Zero Harm: Fire & Haze Management

Zero Burning Replanting Technique​
​SD Guthrie pioneered and commercially introduced the 'Zero-Burning Replanting Technique' in 1985.​ When clearing fields of old and unproductive palms, the trunks and fronds are cut and left on the fields to decompose as organic fertiliser. This environmentally friendly technique improves soil quality, and has been adopted as the industry standard for oil palm replanting.​​

​In 1992, SD Guthrie was admitted into the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Global 500 Roll of Honour for Environmental Achievement during the Rio Earth Summit for the development and commercialisation of this technique.​​

​5km Radius Zero-Burning Commitment​
We implement a strict Zero Burning Policy within our own estate boundaries. In line with our environmental stewardship, we encourage our neighbours to commit to the same policy. This includes those within a 5km radius of our estate boundaries.​​

Hotspot Monitoring​
Through satellite, ground, and drone monitoring, detected hotspots and fire occurrences in our estates as well as neighbouring areas are promptly reported to authorities in accordance with our fire management operational standards. Our monitoring efforts covered over 800,000 hectares of land in Indonesia, utilising more than 50 drones to monitor our operations for potential fire risks.​​​

Hotspot Dashboard​
Our Hotspot Dashboard tracks and reports hotspot occurring within our concession areas and 5km beyond our boundaries in Indonesia.​​

Fire Fighting Teams​​
Once alerted, we immediately investigate and send our specially trained teams to put the fires out and prevent it from spreading and causing further damage. We have Fire Fighting Teams at all our operations to help put out fires. In Indonesia, they not only safeguard our plantations, but also assist our neighbours as part of the 5km zero-burning commitment.

Fire Towers​
We also utilise fire towers in Indonesia to enable early detection of wildfires across our plantation and neighbouring areas, in line with our 5km radius zero-burning commitment. In Indonesia, we are committed to monitor fire occurrences and help to put out the fires within a 5km radius of our estate boundaries as soon as we are alerted.​​​

Desa Mandiri Cegah Api (DMCA) and Desa Mandiri Peduli Gambut (DMPG)​
Since 2014, our subsidiary Minamas Group has partnered with universities across Indonesia to develop integrated community-based fire prevention programmes (DMCA) involving all levels of stakeholders, to contribute to safeguarding the area from forest fires.​​

The programme aims to educate local communities in fire-prone villages around our operations about sustainable agricultural practices.​ This programme operates in high-risk areas for fires across various parts of Indonesia, covering more than 25 villages. It enhances awareness of forest and land fire risks in the community, extending outreach to schools through programmes like “Guru Peduli Api” involving teachers and principals, and “Sekolah Peduli Api” with the Indonesia Heritage Foundation. The “Penghargaan Desa Bebas Api” awards fire-free villages to encourage villagers to practice zero-burning on their farms. Minamas Group also conducts training sessions on forest and land fire prevention and control with smallholders and nearby communities across our operations, highlighting the importance of preserving the surrounding environment from the dangers of forest fires.

Village development initiatives, such as palm frond and ‘dodol cubit’ handicrafts production, among others, are being implemented and monitored to support villagers in developing sustainable and viable income opportunities.

In addition, the Desa Mandiri Peduli Gambut (DMPG) programme focuses on raising awareness on fire risk in peatland areas.​​

Local Communities Fire Awareness Movement​
We have also helped to initiate 'Masyarakat Peduli Api' (Local Communities Fire Awareness Movement) in Indonesia, within neighbouring local communities to increase their awareness and participation in fire prevention activities.​