Our members explored the topic “Forest Monitoring as important instrument for deforestation free cocoa”. Deforestation is a major challenge in the cocoa sector. In light of the new EU regulation on deforestation-free supply chains the topic is rightfully receiving increased attention.  

We were happy to welcome five speakers who brought insightful inputs to the table. First, Diego Torres, International Relations Officer at the EU Commission Directorate-General for Environment introduced the new requirements of the EU regulation on deforestation-free supply chains. Carlos Riano, European Forest Institute (EFI), gave an overview on tools for monitoring deforestation in cocoa supply chains and explained how these can foster compliance with the EU regulation. 

Following these introductions, GISCO members learned about two practical implementations of forest monitoring tools. Karina Barrera from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition of Ecuador and Patricia Serrano representing PROAmazonia introduced Ecuador’s approach to deforestation-free production of cocoa. This was complemented by a presentation about the use of satellite technologies in the direct supply chain of OFI by Claudia Parra Paitan.

GISCO thanks all speakers and participants for the exciting inputs and fruitful discussions. Together, we will continue our efforts against deforestation in the cocoa sector.

You can find the agenda of the seminar here in English and French.

For our members: Our next Online Seminar on organic farming will take place on 13 June. For further information on dates and topics of this year’s online seminars, please check out our event calendar.