literature/other information sources to identify environmental and social impacts of oil palm on peat

2. report on current spatial extent of existing plantations established on peat soils, as well as the planned extent for future oil palm

planting on peatland areas

3. preliminary map of peatland spatial distribution in countries growing oil palm on peatland

Outputs 2011:

1. More detailed maps of peatland distribution and status in selected provinces/regions.

2. Review on potential GHG emissions and other environmental impacts for a “business as usual” scenario based on current practices and

probable expansion under existing conditions.

3. Report on the long-term effect of peat subsidence on the viability of oil palm cultivation on peat

26


2. Identify best practices for managing oil palm plantations on peat soils in order to minimize GHG emissions and enhance

sustainability.

2.1 Conduct review of literature and other

information on best management practices for

oil palm plantations on peat

H 1. Literature survey submission by all

PLWG members

2. Literature review by PLWG

3. Draft/summary guidelines on BMP

30 June 2010

31 July 2010

2.2 Compile/prepare case studies on best

practices in oil palm plantation

H 1. Voluntary submission by companies

with oil palm on peat

2. Review by PLWG

30 June 2010

31 July 2010

2.3 Organize field visits to a selection of oil palm

plantations on peat with different

management regimes.

M 1. Group visit to estate with different

scales/ patterns/ stages of

development (land preparation,

nursery, planting, replanting, water

management, fire prevention and

control, etc) including certified

estates in conjuntion with PLWG

meeting

2. Individual informal visits and

reporting back to PLWG

Visit 1 (Riau) – 2nd half 2010

Visit 2 (Sarawak) – 1st half

2011

2.4 Collate and compare current practices of peat

management with other production systems

on peat soils,

M 1. Literature review/Voluntary

submission by companies with

other crop on peat

2. Review by PLWG

30 June 2010

31 July 2010

2.5 Develop best practice guidelines on oil palm

plantations on peat H 1st draft

Regional Workshop on BMP 1

2nd draft

Regional Workshop on BMP 2

Final draft

Q4 2010

Q1 2011

1st half 2011

Sept 2011 Before RT9

27


2.6 Develop strategy for promotion of best

practices on peatlands To be discussed at regional

workshops

Q4 2011

Outputs 2010:

1. Review of literature and other information on best management practices

2. Compilation of case studies on best practices in oil palm plantations on peat

3. Preliminary review of information on other crops on peat

4. First working draft of guidelines on BMP

Outputs 2011:

1. Revised guidelines for best management practice for oil palm plantations on peat

2. Strategy for promotion of best practices on peatlands

28


3 Identify practical methodologies for assessing and monitoring carbon stocks and key GHG emissions from oil palm plantations

established on peat soils

3.2 Compile information on practical

methodologies to document and monitor

carbon stocks and GHG emissions from oil

palm plantations on peat.

1 1. Literature survey submission by all

PLWG

2. Voluntary submission and

literature review

30 June 2010

31 July 2010

3.3 Work with GHG WG 2 (WS 3) to develop

practical procedures applicable in peatlands

to estimate changes in GHG flux following

enhanced management

2 1. Provide recommendation to

develop procedure applicable to

peatland by WS 3

2. Meeting up with WS 3 involving co-

chairs of PLWG

1st half 2011

Outputs 2010:

1. Literature library

2. Brief report on practical methodologies

Outputs 2011:

1. practical procedures applicable in peatlands to estimate changes in GHG flux following enhanced management

29


4. Evaluate options and constraints for the rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.

4.1 Collate information on the experience of

rehabilitation of degraded peatlands

H Compile experience from literature

and lessons learned from past and

current tropical peatland rehabilitation

projects

July 1st

draft; Sept 2010

finalised

4.2 Assess the changes in carbon stocks and

flows (and flux of other GHG) that would

occur from rehabilitated peatlands

H Identify a methodology to assess

realistic gains in terms of reduced net

emissions from peatland degradation

and carbon sequestration in

rehabilitated peatlands.

