The Cacao Project in The Philippines
Recovering from climatic hazards using agroforestry and ecosystem restoration
Fort Santiago, Manila, The Philippines (2011) by © solong_marianaOriginal Source: https://flic.kr/p/9XnUA8
A Tapestry of Islands: The Philippines
Discover the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia. Home to diverse ethnicities and cultures, the Philippines spans 300,000 km2 and is home to over 109 million people. Manila serves as the country's capital.
The Philippines: Facing Natural Disasters
The constant threat from natural disasters, including floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides, has been exacerbated by climate change. These hazards affect 60% of the land and 74% of the population, highlighting the need for proactive disaster management.
Louise Mabulo at a farm in San Fernando Municipality, The Philippines (2019) by © UNEPThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The Cacao Project: A New Beginning
The Super Typhoon Nock-Ten hit the Philippines in 2016. Over 80% of agricultural land In San Fernando Municipality, Camarines Sur was destroyed, impacting farmers’ livelihoods indefinitely. Louise Mabulo established The Cacao Project to help with the recovery.
San Fernando landscape, The Cacao Project, The Philippines (2021) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The Cacao Project: A New Approach
The Cacao Project recognized the need for a new food system that prioritized resilience and climate adaptation. It focused on helping farmers rebuild their lives and livelihoods, while working with nature.
Cacao: A Path to Resilience
Cacao emerged as a key focus for farmers, driven by market demand, price stability, and its resilience to climate challenges. Its natural adaptation to the region's environment made it a compelling choice for rebuilding livelihoods after the devastating typhoon of 2016.
The cacao fruit
Native to the Amazon rainforest, cacao grows in the tropics mostly in the canopy shade. Cacao pods (fruits) are harvested once or twice a year, at the end of rainy seasons. Pods are opened to extract the seeds. Once fermented and dried, the seeds are ready to make chocolate (cocoa).
Goals of the project
The Cacao Project empowers farmers to cultivate agro-forests that provide livelihoods, services, and holistic nature-based solutions to food systems. It links adaptation to a new era of sustainable and regenerative production.
Planting trees in San Fernando Municipality, The Philippines (2022) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Cacao Project: Three Branches
The project provides practical and easily adaptable solutions, where anyone can play a role in restoration and land stewardship, in a circular and mutually beneficial way. There are 3 main branches:
1. Education
2. Agriculture
3. Restoration and Regeneration
Fossilized cocoa leaves, The Cacao Project, The Philippines (2022) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
1. Education
Farmer Field Schools and training programs, fill knowledge gaps, build capacity, add value to land management and maximise resources for economic growth of basic industries. It also uses local traditional systems to integrate the new learning with established practices.
Cocoa pods and leaves, The Cacao Project, The Philippines (2022) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
2. Agriculture
Under the Agriculture branch, The Cacao Project works with farmers to build climate resiliency and sustainability as an inherent part of their livelihoods, tapping into the agricultural sector as a driver for sustainable development.
Cacao beans/seeds ready for planting, San Fernando Municipality, The Philippines (2022) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
3. Restoration and Regeneration
Food systems account for over 30% of climate change and effects on biodiversity. Land stewardship is essential to responsible food production. Farmers, empowered to be part of the mission to regenerate and restore landscapes, are building models for climate and food resiliency.
Natural mulching for cocoa trees, San Fernando Municipality, The Philippines (2020) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Benefits of agroforestry
Agroforestry brings numerous benefits, including reduced biodiversity loss, wind protection, climate disaster resilience, and stronger partnerships for improved food security.
Cacao farming, Philippines (2019) by © UNEPThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Growing Together: Cacao and More
Agroforestry blends cacao with diverse crops like bok choy, okra, and pumpkins. This not only enhances food security but also benefits farmers' income and health, all while nurturing the land.
Planting Seeds of Change
The Cacao Project has already made a significant impact, working with over 200 farmers and planting 150,000 trees across 150 hectares of land. This initiative has revitalised communities, empowered students, and fostered a greener future for people and the planet.
Cacao pods, San Fernando Municipality, The Philippines (2022) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Cacao Project: Stability & Growth
By fostering sustainable agriculture, farmers are now diversifying their food production, acting against deforestation, protecting soil health, and empowering themselves with a more stable financial situation and increased purchasing power.
The Cacao Project, San Fernando Municipality, The Philippines - Tree Planting for Earth Week 2022 (2022) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloOriginal Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp_AGmSebSE
Cocoa products from The Cacao Project, San Fernando Municipality, The Philippines (2022) by © The Cacao Project/Louise MabuloThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
More Than Chocolate
The Cacao Project community transforms cacao beans into a range of products, highlighting the fruit's versatility. From chocolates and cocoa tea to textiles and cosmetics, they demonstrate the diverse applications of this sustainable ingredient.
Join us and learn more!
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Europe Office & The Cacao Project
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.