Regenerating ecosystems

Forests are disappearing, and so are canopies that protect smaller trees with shade, such as the cocoa tree.

What Cocoa Horizons does

Cocoa Horizons progresses on deforestation-free cocoa while investing in the productivity of cocoa farming in suitable areas, preserving eco-systems and restoring biodiversity on existing farmland.

How?

In 2022/23 saw the start of implementing an agroforestry farming model: by planting innate forest trees alongside cocoa trees aiming to improve farms’ resilience to pests and climate change, promote soil regeneration, water conservation and enhance biodiversity.

Planting of shade trees	Shade trees were distributed to cocoa farmers, which are planted alongside cocoa trees to re-create forest canopy, providing shade and protection, as well as enhancing soil moisture and fertility.
Soil regeneration and water conservation	The addition of diverse tree species contributes to the health of the soil by increasing organic matter content and water retention capabilities, which are essential for sustainable agriculture.
Biodiversity enhancement	Agroforestry supports a wide range of flora and fauna, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity within cocoa farming landscapes.

What Callebaut contributed to Cocoa Horizons activities in 2022/23

3,660	hectares of farmland are under management with agroforestry.
275,155	shade trees were distributed to farmers.
45,570	tons of carbon were sequestered through these environmental activities.

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