Carbon credits leverage sustainable cocoa in the Amazon
- Amazon Connection Carbon
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
The growing interest in carbon credits has opened up new opportunities for cocoa producers in Brazil, especially in the Amazon. Amid discussions about the importance of keeping forests standing and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, cocoa grown in agroforestry systems is emerging as a promising alternative. In addition to contributing to the conservation of biodiversity, this model has the potential to generate additional income through the sale of carbon credits.
According to recent data from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), global demand for the fruit exceeded 5 million tons in the 2022/2023 harvest, reinforcing the economic and environmental relevance of the sector. In Brazil, figures from IBGE (2022) indicate consistent growth in cocoa production, especially in regions such as Bahia and Pará, where producers adopt management practices that combine productivity with environmental preservation.
Agroforestry and carbon capture
Cocoa agroforestry systems involve the intercropping of cocoa with native and fruit-bearing species, maintaining plant cover and thus favoring the capture of carbon dioxide (CO₂). A study by Embrapa (2021) estimates that each hectare of cocoa in an agroforestry system can sequester between 3 and 4 tons of CO₂ per year, depending on local conditions and management. These figures have attracted the attention of companies and organizations seeking to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the purchase of carbon credits originating from cocoa production.
Daughters of Combu: an example of sustainability in Belém
A notable example of sustainable production in the Amazon region is the work of Filhas do Combu, an initiative located on Combu Island, near Belém (PA). The brand, recognized for the high quality of its artisanal chocolates, invests in agroecological practices that respect the local ecosystem. The cocoa is grown in the middle of the forest, taking advantage of the humidity and natural shade of the large trees. This way, the need for deforestation is reduced, the fertility of the soil is maintained and the preservation of fauna and flora is guaranteed.
Filhas do Combu also stands out for valuing local labor, promoting social inclusion and strengthening the regional economy. Part of the success of their chocolate bars comes precisely from the care taken in all stages of production, from harvesting the cocoa to roasting the beans and final packaging, which highlights their Amazonian origin.
Expanding carbon market
The voluntary carbon credit market in Brazil has been gaining momentum, with public and private initiatives interested in offsetting emissions. National and foreign companies have been seeking reliable projects to acquire credits, creating opportunities for additional income for traditional communities and family farmers. In the case of cocoa, the combination of added value from premium chocolate and the generation of carbon credits increases the competitiveness of producers committed to forest conservation.
Experts point out that, to guarantee the credibility and effectiveness of the credits generated, it is essential that the projects are audited and certified by internationally recognized standards, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Gold Standard. These certifications attest that carbon sequestration is being measured and verified in a transparent manner, ensuring that the offsets are real and permanent.
Future Perspectives
Growing awareness of climate change and the appreciation of sustainable production practices are driving new forms of land use, especially through agroforestry systems. In this context, Amazon Connection Carbon (ACC) believes that working on projects integrated with regenerative agriculture highlights sustainable cocoa planting initiatives in the Amazon region.
For consumers, supporting initiatives like these means recognizing the value of products from sustainable chains. For producers, agroforestry systems with cocoa represent a concrete opportunity for economic diversification, environmental conservation and insertion in a growing market, aligned with the principles of bioeconomy and climate justice. ACC remains committed to scaling these solutions, consolidating its role as an agent of transformation in the Amazon.
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