Olam International is first in Africa to achieve RSPO certification for new oil palm plantation development. The Awala plantation in Gabon was Olam’s first venture into upstream palm plantations in a joint-venture with the Republic of Gabon. Development began in 2011 as one of two major projects for Olam Palm Gabon (OPG) in the country. The plantation of 6,700 hectares (ha) lies within a 20,000 ha lease, the remainder of which is actively managed by Olam for conservation of biodiversity and forest carbon, and protection of water catchments, in fulfilment of RSPO requirements. This certification has single-handedly boosted Africa’s RSPO certified production hectares by 30% from 21,666 ha. The other major development for OPG is the Mouila plantation which lies to the south of Awala. In Mouila, OPG has already planted 31,000 ha in full compliance with RSPO guidelines and is progressing towards certification of that area in 2017 as planned. As in Awala, Mouila will also have a very significant area set aside for conservation requirements as per the RSPO guidelines. Upon reaching full production capacity by 2023, the two plantations will deliver up to 22 metric tonnes of fresh fruit bunches (“FFB”) and 5.2 metric tonnes of oil per hectare, significantly complementing the existing stock of sustainable palm production in Africa. The Awala plantation employs some 1,200 staff, more than 90% of whom are Gabonese nationals. The land for the plantation ventures in Gabon was acquired on leasehold from the government and the well-recognised Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process was diligently followed. The social management plan was developed through active consultations and as per these plans, OPG has also supplied infrastructure and amenities to surrounding communities such as roads, lighting, water pumps and schools, as well as providing medical facilities.