July 1st

draft; Sept 2010

finalised

4.3 Compile information on potential of

carbon finance and other mechanisms to

avoid peatland degradation and support

peatland rehabilitation

M Preliminary review of current finance

mechanisms and developments in this

field

Sept 2010

Final review by Sept 2011

4.4 Identify options and constraints for

rehabilitation or sustainable use of

degraded peatlands, land cleared or

earmarked for oil palm ( but not

planted) and after use of oil palm

plantations.

H Needs analysis

Survey of existing experience,

Identification of options, including

e.g. land swaps, ecosystem

rehablitation, paludiculture ( crops in

rewettted peatlands), carbon markets,

BMP

Preliminary report by Sept

2010

Final report by Sept 2011

4.5 Evaluate the cost and feasibility of

rewetting degraded/drained peatlands.

M Consultancy End of 2011

30

Outputs 2010:

1. Review report on information on the experience of rehabilitation of degraded peatlands

2. methodology to assess changes in emissions following peatland rehabilitiation.

3.Preliminary review of potential finance mechanisms to avoid peatland degradation and support peatland rehabilitation

Outputs 2011:

1. Report on options and constraints for rehabilitation or sustainable use of degraded peatlands, land cleared or earmarked for oil palm

(but not planted) and after use of oil palm plantations

2. Report on feasibility of rewetting degraded/drained peatlands

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31


A summary of presentation ‘Overview of Tropical Peat under

Oil Palm Cultivation’ by Dr. Peter Lim Kim Huan

22-23 April 2010

Main points

Tropical lowland peat may be defined as:

A soil that contains at least 65 % organic matter (<35 % mineral), at least 0.5 m in

depth, pH of between 3-4 and with ash content generally less than 2 %.

When the peat depth is 0.5 -1.5m, it is classified as shallow peat; and when > 1.5 m

deep, it is classified as deep peat.

Peat is developed from dead plant and tree organic materials under water-logged

condition where the rate of organic matter (OM) buildup is faster than the breakdown.

Tropical peat in Se Asia has a characteristic dome-shape topography, with the dome

area elevated 4-9 m above the surrounding water surface and not subjected to

flooding.

Tropical peatlands in Riau (Indonesia) and Sarawak are rapidly being degraded by

unsustainable logging activities by the local people for their need of wood for

building their homes, boats, etc. Unsustainable mixed farming using the slash and

burn practice is still being practiced. Development of oil palm plantations may be one

appropriate development option for degraded peatlands. Even if degraded peatlands

are rehabilitated, there is no guarantee that they will remain so permanently.

Proper site selection before opening up a logged peat forest for oil palm plantation

was stressed.

A drainability study should be carried out first to determine if the proposed site can

be gravity-drained.

A comprehensive Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA study) and soil

survey should then carried out.

The SEIA report to include:

- Peat depth, soil profile and general topography.

- Physical and chemical properties.

- Water quality data (esp. salinity and pH).

- Socio-economic aspects,

- Identification of native areas.

- Biodiversity, etc.

The suitability of a peat area for oil palm cultivation will depend on:

32

- Degree of woodiness (peat maturity).

- Stage of humification.

- Nutrient content.

- Bulk density.

It is important to avoid using very woody immature peat for oil palm cultivation as it

has low yield potential.

Tropical peat has problem of nutrient imbalance ie. very high Mg and Ca antagonistic

to uptake of K, an element important for high oil palm yield. There is also a problem

of trace element fixation esp. Cu and Zn. However research was able to overcome

these nutritional problems on peat.

The physical limitations of peat are :

- Low bulk density of 0.10-0.15 g/cm3.

- High porosity 85-90% - high nutrient leaching during rainy season.

- Soft ground condition resulting in problems of mechanization on peat.

- Subsidence of peat which limits the economic life span if not managed

properly.

Peat subsidence is due to consolidation (settling), shrinkage and oxidation of the

organic material upon drainage. The lower the water table, the faster the subsidence

rate.

Peat subsidence is not noticeable unless measured using properly installed

subsidence pegs.

