| Land Use and Management |
The planning of sustainable development is perhaps
just as important as its retroactive implementation in the establishment
of plantations. The following features were incorporated into this
21st Century Plantation Development Model:
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Retention of a 70 hectare recreational forest
surrounding the Desa Lavang Housing Complex (Malaysia) to create
awareness on the important roles of the forest, particularly
in maintaining biodiversity and mitigating pollution, among employees,
dependents and visitors.
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- Hill slopes greater than 25º are retained under natural
enemies of oil palm pests as well as conserve flora and fauna
of natural importance or interest.
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Riparian reserves are maintained for the above purpose as well
as to minimize soil run-off and serve as a filtration system to
preserve water quality entering rivers. There are about 170 hectares
of such buffer strips retained in the Lavang Oil Palm Project.
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In addition, developing land in phases, early establishment
of legume covers, and construction of retention ponds, silt traps,
terraces and platforms and practice of integrated pest management
(IPM) has resulted in river water quality. This has been verified
through quarterly monitoring of water quality and environmental
performances since inception of the project. |
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| The effects of land development and agricultural activities
on the environment in general and river water quality in particular
are now well understood. This now serves as the benchmark for future
land development projects in the oil palm industry. |
