August 19 is celebrated as International Orangutan Day, an opportunity to raise awareness about the threats these extraordinary primates face, mainly due to deforestation and the loss of their natural habitats. In this light, we can draw insights from Michelle Desilets, the director of the Orangutan Land Trust and a leading expert on orangutan conservation. For years, Michelle has emphasized the importance of sustainable management practices as a means to effectively protect these animals. 

A crucial aspect highlighted by Desilets is citizen science, which involves the public in collecting data on biodiversity. This approach has proven to be a powerful conservation tool, particularly in the context of palm oil production in Indonesia, where companies are adopting new practices to enhance and manage biodiversity on their lands.

International Orangutan Day also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to secure more funding and develop smarter conservation strategies. Supporting initiatives that promote resilient and sustainable supply chains, such as those for palm oil, is essential. It is important that not only companies but also consumers play an active role by choosing sustainable and certified products, which can make a significant difference.

Italy is a leader in this area, with over 95% of its imported palm oil certified according to RSPO standards. This not only reduces environmental impact but also showcases the effectiveness of certifications and traceability systems, such as blockchain and AI, in steering consumer choices towards more responsible options. 

International Orangutan Day encourages us to reflect on how each of our individual actions can significantly contribute to the conservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitats. By choosing certified and sustainable products, we can all be part of this crucial solution, supporting initiatives that protect orangutans and foster a greener future.