The initial peat subsidence rate in the first 1-2 years after drainage is quite fast but

has a beneficial effect for oil palm establishment as the porosity is reduced and the

bulk density increased from about 0.10 to 0.15 gm/cm3 by this process. Pre-

planting mechanical surface compaction is often used to speed up this initial

subsidence.

Subsequently the subsidence rate is reduced/ stabilized to about 1-2 cm per year

when water level is maintained at 50-75 cm from the peat surface.

There had been estimation of CO2

emission from oil palm plantations on peatland

based on its subsidence rate. It is important not to base it on the initial fast

subsidence rate, as this will result in over-estimation of CO2

emission from the

cultivated peat.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Proper land preparation and deep planting are important to minimize the palm

leaning and falling over of palms on peat.

Minimizing peat subsidence through effective water level control and ground cover

management is important to prolong the economic life span of the peat for oil palm

33

cultivation. Poor management of peat subsidence will lead to flooding and in some

cases saline water intrusion.

An effective water management system with proper water control structures to

maintain a water level of 50-75 cm from the peat surface for as long as possible is the

key to high sustainable oil palm yield on peat.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of major pests esp. Termites, Tirathaba bunch

moth, rats, rhinoceros beetles and leaf-eating caterpillars is emphasized. Early

detection and speedy control with minimum pesticide usage is preferred. Where

possible, biological control methods should be practiced.

Provision of basic amenities esp. housing, school, clinic, etc are important for a

productive and stable workforce.

Mechanization esp. for infield collection of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), should be

introduced to improve labour productivity.

Training on implementation of BMPs, fire control, safety and environmental

monitoring, etc should be carried out for all levels of estate management for

sustainable planting of oil palm on tropical peat and to minimize making costly

mistakes.

Green zones eg. along river reserve should be set up to conserve biodiversity in oil

palm plantations on peatlands.

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34



22-23 April 2010

Participation from:

Co-Chairs


Ibu Rosediana Suharto Indonesian Palm Oil Commission Technical expert (Policy expert)

Faizal Parish Global Environment Centre Technical expert (Peatland

management expert)

From the EB

Chong Wei Kwang HSBC Banker, Malaysia

Tim Killeen Conservation International ENGO, USA

Cherie Tan WWF ENGO, Singapore

Non-EB members

Marcel Silvius Wetlands International ENGO (Ecologist), Netherlands

Thomas Barano WWF ENGO (Spatial planning), Indonesia

Peter Lim Kim Huan PT.TH Indo Plantations Producer (Research controller),

Malaysia

Mukesh Sharma Asian Agri Group Producer (Head of R&D), Indonesia

Fahmuddin Agus GAPKI and IAARD Technical expert (Soil scientist),

Indonesia

Franki Anthony

Sime Darby Plantations

Producer (Head of upstream

operations), Malaysia

Ruslan Abdullah Sime Darby Plantations Producer (Head of research),

Indonesia

Jimmy Tan / Adrian Suharto Neste Oil Singapore Pte Ltd Processor, Singapore

Gurmit Singh United Plantations Producer (Agronomist), Malaysia

Jean-Pierre Caliman PT SMART Producer (Technical expert),

Indonesia

David Lee Global Environment Centre NGO (Peatland management)

Secretariat

Jutta Poetz RSPO Secretariat

Rahayu Siti Harjanthi RSPO Secretariat

Sarala Aikanathan RSPO Secretariat

35

With apologies from:


Alue Dohong

University of Palangka Raya

(UNPAR)

Technical expert (Peatland

restoration), Indonesia

Paramananthan A/L Selliah

Param Agricultural Soil Surveys

(M) Sdn. Bhd

Technical Expert (soil scientist),

Malaysia

Aljosja Hooijer Deltares, Delft Hydraulics

Technical Expert (Hydrologist),

Netherlands

Sue Page University of Leicester Technical expert (Ecologist), UK

Ivy Wong WWF

ENGO (Forest conservation

manager), Malaysia

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36

Workstream #3 – Scientific Panel

Draft Terms of Reference

May 2010

These Terms of Reference outline the scope of work, activities, expected outputs,

composition, and timeframe of the RSPO GHG WG2‟s Workstream #3.

