Sierra Leone Forests in Peril as Chocolate Brands’ Cocoa Drives Deforestation

A major investigation has exposed a deforestation crisis in West Africa. The cocoa boom in Liberia is destroying a vital rainforest shared with Sierra Leone. Global Witness reports over 250,000 hectares were lost recently. Major chocolate brands, including Mars and Cadbury, are linked to the supply chains.

The Upper Guinean Rainforest is a critical carbon sink. Its destruction impacts climate stability for the entire region. The new findings raise urgent questions about the future of Sierra Leone’s remaining forest cover.

From Farm to Candy Bar: A Broken System

The investigation tracked cocoa from freshly cleared Liberian land to global brands. Satellite imagery shows clear links between farm expansion and forest loss. The problem is systemic and crosses borders into Sierra Leone.

Beans from deforested areas are mixed with certified sustainable cocoa. This practice is called “mass balance.” It is permitted by major certification schemes like Rainforest Alliance. The result is chocolate sold as ethical may contain rainforest-harming beans.

Smallholder farmers often clear land to survive. Traders then buy beans without checking their origin. Large chocolate companies fail to map their supply chains fully. This lets deforestation-linked cocoa enter global markets unnoticed.

The EU’s Looming Law and Regional Impact

A new European Union law could change everything. The EUDR requires proof that products are deforestation-free. It is set to enforce this rule starting in late 2024. Companies must provide precise geolocation data for their cocoa farms.

This law has caused division among chocolate giants. Some, like Mondelēz, have lobbied for delays. Others, including Nestlé, support strong implementation. For Sierra Leone, strong enforcement is crucial for protection.

The law’s success could safeguard millions of hectares. It would directly benefit the cross-border Upper Guinean Rainforest. Sierra Leone’s environment stands to gain from this external pressure.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Which chocolate brands are implicated?

The Global Witness report links cocoa to Mars, Nestlé, Mondelēz (Cadbury), and Hershey. Their supply chains were traced to recent deforestation in Liberia. These companies have made public no-deforestation pledges.

How does this affect Sierra Leone directly?

The Upper Guinean Rainforest is a shared ecosystem. Deforestation in Liberia degrades the entire forest block, including Sierra Leone’s portion. This leads to biodiversity loss and climate vulnerability for both nations.

What is the “mass balance” problem?

Mass balance allows certified and uncertified cocoa to be mixed. Companies can sell chocolate as “sustainable” even if some beans come from deforested land. Critics argue this system lacks transparency and enables greenwashing.

What is the EU doing about it?

The EU’s new anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR) mandates traceability. Companies must prove their cocoa didn’t come from land deforested after 2020. This law is a powerful tool but requires strict enforcement to be effective.

Why can’t farmers just stop clearing forest?

Many are smallholders living in poverty. Cocoa is their primary cash crop. Without support for sustainable intensification, clearing new land is often the easiest way to increase income and feed families.

Can certification schemes be fixed?

Experts say yes, but it requires moving away from mass balance. A “segregated” or “identity preserved” supply chain keeps sustainable beans separate. This offers true traceability but is more complex and costly to manage.