Insights from a Luncheon Meeting at Wilmar International & RSPO-Monash Joint Symposium
At a recent luncheon meeting held at the Headquarters of Wilmar International, Singapore, Prof. Eleanor Slade, shared her insights gained from an expedition held from September 25th to 30th, 2022, at the Sekar Imej Conservation Area (SICA). This presentation showcased the efforts of the team in conducting rapid assessments of several insect groups: dung beetles, butterflies, moths, and dragonflies and damselflies.
Group photo of with Daphne Hameeteman (General Manager - Sustainability, External Engagement) of Wilmar International.
Photo 2023 Chin Sing Yun
Dr. Chiew Li Yuen, a postdoc at NTU and SEARRP, then shared the latest findings from Prof. Eleanor’s Tier 1 research project on pest species associated with riparian reserves in oil palm plantations. Her presentation highlighted her research over the last 2 years, focusing on the potential trade-offs of riparian reserves for biodiversity conservation with their potential to also harbour pest species. This research provides the scientific evidence base that is crucial to inform future policies and guidelines on management of riparian areas in oil palm landscapes.
(Left) Prof. Eleanor Slade presenting the findings from the SICA scientific expedition. Photo 2023 Li Yuen
(Right) Dr. Chiew Li Yuen presenting her research on riparian buffers versus pest and disease outbreak in oil palm plantation.
Photo 2023 Prof. Eleanor Slade
Dr. Chiew Li Yuen also represented the TEE Lab and presented her findings on riparian reserves at the RSPO-Monash Joint Symposium, Monash University Malaysia which offered a dynamic platform uniting dedicated researchers and industry professionals, all driven by a shared commitment to address the critical challenges within the palm oil industry.
Dr. Chiew Li Yuen presenting her findings in RSPO-Monash Joint Symposium, Monash University Malaysia.
Photo 2023 Symposium Committee
She also participated in the seminar workshop to discuss a list of research questions centered around RSPO’s new Impact Framework with a focus on five different themes - Sustainable Ecosystem Management; Mitigating Climate Change: Emissions Management; Enhancing Labour Benefits and Stakeholder Equity; Enhancing Benefits for Palm Oil Producers; and Transforming Markets. The TEE Lab was happy to engage in these discussions and share their research working towards addressing these crucial themes, so that the palm oil industry can move closer to achieving its global sustainability goals.