1. Background

The RSPO GHG WG2 has commissioned a study to summarize the current state of

knowledge regarding land-use and land-use change associated with the

establishment of oil palm plantations and the net GHG emissions associated with

those plantations.

2. Scope of work

A Scientific Panel will be conformed to compile data and synthesize information to

establish an objective knowledge framework for estimating the dimensions of

GHG emissions associated with land-use and land-use change from the

establishment of oil palm plantations. The major tasks of the panel are descibed

below:

Task 1. Conduct a comprehensive literature review of all the pertinent scientific

literature on land-cover and land-cover change with an emphasis on South East

Asia, but complimented with information from other parts of the world where the

palm oil industry is actively expanding.

Task 2. Conduct a comprehensive literature review of the pertinent scientific

literature on the above and below ground carbon stocks on natural land-cover

and anthropogenic land-use types. This information should be organized to

reflect the variability due to geography, disturbance and management regimes, as

well as include estimates of mean values of carbon stocks and the variance

associated with those parameters.


literature on the dimensions of above and below ground carbon fluxes from land-

use change associated due to the establishment of oil palm plantations. This

should include, specifically, estimates of the GHG emissions due to forest

degradation from logging, in order as to more acutely estimate the emissions

directly attributable to plantation establishment


literature on the dimensions of above and below ground carbon fluxes caused by

ongoing, continuous and cumulative emissions caused by the oxidation of peat

on landscapes that have been drained or otherwise modified for the creation of

palm oil plantations.

Task 5. Compile biomass tables for oil palm plantations stratified by age stand

and variety that takes into account both above and below ground carbon pools

and includes short- to medium-term carbon pools associated from understory

plants and detritus.

37

Task 6. Compile a spatially explicit data base (GIS) for SE Asia that incorporates

data layers, which are stratified by land-cover, ecological unit or soil type, as well

as for management regime or economic actor.

Task 7. This information should be combined in a synthetic analysis that

documents the historical sources of GHG emissions over the last 20 years (1990 –

2000 – 2005).

Task 8. Conduct a synthetic analysis that uses this information to evaluate

forward looking scenarios. These scenarios should incorporate estimates of

variability that reflects the uncertainty of the data that is used in the construction

of these models.

Task 9. Identify the gaps of data and research

Task 10. Develop a tool (spreadsheet) for C accounting for oil palm plantation.

This includes accounting of C stock in the riparian and HCV zones within the

concession area.

3. Composition & Responsibilities of Workstream #3 group

The tasks mentioned above will be undertaken by a group of scientists with an

advanced degree (PhD) and demonstrated expertise in ecosystem ecology, forest

science, soils science, or geography. The group will consist of at least five people,

who have been nominated by members of the RSPO GHG-WG2. Within the group

there will be the following roles:

Lead author – The lead author will be leading this group, and whose

responsibility is to develop the outputs with a clear vision, i.e. framework

and guidance, for moving forward on operational emissions.

Technical group – These members are responsible for contributing to the

outputs from the lead author.

4. Activities

Each task will require a number of activities:

Task 1. Conduct an exhaustive literature review of all the pertinent scientific

literature on landuse and land-cover change with an emphasis on South East Asia, but

complimented with information from other parts of the world where the palm oil

industry is actively expanding.

# Activity

1 Describe existing global and regional land cover datasets, their

technical attributes (FAO/FRA, MODIS, etc.), temporal and thematic

stratification

2 Compile summary data for each dataset for selected countries

(Indonesia, Malaysia, PNG, Brazil,Liberia, Ghana)

38

Copernicus (2008): LUC Mly, Ind

ADB report for SEA, etc

3 Provide comment on the quality of the information, the

technological differences and the robustness of estimates

4 Provide recommendations as to the potential options for future

monitoring.


literature on the above and below ground carbon stocks on natural land-cover and

anthropogenic land-use types. This information should be organized to reflect the

variability due to geography, disturbance and management regimes, as well as

include estimates of mean values of carbon stocks and the variance associated with

those parameters.

