The project will improve livelihood of the involved cocoa producers’ families in north-eastern Madagascar by implementing an innovative cocoa producing concept that goes along with the production of other sustainably produced crops and offers alternative sources of revenues and incentives to conservation of primary forests. Activities will focus on the MaMaBay landscape, heart of Madagascar’s terrestrial biodiversity that covers almost 1 million ha of protected conservation areas.
Thanks to the introduction of a dynamic agroforestry system that provides diversity in the cocoa production system, diversity in incomes generated (on local and international markets) and increased food security, the project will positively influence the famers’ income and nutritional status. Farmer trainings will, besides providing technical know-how, apply participatory and gender sensitive approaches, assuring access for women, men, young and elders. Trainings will address child labour topic, as well as health and family planning activities.
In addition, the forest protecting and even reforesting effect of the agroforestry system will contribute to the conservation of farmer families’ livelihood. The traditional slash and burn rice production, driving force for deforestation, shall be turned into the starting crop for the establishment of the dynamic agroforestry cocoa systems. Food security will be addressed from the beginning and reduce the pressure on forest areas. Certification (Bio Suisse, Fairtrade) for additional crops such as spices will open export market opportunities. Halba will also consider buying further crops such as vanilla, pepper, ginger, rice, etc.
On the national programme in Madagascar
Helvetas Madagascar is part of a network of independent development organisations. With offices in Switzerland, Germany and the USA, Helvetas is active in 29 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Every year, we make real changes in the lives of more than three million disadvantaged people. We carry out development projects in the following areas: water and sanitation, agriculture and nutrition, training, inclusive economic development, democracy and peace, and climate and environment. Helvetas also provides emergency assistance following environmental disasters.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global organization founded in 1895 and dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and natural landscapes. Its work experience, over more than one hundred years, has contributed to generating relevant scientific knowledge about wildlife, protecting vulnerable species and promoting the creation and management of protected areas in different parts of the world.
WCS activities in Bolivia began in the 1960s with William Conway’s research on Andean flamingos in Laguna Colorada, within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Flora and Fauna Reserve. Subsequently, their efforts were directed towards supporting wildlife studies in various parts of the country and the academic training of Bolivian professionals. Beginning in 1995, WCS’ work focused on the development of conservation actions in the Chaco region and the dry forests of Santa Cruz, contributing to the creation and management of the Kaa Iya del Gran Chaco National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area. Since 1999 he has been executing the Madidi-Tambopata Great Landscape Conservation Program, located on the eastern flank of the tropical Andes, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world.
The Zoo Foundation is primarily responsible for the promotion and preservation of Zurich Zoo as a non-profit enterprise and for support in raising funds. The Board of Trustees, composed of well-known personalities, ensures that the donated funds are used for their intended purpose and in line with the goals of Zurich Zoo.
Chocolats Halba is the Swiss premium manufacturer of chocolate specialities for retail and industry. To us, chocolate is more than just mixing together raw ingredients. Chocolate is our passion, an attitude, and a commitment to remain true to authenticity.
As a globally active company, we want to create added value for our customers, partners and employees. At the same time, we are concerned that our activities also benefit the environment and society as a whole.
We received the Swiss Ethics Award in 2018 for our commitment to sustainability.
