São Tomé and Príncipe, a nation heavily reliant on cocoa farming, faces growing land degradation from agricultural expansion and climate change. Its lush rainforests and cocoa plantations are vital for local communities, but environmental pressures threaten biodiversity and livelihoods.
Restoring Ecosystems
Faustino Oliveira, a project coordinator with the FAO, emphasized the link between cocoa and forests. “Cocoa farming needs forest cover, especially large trees,” he said. “We’re helping cooperatives restore land through planting and restocking methods.”
Empowering Farmers
The government and UN experts launched a program to promote sustainable cocoa production and restore ecosystems. Dodamin Semedo Correia, a local cocoa farmer, shared, “The cooperative taught us how to manage our finances and crops better.”
Widespread Impact
The initiative has supported over 37 producer groups and 2,000 families. It provides training and resources to improve farming practices, ensuring long-term sustainability while protecting the environment.
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