Environmental sustainability: a conceptual framework for research in the palm oil sector

Environmental sustainability, with the emphasis on Environmental Performance Indicators (EPIs) is the overarching framework of this research programme. Discriminatory practices, emanating mainly from Western Environmental Non-governmental Organisations (ENGOs), have adversely impacted on the global trade of palm oil. The research foci in terms of players or actors are the oil palm cultivators and palm oil millers as they are the most vulnerable parties in terms of pollution and criticism. The proposed research programme will commence with the quantification of EPIs for both the above sectors. The quantification of a set of comprehensive EPIs for each of the sectors is a pioneering undertaking. This will be followed by an evaluation of the extent of environmental sustainability for both the sectors via a series of spidergrams. The spidergrams, accompanied by complementary and supplementary primary data will help to ascertain the facilitators and hindrances towards the goal of environmental sustainability. The planned research will be carried out in a cluster of two collaborative and inter-related projects. Project 1 will focus on palm oil cultivators whereas Project 2 will emphasize on palm oil millers. Project 1 and 2 are inter-related in terms of the mutually-interdependent and reinforcing factors, especially for vertically-integrated operations. Moreover, these two sectors were selected as they are the most vulnerable in the entire oil palm and palm oil chain. The research methodology initiates with the operationalization of appropriate EPIs for each of the sectors. Primary and secondary data will be gathered and analysed via a mixed-method approach. Quantitative data will be complemented and supplemented by qualitative data. The expected outcomes of this research programme would be contribution of new knowledge on environmental sustainability. The achievements and shortfalls will facilitate the formulation of environmental policy and management by MPOB and relevant government agencies, which will be in consonance with the requisite sectors. Other expected outcomes would be the development of human capital with research expertise on palm oil and also publications in high impact and SCOPUS indexed journals, which will have a positive impact on both the collaborative institutions, i.e. UKM and MPOB.