Sustainable Agricultural Practices And Environmental Impact Assessment In The Malaysian Palm Oil Industry For Climate Change Mitigation And Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental impacts of palm oil cultivation in Malaysia and evaluates the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices in aligning the industry with global sustainability targets. Using a secondary data analysis approach, the research synthesizes data from government agencies, certification bodies, and peer-reviewed studies. It evaluates key environmental indicators (deforestation, biodiversity loss, water and soil quality, GHG emissions) and economic metrics (yields, certification premiums, investment returns), with a comparative focus on certified versus non-certified plantations. The analysis reveals that while palm oil cultivation has historically driven significant environmental degradation, the adoption of sustainable practices—such as integrated pest management, precision agriculture, and methane recovery systems—has led to measurable improvements in biodiversity conservation, water quality, and GHG reduction. Certified plantations (MSPO/RSPO) consistently outperformed conventional ones across environmental indicators, and sustainable technologies demonstrated favorable cost-benefit outcomes over the medium term. This study underscores the potential for Malaysia's palm oil industry to align with key Sustainable Development Goals—SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land)—through expanded certification, enhanced governance, and targeted support for smallholders. The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, industry actors, and international stakeholders to scale sustainability transitions in tropical agricultural systems.