Alternatives to slash-and-burn practice key to combat haze

PETALING JAYA: The haze is not insuperable, and definitely can be put a stop to, said the Humanitarian Water and Food Awards (WAF) founder and president Tina Lindgreen.
By finding an efficacious alternative to the slash-and-burn agricultural practice and presenting them to the companies concerned could resolve the problem which has left the region blanketed in smoke and prevent it from recurring.
“Sustainable agriculture and sustainable forestry is the solution. If I am presented with something better, I will switch to that which is better, since it is more effective," said Lindgreen.
“The most effective way of stopping this is by presenting a better solution than burning down the forest, I am sure they know the consequence of their actions which surprises me that nobody is doing something about.”
Copenhagen-based Lindgreen, who is in Malaysia in conjunction with the upcoming WAF Awards, said “stringent regulations” and “massive education” which can be done through labeling palm oil products, are some of the ways to tackle this problem.
“If the label says this palm oil has caused sickness, death and people are being deprived of enjoying nature, they have not seen the blue skies for the past two months. Do you really want to contribute to this?”she said in a recent interview.
She said it could be a possible solution, as end users and stakeholders, the people have the right to know of the liabilities and consequences the production of these products has brought about.
WAF is a non-profit organisation which aids and recognises food and water security initiatives around the globe. The Malaysian chapter of the WAF Awards will be held on Oct 22 at Sunway Lagoon Convention Centre.