Page 70 - APICAL_SR2023

Our
About This President’s About 2023 Apical2030 Approach to Transformative
Report Statement Apical Highlights Highlights Sustainability Partnerships

APICAL GROUP
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023
TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

FIRE PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT
The practice of slash-and-burn for clearing agricultural
land contributes to transboundary haze and climate
change through emissions. We enforce a strict “zero
burn” policy across all our suppliers and have published
guidelines on our website to aid them in preventing,
detecting early and controlling open burning on oil
palm plantations. These guidelines highlight the risk
of fires spreading to neighbouring plantations during
the dry season due to wind or underground burning
when the water table is low.
Although larger plantations might adopt alternative
PROTECTING PEATLAND AREAS AND SOIL land clearing methods, financial limitations make slash-
and-burn a favoured option for improving soil fertility
Apical is commited to our no planting on peatlands and reducing fertiliser need among smallholders.
containing 65% or more organic soil, regardless of Therefore, incorporating smallholders into our fire
depth. We organise workshops for suppliers with prevention and management strategy is essential.
existing operations on peatlands, promoting best We aim to educate smallholders on the zero burning
practices in peatland management. These practices practice and support them in finding sustainable
include efficient water management to enhance oil alternatives.
palm productivity and reduce GHG emissions from Our published guidance on “Prevention, early
peat areas. We guide our suppliers in maintaining detection and control of open-burning in oil palm
the water table at an optimal level through effective plantations” on our website outlines instructions
management and monitoring. For peat areas deemed on preventing and managing open-burning and
unsuitable for replanting, we collaborate with experts minimising safety incidents.
and stakeholders to consider long-term restoration or
alternative uses. In 2023, we supported our principal
supplier, Asian Agri, in executing
We also engage in practices that preserve soil fertility its Fire-Free Village Programme,
and prevent erosion and degradation. Suppliers are targeting 16 villages in Riau and
advised against planting on marginal and fragile soils Jambi. Spanning approximately
to prevent soil nutrient imbalances. 343,276 ha, the programme
focuses on fire prevention and
The use of pesticides classified as 1A or 1B by the management awareness.
World Health Organisation or those listed in the
Stockholm or Rotterdam Conventions, including
paraquat, is banned among our suppliers. Exceptional
use of restricted pesticides must undergo a thorough
due diligence process. We encourage suppliers to
adopt proper practices of chemical usage, including
pesticides and fertilisers.

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