The Cocoa and Forests Initiative has (CFI) announced significant strides towards its mission of eradicating deforestation in the cocoa sector through collaborative efforts between cocoa and chocolate companies, and the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
This cooperative venture, entering its second phase in 2022, has laid the foundation for a sustainable and responsible cocoa industry with renewed strategies and ambitious multi-year plans extended until the close of 2025.
As we reflect upon the achievements of 2022, it is evident that the CFI’s resolute commitment to environmental sustainability in cocoa supply chains is yielding substantial results. In both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the 36 cocoa and chocolate company signatories to CFI collectively distributed a remarkable 12.4 million multi-purpose tree seedlings to cocoa producers in 2022 and 33.1 million since 2018. Additionally, payments for environmental services were disbursed to 23,155 cocoa producers in Côte d’Ivoire and 9,092 cocoa producers in Ghana, underlining the tangible benefits flowing back to the farming communities.
One noteworthy milestone is the significant enhancement in traceability achieved by participating companies. In 2022, they reported that 85% of their direct cocoa supply is now traceable down to the plot level. This represents an 18% increase in direct supply traceability compared to 2021, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the CFI partners to transparency and sustainability.
Analyses based on Ghana Forest Compliance data have revealed that out of the 17,676 hectares of forest lost in CFI’s six priority areas in Ghana, 13.2% was attributed to cocoa production. Importantly, deforestation caused by cocoa production in Ghana remained stable compared to previous years. In Côte d’Ivoire, deforestation trends exhibited volatility.
Although satellite monitoring tool images registered a decrease in deforestation in 2021, in 2022 it witnessed an unfortunate increase, resulting in the loss of more than 60,000 hectares of forest. A comprehensive analysis is required to determine the exact contribution of cocoa production to this deforestation.
The Cocoa and Forests Initiative remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering sustainable practices in the cocoa sector. With collaborative efforts between governments, industry stakeholders, and local communities, we are poised to make lasting changes in preserving our precious forests and ensuring the sustainable longevity of cocoa production, the CFI said.
