From coffee beans to forests: Rebuilding forests in São Tomé and Príncipe
In São Tomé and Príncipe, a new generation of cocoa producers is actively involved in restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable cocoa production. This initiative is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations…
In São Tomé and Príncipe, a new generation of cocoa producers is actively involved in restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable cocoa production. This initiative is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Sao Tome and Príncipe faces significant challenges related to forest and land degradation. The FAO, in collaboration with the national government, has launched a project under The Restoration Initiative (TRI) to address these issues. The project aims to restore forest ecosystems and enhance sustainable cocoa production.
CECAB, the island's largest cooperative, plays a crucial role in this initiative. It unites 37 producer groups and supports over 2,000 families. The initiative provides farmers with improved agroforestry techniques and access to organic and fair-trade certifications, helping them protect nature while strengthening their livelihoods.
Since the project's inception, over 8,000 hectares of agroforestry have been restored in São Tomé and Príncipe. The aim is to reach 36,000 hectares by 2030. The project has established nurseries to grow endemic fruit and other tree species, with more than 240,980 seedlings produced and planted. These trees provide essential shade for cocoa production, which depends on a healthy forest canopy.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, a new generation of cocoa producers is actively involved in restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable cocoa production.
In 2022, CECAB expanded its operations by launching an organic chocolate factory. This move into high-value production was marked by CECAB's participation in the EuroChocolate 2024 fair in Perugia, Italy.
The initiative offers business classes to farmers, enabling them to explore opportunities beyond cocoa production. Participants, like Camila Varela De Carvalho, aspire to process and transform their cocoa into chocolate to enhance their independence and economic stability.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), The Restoration Initiative supports nine countries in restoring ecosystems and degraded landscapes.
March 21 is recognized as the International Day of Forests (IDF), emphasizing the significance of all forest types. This day highlights forests' roles in supporting economic prosperity and providing vital ecosystem services.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
