The challenge
Deforestation is a major issue in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which together produce nearly two-thirds of the world’s supply of cocoa. Both governments have been working to end deforestation and restore forest areas, often joining forces with global cocoa and chocolate companies such as under the Cocoa & Forests Initiative. The significant progress made in recent years points to the importance of working on these challenges across whole landscapes as opposed to individual production units. It also highlights the urgent need to continue working with local communities to tackle issues around tree ownership, cocoa traceability, access to finance, and building resilient livelihoods.