New oil palm plantations in Papua, Indonesia. Challenges in the establishment process

The establishment of new oil palm plantations in Papua-Indonesia has greatly increased in the last years. The process of new plantation establishment involves land use change, which in many cases is directly related with the loss of primary climax forest. Papua has good climate conditions for oil palm cultivation due to high precipitation and rich in nutrients soils, as well as a large amount of available land; but its remoteness and political situation involve higher risks and costs for investors. The palm oil industry generates employment opportunities, potential for development of rural areas, as well as revenue redistribution to society in the form of taxes. On the other hand, land use change can be responsible for the loss of ecosystem services, loss of natural habitats and carbon emissions. Papua-Indonesia holds very deep and ancient tribal traditions, and its population in general opposes change. This study presents the issues related to the establishment of new oil palm plantations in Papua, Indonesia. The local and global consequences are reviewed. Factors that influence the decision-making process are identified in a strengths-weakness-opportunities-threats analysis