Jakarta (ANTARA) – PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) underscores its commitment to sustainability through a zero-deforestation policy aimed at environmental preservation.
Astra Agro Bandung Director Sahari stated that the company has enforced a zero-deforestation policy throughout all operations for the past decade.
“This sustainability policy is now integral to our company and must be followed by the entire supply chain, including core plantations, plasma farms, and third-party suppliers,” said Bandung in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Astra Agro’s zero-deforestation policy includes four main principles: no development in High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests, no development in High Conservation Value (HCV) areas, no burning, and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in plantations.
High Conservation Value (HCV) areas are areas within a landscape that possess unique or highly significant features or importance in biological, ecological, hydrological, and socio-cultural contexts.
Astra Agro has completed a reassessment of HCV areas across all operational regions to support sustainable palm oil management, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and ecological functions.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Astra Agro updated the HCV assessment across all operational regions. This process involved collaboration with independent institutions, including Daemeter Consulting, PILI Green Network, Eco Nusantara, and the local community.
Bandung Sahari emphasized that the HCV assessment provides a scientific and participatory basis for landscape-based biodiversity management.
“Active community participation is key to long-term success. Through participatory mapping and in-depth consultations, we are fostering shared ownership, which is essential for effective conservation,” he said.
This process ensures that all stakeholders can participate in assessment activities, including information exchange, participatory mapping, and final consultations.
This activity demonstrates respect for the local community by providing information about the study plan and seeking approval for the study.
Bandung Sahari added that the sustainability policy reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, including biodiversity, land, and water conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering a positive environment for both internal and surrounding communities.
We recognize that sustainability in the palm oil sector is a shared responsibility. “Astra Agro’s zero-deforestation commitment is not a temporary response, but a foundation we have built and maintained over the years to ensure our operations benefit local communities without compromising the environment,” said Bandung.
Source: Antaranews.com
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