From cocoa beans to forests: Rebuilding forests in São Tomé and Príncipe
## Introduction to Sustainable Cocoa Production in São Tomé and Príncipe
Introduction to Sustainable Cocoa Production in São Tomé and Príncipe
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports a new generation of cocoa producers in São Tomé and Príncipe in restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing sustainable cocoa production.
Local cocoa farmer, Camila Varela De Carvalho, utilizes traditional harvesting techniques to collect cocoa pods, which are then processed into chocolate, providing essential income for her family.
The FAO and the national government have launched a project under The Restoration Initiative (TRI) to address forest and land degradation while promoting sustainable cocoa production.
CECAB, the largest cooperative in São Tomé and Príncipe, plays a crucial role in the initiative by supporting over 2,000 families through improved agroforestry techniques and access to organic and fair-trade certifications.
With CECAB's support, farmers have more reliable outlets for selling their cocoa, enhancing their economic stability.
Restoration of over 8,000 hectares of agroforestry land since 20pe, with a target of 36,000 hectares by 2030. Production and planting of over 240,980 seedlings to provide shade for cocoa trees and maintain forest canopy health.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports a new generation of cocoa producers in São Tomé and Príncipe in restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing sustainable cocoa production.
The initiative provides financial and technical support, empowering farmers to restore their agricultural landscapes.
Development of Local Chocolate Production
In 2022, CECAB expanded into organic chocolate production, marking the first time local producers have transformed their own cocoa into chocolate.
This development was showcased at the EuroChocolate 2024 fair in Perugia, Italy.
Future Aspirations and Educational Support
The project also offers business classes to farmers like Camila, aiding them in exploring opportunities beyond cocoa farming, such as chocolate production.
The Restoration Initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supports ecosystem restoration across nine countries.
March 21 is recognized as the International Day of Forests, emphasizing the importance of forests in economic prosperity and ecosystem services.
Forests contribute significantly to global economic activities, including agriculture, ecotourism, and resource supply, supporting millions of jobs worldwide.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
