Ecological footprint assessment towards eco-efficient oil palm and rubber plantations in Thailand

Abstract

This research is aimed at determining the ecological footprints (EFs) of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) from oil palm and fresh latex, and hevea wood and branches from rubber plantations in Thailand using a life cycle approach. Ratios between economic benefit to EF of oil palm and rubber plantations were considered as indicators for zoning oil palm and rubber plantations as economic crops of Thailand. Average values of EF of oil palm and rubber plantations of 17.5 and 15.6 global hectare (gha)/hectare (ha)-year were determined, respectively. Average values of EF of FFB, fresh latex, hevea wood, and hevea branches were 0.806, 2.22, 0.25, and 0.039 gha/tonne, respectively. Rain and irrigation water was responsible for more than 90% of total EF. From 2009 to 2014, average values of ratio between benefit to EF for oil palm and rubber plantation were 60.4 and 124 USD/gha respectively. In 2014, the ratio between benefit to EF was 60.9 USD/gha for oil palm plantation. The selling price of natural rubber reached the minimum. Without government subsidies, there was no benefit from the rubber plantation. The average value of ratio between benefit to EF of rubber plantation was −5.85 USD/gha. Policy makers should be seriously concerned about this situation and try to mitigate it. With government subsidies, the ratio between benefit to EF was increased to 6.75 USD/gha. Policymakers should include EF and benefit to EF ratio for zoning suitable oil palm and rubber plantations to enhance sustainable production. New varieties of oil palm and rubber trees with high yields and the policy for supporting the establishment of rubber industry for producing the valuable products should be promoted.