InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR – Ruth Silva, Director of Assurance at RSPO and HCV Network, shared her views on the importance of revising standards, the challenges in the process, and her aspirations for a positive impact on farmers in protecting High Conservation Value (HCV) forests and High Carbon Stock (HCS) areas.
Since 2014, RSPO has been a member of the HCV Network to strengthen its commitment to protecting HCV through credible identification. “We realize that without accurate identification, long-term protection is difficult to achieve,” Ruth stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from the RSPO website on Wednesday (January 1, 2025). RSPO has also developed an Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS) to ensure the quality and credibility of these identifications.
Ruth highlighted challenges arising from European Union regulations, specifically the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). “The definition of forest in the EUDR differs from the High Carbon Stock Approach methodology. A gap analysis is needed to ensure that HCV-HCSA assessments can meet protection expectations,” she explained.
While the EUDR focuses on due diligence, RSPO members are considered more prepared. With years of compliance evidence, they are a step ahead of other operators. “RSPO has documented all evidence related to sustainability principles, including a strong focus on eliminating deforestation,” Ruth added.
One important element in the standard revision is increased attention to farmers. Ruth explained that indicators related to the management and protection of HCV have been clarified to facilitate implementation and verification for farmers and auditors.
“Auditors involved in technical discussions provide insights into what works in the field. This will offer better guidance for farmers in meeting requirements,” she said.
Ruth also emphasized the importance of shifting focus from identification to the impact of protection. “We need to demonstrate that forests remain standing, local communities benefit, and their rights are protected. This documentation is necessary because the market wants to see real results, not just plans,” she asserted.
Ruth hopes that the new standards can document the challenges faced by farmers and find ways to make the process more efficient. “We must learn from farmers about the obstacles they face in protecting HCV and work together to overcome them,” she concluded.
The RSPO standard revision is expected to have a significant positive impact on both the environment and local communities, prioritizing sustainability and the protection of high conservation values. (T2)