Reducing Deforestation in Cocoa Production Landscapes

We are in the process of convening a consortium of seven cocoa and chocolate companies to develop a deforestation-free and climate-resilient cocoa production landscape in the Asunafo-Asutifi Hotspot Intervention Area (HIA). The seven companies: Cargill, Ecom, Lindt, Mars, Mondelez, Olam and Sucden are signatories to the Cocoa and Forests Initiative (CFI) Joint Framework for Action.

Important first steps of the program include conducting a landscape socio-economic and ecological assessment, landscape level HCV-HCSA assessment and landscape land cover analysis to then develop a landscape management and investment plan for the HIA. The landscape program will contribute to emission reduction in Ghana’s 5.9 million hectare agro-forest mosaic landscape under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program (GCFRP), and will also enhance cocoa productivity and community livelihoods. By taking part in this program, consortium members are working towards their CFI commitments.