Europe wants chocolate but without deforestation

29-12-24

The chocolate industry, valued at approximately EUR 45 billion in Europe, relies heavily on imported cocoa, mainly from West Africa. However, this demand has driven deforestation in tropical regions, negatively affecting the environment.

To combat this problem, the European Union has implemented regulations banning the import of agricultural products, including cocoa, from deforested areas after 2020. This measure seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices and protect tropical forests.

In Latin America, countries such as the Dominican Republic and Ecuador have adopted these regulations, supported by non-governmental organizations such as Codespa. These initiatives encourage cocoa production without resorting to deforestation, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural techniques.

One of the technologies employed is agroforestry, which integrates cocoa cultivation with native trees, preserving biodiversity and improving soil quality. In addition, satellite monitoring systems are used to ensure that the cultivation areas do not encroach on protected forest areas.

These practices not only benefit the environment, but also improve farmers' quality of life. By adopting sustainable methods, producers can access international markets that better value and remunerate responsibly produced cocoa.

Collaboration between governments, NGOs and the private sector is essential to the success of these initiatives. Investment in training and technology enables farmers to adopt more efficient and sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of tropical forests and the production of high quality cocoa.

The implementation of sustainable agricultural technologies and practices in cocoa production is fundamental to achieving “zero deforestation” chocolate. International cooperation and the commitment of all stakeholders are key to preserving the environment and ensuring the future of the chocolate industry.