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WWF-Indonesia and the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) signed a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta on Friday, September 18, 2026, to enhance transparency and sustainability across commodity supply chains, with a particular emphasis on strengthening their standing in international markets.
Dubbed the 'Green Partnership,' the agreement is structured around five priority areas: supply chain transparency, sustainability certification, responsible production, biodiversity conservation, and the expanded participation of independent smallholders in sustainable supply chains.
The partnership comes at a time when palm oil producers face increasingly stringent sustainability requirements in global markets, most notably the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which mandates that companies demonstrate that relevant commodities placed on the EU market are not linked to deforestation.
Aditya Bayunanda, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Indonesia, stressed that stronger collaboration among producing countries, businesses, certification bodies, civil society, independent smallholders, and global markets is essential to reinforce the credibility of sustainable plantation commodities.
'Sustainable plantation commodities are not simply a supply chain issue, but an effort to protect Indonesia's biodiversity,' Aditya said.
He explained that the partnership with CPOPC would help strengthen Indonesia's Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification and similar national certification systems developed by other producing countries, enabling them to secure greater recognition in global markets.
'There is a gap between certified production capacity and acceptance in global markets,' Aditya noted.
Izzana Salleh, Secretary General of CPOPC, said palm oil-producing countries and industry stakeholders have made significant investments in advancing sustainability practices, protecting human rights, and supporting livelihoods throughout the supply chain.
She pointed out that national sustainability certification schemes, including Indonesia's ISPO and Malaysia's Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO), reflect producing countries' firm commitment to sustainability.
However, Izzana added, further progress is required to ensure smallholders have the resources, capacity, and opportunities to participate fully in sustainable supply chains.
'By combining our expertise, experience, and networks, we can turn our shared commitments into meaningful and inclusive action,' she stated.
Following the MoU signing, WWF-Indonesia, CPOPC, and Competere jointly organized a webinar titled 'Leave No Smallholder Behind: Making EUDR Compliance an Opportunity for Inclusive Development.'
The discussion explored the implications of the EUDR for independent oil palm smallholders, focusing on challenges related to geolocation, traceability, and documentation. These requirements could create significant structural obstacles for smallholders aiming to retain access to global supply chains.
The partnership will also back efforts to develop deforestation-free and legally compliant commodity supply chains, promote biodiversity conservation, and reinforce traceability systems, including through the Hamurni application.
WWF-Indonesia noted that the collaboration aligns with Indonesia's broader climate and environmental objectives, including its Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which targets a 31.89 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 through domestic efforts, rising to 43.20 percent with international support.
Both CPOPC and WWF-Indonesia stated that the partnership aims to ensure smallholders are not left behind as the palm oil sector transitions toward more sustainable supply chains and pursues broader acceptance in global markets.
CPOPC was established by Indonesia and Malaysia in 2015. Its current member countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Nigeria, Colombia, Ghana, and Costa Rica serve as observer countries. Together, CPOPC members and observers account for 89.3 percent of global palm oil production, according to the organization.
Source: Ecobiz Asia