# Activity

1 Summarize levels and variability of carbon stocks in forest, scrub,

and grassland types in different regions of the tropics (above and

below ground)

2 Summarize levels and variability of carbon stocks in cropland,

secondary vegetation & plantations in different regions of the

tropics pasture (above and below ground)

3 Describe the variability of carbon stocks that occur in natural

vegetation types due to ecological and geographic factors

4 Describe the variability of carbon stocks on landscapes subject to

different disturbance or management regimes, particularly logging

and subsistence agriculture

5 Identify information gaps and the need for future research

39


literature on the dimensions of above and below ground carbon fluxes from land-use

change due to the establishment of oil palm plantations. This should include,

specifically, estimates of the net GHG emissions due to forest degradation from

logging, in order as to more acutely estimate the emissions directly attributable to

plantation establishment.

# Activity

1 Estimate GHG emissions due to forest degradation from logging

prior to plantation establishment, so as to distinguish the source of

GHG emissions directly attributable to each activity.

2 Estimate GHG emissions due to forest degradation from wildfire on

GHG emissions, including emissions from peat forest fire

3 Estimate GHG emissions from potential carbon sequestration on

grasslands, pastures, scrubland, and secondary vegetation types.


literature on the dimensions of above and below ground carbon fluxes caused by

ongoing, continuous and cumulative emissions caused by the oxidation of peat on

landscapes that have been drained or otherwise modified for the creation of palm oil

plantations.

# Activity

1 Briefly describe the 3 dimensional structure and ecological function

of a typical peat dome, as well as the impact of logging, draining

and other human interventions on those functional attributes

2 Briefly describe, using examples, a typical plantation on peat, its

operations

3 Describe the difference and relative importance of compaction,

subsidence, oxidation

4 Describe the role of methane as a factor in GHG emissions from

peat, both before and after drainage/conversion

5 Summarize the range of values reported on the GHG emissions

6 Describe the range of area

40

Task 5. Compile biomass tables for oil palm plantations stratified by age stand and

variety that takes into account both above and below ground carbon pools and

includes short- to medium-term carbon pools associated from understory plants and

detritus.

# Activity

1 Compile above and below ground ground biomass tables for oil

palm plantations stratified by age stand and variety

2 Evaluate the status of below-ground carbon pools in plantations

established on mineral soils based on original vegetation type (e.g.,

primary forest, degraded forest, secondary forest, grassland,

replanting)

3 Evaluate the status of below-ground carbon pools in plantations

established on peatland based on original vegetation type (e.g.,

primary forest, degraded forest, secondary forest, grassland,

replanting)

4 Include in biomass tables short- to medium-term carbon pools

associated with herbaceous and detritus

Task 6. Compile a spatially explicit data base (GIS) for SE Asia that incorporates data

layers, which are stratified by land-cover, ecological unit or soil type, as well as for

management regime or economic actor.

# Activity

1 Locate and acquire best available data layers on ecological

vegetation type that can be interpreted based on its carbon stocks

Papua, Riau (1990, 2000,2005),

West and East Kalimantan (Landsat) w/clear separation of Oil

Palm); 13 classification for 1990, 23 for 2000-2005

MOF Data 2000-2006

2 Locate and acquire best available data layers on the spatial

distribution of peatland


distribution production forest, conversion forest, logging

concessions, etc


distribution smallholders & corporate plantations

5 Use Google Earth and other sources to document logging activities

at the best available scale. Hotspot data from NOAA, published by

Min of Env. Indonesia

41

Task 7. This information should be combined in a synthetic analysis that documents

the historical sources of GHG emissions over the last 20 years (1990 – 2000 – 2005).

# Activity

1 Estimate the dimensions of GHG emissions from the palm oil sector

that originated from the conversion of primary forest, peat forest,

degraded forest, scrub, and grassland

2 Estimate the relative production of palm oil from that was originally

covered by primary forest, peat forest, degraded forest, scrub, and

grassland.

