Quito, 29 May 2024Within the framework of the private sector support component, Component 1, Fedexpor in collaboration with Propalma and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Quito, announced the launch of the project "ECUADORIAN PALM OIL TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE AND DEFORESTATION-FREE PRODUCTION MODEL". The announcement was attended by Charles-Michel Geurts, Ambassador of the European Union in Ecuador.
The main objective of the event, which was attended by more than 50 people, including authorities and special guests, was to publicise the project that seeks to promote sustainable practices in the palm oil industry in Ecuador, with a focus on environmental conservation and the eradication of deforestation, as an initiative to the Regulation of the law on deforestation-free chains.
During the meeting, Oscar Calahorrano, Executive President of Propalma Ecuador said that part of the results of the project include:
- Establishment of the map of oil palm coverage on the north and south coast of the country with the support of satellite images from the Copernicus programme, achieving a register of properties at the polygon level of 800 MSMEs.
- Development and implementation of a palm geo-portal for the integrated management of information, including the identification of the state of health of plantations and traceability at source.
- Technical assistance to producers to improve the health of their plantations and address problems such as pests or diseases, and training on compliance with the European Regulation N° 1115 to ensure sustainable exports to the European Union to 100 MSMEs.
- Creation of a collective brand called "Propalma Sostenible", registered with the National Intellectual Rights Service, which will increase the income of at least 100 MSMEs by 5% after 22 months of project implementation.
"Thanks to this project, we will be able to transform our palm oil production into a sustainable and deforestation-free model. This initiative will not only protect our environment, but also significantly improve our income and the local economy. We are now securing a more prosperous future for our families and for generations to come." - Patricio Rivadeneira, Beneficiary Farmer
About the European Union in Ecuador
The European Union is made up of 27 countries that have progressively pooled their know-how, resources and destinies. Over 70 years, they have formed an area of stability, democracy and sustainable development, as well as preserving cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union has been present in Ecuador with a Delegation since 2003 and an accredited Ambassador since 2016. The EU is currently working for:
- Deepen its ties with the country on the basis of a partnership of equals and mutual respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
- Implement its Multiannual Indicative Cooperation Programme, for the next seven years, which will emphasise green, sustainable and inclusive projects.
- Achieve sustainable development for all through trade, investment and increased sharing of science and innovation.
About Fedexpor:
Guild that brings together the productive export sector of the country with more than 350 members between companies and business organisations, with more than 48 years in the market and with 4 offices in the main cities of the country.
Fedexpor has been leading and executing projects with different international cooperating partners for more than 15 years, its main partner being the European Union, as well as providing services to its affiliates on technical issues of foreign trade, trade promotion, training, business rounds, among others.
About Propalma Ecuador:
PROPALMA ECUADOR is the National Federation of the Palm Oil Production Chain. It is a new union institution created 5 years ago with the aim of contributing to the integration, growth and sustainability of the national palm oil sector.
It is committed to proactively influencing public policy, supporting the growth of the sector, promoting free trade, competitiveness and socially and environmentally responsible production.
It is made up of palm growers, mills (extractors) and industries as generators of progress and national development in order to achieve the necessary conditions for the development of their activities in a prosperous and efficient manner.
