The Carbon Mitigation Potential of Sustainable Oil Palm Plantations: An Integrated Analysis of Hydrological Functions, Environmental Management, and Farmer Welfare

This research is motivated by the dual role of the agricultural sector, particularly oil palm, as both a source and a solution for emission mitigation in the context of global climate change. The study aims to analyze the carbon mitigation potential of sustainable oil palm plantations through an integrated approach that encompasses hydrological functions, environmental management, and farmer welfare. The method used is a qualitative literature review of scientific publications and institutional reports from the period 2020–2026. The results indicate that the climate impact of palm oil is highly dependent on management practices and land context; under optimal conditions, plantations can function as carbon sinks and reduce emissions through best practices such as peat water management, waste utilization, and input efficiency. Farmer welfare is proven to be a key factor in the adoption of sustainable practices. However, policy implementation gaps remain a major challenge. This study underscores the importance of strengthening governance, economic incentives, and farmer empowerment to drive the sector's transformation towards a tangible contribution to national climate targets.