International Lifestyle Magazine Issue 50 | Page 13

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oss of Orangutan habitat through deforestation due to the new Palm Oil plantations is the major problem that we can all help to slow down and eventually stop. What is Palm Oil? A form of edible vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the African oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). African Oil palms originated in West Africa, but can flourish wherever heat and rainfall are abundant. The majority of all palm oil is grown and produced in Borneo and Sumatra; it is an introduced agricultural crop (not gathered from the rain forests). Second-most widely produced edible oil, behind soybean oil. Used in many food, cosmetic and bath products Palm oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit and is an edible oil used in food. It is used in many foods, cosmetic and household products. More recently it is being touted as a biofuel - despite evidence that the use of palm oil-based diesel actually increases greenhouse emissions. What’s the threat to Orangutans? The increased demand for palm oil, which is grown only in tropical environments, is fueling destruction of the rainforest habitat of Sumatran and Bornean Orangutans, pushing those endangered species even closer to extinction. Estimates show that if something isn’t done soon to stop the spread of oil palm plantations into the forests, Orangutans will be extinct within 10-20 years. Did you know? Palm oil plantations are the main driver for deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia. These two regions account for 85% of global production of palm oil.

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