SC will identify Members to be co-opted to the Working Groups
The WG Members would include industry actors, NGOs and industry bodies – all with relevant experience to strengthen and contribute to the activities of the coalition
WG Members would be appointed for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional year
At present, there are three working groups of I-SPOC namely Government Policy and Domestic Production , Supply Chain and End Users, and Financial Institutions
Government Policy and Domestic Production
Providing support to businesses on the steps to be taken to ensure sustainable production of palm oil - Work with businesses and other relevant stakeholders for training and capacity building projects to highlight the benefits of sustainable palm oil production - improve SHs livelihood, increase yield and income, reduce water footprint, better soil management, better market access for sustainable supply chains within India, use of independent smallholder credits etc.
Conduct baseline assessments and studies - Identify risks and opportunities for SPO production in the areas allocated for expanding PO production.
Capacity building of smallholders, extension officers and oil palm farmers to increase the production of certified sustainable palm oil
Encourage concerted efforts among private and public sector actors to promote conducive policy mechanisms and actions for uptake of sustainable palm oil in India
Building thought leadership on the subject, sensitization and engagement with key stakeholders including policymakers on uptake of responsibly sourced palm oil
Support interested companies and relevant actors to transit towards domestic production that is socially, environmentally and economically reliable
Regulation and Policy advice - Identify the relevant stakeholders within governments to engage and provide support as a technical advisor to ensure sustainable production of palm oil in India - share best practices, networks, subject matter experts etc.
Supply Chain and End Users
Guide the Steering Committee on necessary actions to mobilise supply chain actor and end users companies in support of sustainable palm oil
Bring important issues pertaining to Supply Chain and End Users Actors to the cognizance of the Steering Committee
Exchange of existing knowledge and good practices pertaining to promoting traceability and accountability-based disclosures along the supply chain
Develop knowledge products related to supply chain and end users that can be used by relevant stakeholders in their journey towards sustainability and sustainable palm oil procurement and sourcing
Build sustainable trade partnerships through linkages with similar platforms and/or initiatives on sustainable consumption and production in producer countries
Propose strategies (knowledge products, events, workshops) to create awareness and educate end consumers regarding sustainable palm oil along with Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Undertake transparency and accountability-based disclosures on sustainable procurement of palm oil
Defining approach and best practices for disclosure
To educate the suppliers and vendors about the benefits from the trade of sustainable palm oil and its derivatives, undertake supplier capacity building and training programs
Raise the institutional demand for sustainable palm oil in the industry, working closely with relevant Business Associations and other industry actors
Financial Institutions
Create awareness of these actors to understand the risks related to non-sustainably sourced palm oil (lack of or low transparency or traceability) linked to their investments/portfolio
Support FIs (Banks & NBFC) understand the linkage between sustainable palm oil and the broader commitments they may have, e.g. deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change
To support FIs (Banks & NBFCs) for building awareness of relevant Clients to transition to sustainable palm oil (through the climate, biodiversity, deforestation, etc.)
Develop tools and provide expertise (subject-matter experts) to help these actors better understand and manage these (above) risks
Develop institutional strategies and operations (e.g. through disclosure, E&S strategies, governance and accountability measures) for better management of this risk
Contribute to related policy and regulatory processes in India and beyond
Identify key FIs (Banks and NBFCs) linked to financing food and agriculture business and/or interested on deforestation, biodiversity, climate change – and operating in India
