The Stepwise Support Programme is one of the first global support programmes specifically designed for the oil palm sector. ProForest and Wild Asia are both known and respected technical organisations within the global sustainability sector. We share the common goal of promoting sustainability in agriculture and have experience throughout the entire sustainable palm oil supply chain. Our combined experience from policy development to field implementation is one of the programme's core strengths.

The Stepwise Support Programme is designed to give you confidence in planning, implementing and communicating your approach to RSPO standards. This includes identifying key challenges in achieving compliance and setting targets to improve performance.

Many plantation managers are just starting the process of achieving certification. They will need support and guidance to understand certification requirements, assess current performance and implement action plans. The Stepwise Support Programme aims to provide this support and guidance enabling them to make progress towards achieving RSPO certification.

For buyers, processors and investors the challenges are slightly different but equally complex. They may need support in risk assessments of the current supply chain or the setting up of credible monitoring programmes for their supply chain. The Stepwise Support Programme provides practical advice on these and other issues.

For more information or to discuss options, please do not hesitate to contact our South East Asia regional manager, Ms. Pep George in Malaysia via southeastasia@proforest.net or +60(0)3 6201 1148.

For more information, you can also download the following leaflets:

Stepwise Support Programme for growers>>

Additional Support Services for Oil Palm>>

Download the registration form>>
Download the course outline>>

The RSPO-endorsed Lead Auditors Training Course will be held on the 12-16th April 2010 in Thistle Hotel Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The course is designed for RSPO auditors or internal company auditors globally. It will include lectures, workshops, a practical audit exercise and a written examination.

Endorsed by the RSPO, this professional course aims to provide potential lead auditors with an in-depth knowledge of the RSPO Principles & Criteria and their implementation. The course will focus on application of the RSPO Certification Systems and audit practice requirements to ensure consistent and appropriate audit decision making.

Focused topics:

• Overview of the RSPO and the P&C; with focus on relevant National Interpretation
• The RSPO certification process: understanding the key elements
• Implementation of Best Management Practices
• Peat in plantations
• Auditing within the context of RSPO
• Interpreting community and social elements: Free Prior & Informed Consent (FPIC)
• Participatory Methods and Consultation in the RSPO P&C
• Core labor issues within the RSPO
  
• RSPO Supply chain requirements: Options for certified sustainable palm oil & system requirements.
• Understanding Environmental Considerations within RSPO P&C in Existing Plantings
• Introduction to the High Conservation Values (HCVs)
• HCV assessment process