APRIL is one of palm oil companies in Indonesia that face deforestation accusation from Greenpeace, but the company answers the accusation with proofs of progress in sustainable forest management. The company has been among the most consistent among many palm oil giants in Indonesia that do continuous sustainable efforts in each stage of production, as well as restoring the damaged land and protecting existing forest areas that have high conservation value. The company also teaches the principle to local communities, spreading the knowledge and skill in sustainability around larger areas.

APRIL Education to Local Farmers in Sustainability

APRIL works together with independent oil palm farmers in its operation, and therefore, the farmers also get education and training in sustainability. For example, the company trains farmers how to open the land for plantation with methods that reduce the risk of forest fire as well as waste. Also, the farmers learn how to do farming with efficient waste management and even recycling efforts, which can improve productivity besides reducing waste.

Local farmers also get training and education in conservation, making sure that all oil palm farmers understand to apply and even have initiative in sustainable farming practices. As for local communities, APRIL also provides educational programs for locals to improve knowledge and bring ideas as well as initiatives to start sustainable small business or conservation-focused efforts in daily life, such as recycle and reuse in household activities. With these efforts, APRIL wants to make sure that the sustainability and conservation efforts are understood and spread by local communities.

Positive Results in Sustainability-Focused Programs

APRIL efforts in educating and training local communities and farmers have shown positive results. For example, the company’s latest Stakeholder Advisory Committee reports showed that APRIL has managed to protect about 250,000 hectares of land with high conservation value. Also, the company has kept its commitment to plant about 150 millions of trees every year with the help of local communities. APRIL has also restored 40,000 hectares of damaged land and even acquired the right to restore lands in Kampar Peninsula and Padang Island.

APRIL has faced severe accusation from Greenpeace about deforestation, so the positive results in sustainability policies and programs are great answers from the company to the accusation. Also, the efforts of education and training for surrounding local communities make sure that the company’s sustainable forest management efforts spread widely, improving positive results of conservation program in bigger areas with high conservation values.