3 Estimate the dimensions of GHG emissions of social group or

economic actor (e.g., corporate versus smallholders)

4 Systematic review of data availability and its quality, what‟s

available, what is not, what needs to be done

5 Estimate the relative production of palm oil from each of these

social group or economic actor (e.g., corporate, government

plantation, schemed and non-schemed smallholders)

Task 8. Conduct a synthetic analysis that uses this information to evaluate forward

looking scenarios. These scenarios should incorporate estimates of variability that

reflects the uncertainty of the data that is used in the construction of these models.

# Activity

1 Scenario 1. Business as Usual

2 Scenario 2. Compliance to legal and regulatory framework

3 Scenario 3. Expansion only on low carbon landscapes

4 Scenario 4. Intensification of smallholder production

Task 9. Identify the gaps of data and research

# Activity

1 Identifying gaps in land cover land use data

2 Identifying gaps in research on above ground biomass/C stock

3 Identifying gaps in research in below ground biomass/C stock

4 Identifying gaps in research in soil C stock

5 Identifying gaps in research in peat emission

42

Task 10. Develop a tool ( spreadsheet) for C accounting for oil palm plantation. This

includes accounting of C stock in the riparian and HCV zones within the concession

area.

# Activity

1 List tropical tree species names, English names, tree bulk density,

and allometric equation for biomass

2 Select the most acceptable allometric equation for oil palm

biomass / C. Indicate whether the equation include the frond and

bunches, otherwise develop equation or age vs biomass of each.

3 Provide the relationship of time (and soil properties) with the rate

of palm frond and EFB decomposition rate

4 Provide the relationship of soil and organic matter management on

soil organic matter

5 Develop a spreadsheet to relate the rate of change in the above an

d below ground C and environment and management factors

5. Outputs & Timelines

The work of the Workstream #3 sub-group will take place within the GHG-WG2

mandate of one year, which may be extended or terminated as the Executive

Board deems necessary. Initially one meeting of the group is planned though

other meetings may be suggested by the sub-group members in consultation with

the GHG WG2 Co-Chairs and Facilitators.

Output (Book chapter format)

1. Compilation of land cover change in the tropics, with emphasis in SE

Asia, and other palm oil producing regions; the rate, drivers

(includes evaluation of data gaps and research needs from Task#9)

2. Compilation of carbon stock above and below ground under different

land cover types, the variation and factors affecting


3. Analysis of GHG fluxes under different land cover and management

systems for mineral soils


4. Analysis of GHG fluxes under different land use and management

systems for peatland


5. Synthesis of C stock of oil palm under different age, variety, soil and

management systems (Task 5)

6. Synthesis of historical green house gas emission and scenarios for

emission reduction (synthesis of tasks #6,#7 and #8)

7. Spreadsheet and practical instruction of C accounting in oil palm

plantation on peatland and mineral soils (based on output 5)

Back to main page

43

Workstream #3 – Science Panel

Progress presentation – presented to GHG WG2 by Fahmuddin

Agus (GAPKI & IAARD)

27 May 2010

45

Back to main page

46

Workstream #3 – Scientific Panel


May 2010

Participation from:


Fahmuddin Agus GAPKI & IAARD Lead Author (Carbon budget, land

use/ land cover change)

Abdul Rashid Ab. Mali Forest Research Institute,

Malaysia

Technical expert (policies on forest

management, climate change,

forest plantation & renewable

energy)

K.T. Joseph University Malaya, Kuala

Lumpur, Malaysia

Technical expert (land use

planning, remote sensing & GIS

technologies, soil chemistry)

Bambang Sahardjo Sawit Watch Technical expert (forest fire,

environmental policy)

Petrus Gunarso Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia Technical expert (Forest

management & conservation,

community forestry, ecosystem

services)

Nancy Harris Winrock International Technical expert (Land cover

change, emission factor, C

accounting, REDD readiness)

New addition:


Meine van Noordwijk ICRAF Technical expert (Agroforestry and

natural resource management)

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47

RSPO GHG WG2 - Communication Program

Presentation to GHG WG2 by Sarala Aikanathan (Secretariat)

28 May 2010

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