Milestones of the Programme
Here follows a short overview on the most important steps in the development and achievments of the Tripa Programme:
- Since 2005, PanEco and YEL have been active in the tsunami disaster response in the Tripa area, including a housing programme and the construction of a hospital.
- November 2006: The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil RSPO, a world body that gathers around 50% of the supply chain, endorsed the Pilot Study "To develop oil palm on fallow land" as an alternative to palm oil plantations in the peat swamp forests.
- In 2008 we started the Tripa awareness campaign promoting the value of Tripa for local livelihood. The campaign is implemented with our mobile units and Pride Rare in cooperation with the Sumatra Conservation Services Programme.
- November 2008: RSPO adopted the Tripa Resolution" requesting RSPO to take actions to stop the destruction of Tripa.
- May 2009: The Biodiversity Agriculture Commodities Programme from the International Finance Cooperation partnered with PanEco to implement the pilot study "undertake palm-oil cultivation according to RSPO-guidelines on fallow land,...".
- May 2009: The pilot study started on-the ground, with small holders being organised, mapping, and awareness rising. The pilot study uses the best environmentally and socially responsible practices and is supported by Lesos, an Indonesian organic certification organisation. It will last at least four years, counting from the planting of the first oil palm seedling to the production of crude palm-oil.
- June 2009: "The Independent" revealed the British conglomerate Jardines Matheson Ltd (Jardines) to be involved in Tripa destruction through its subsidiary Astra Agro Lestari.
- November 2009: RSPO members linked to AAL/Jardines confirmed that AAL/Jardines suspended the expansion and searches for alternative solutions.
