31 October 2024
Beneficiaries from Gran Tierra's Signature Reforestation Program, NaturAmazonas, to Export 12.5 Tons of Organic Cocoa to Europe
- The NaturAmazonas alliance, a collaborative effort between Gran Tierra Energy, Conservation International, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia and CORPOAMAZONIA aims to empower local communities and protect the region’s biodiversity.
- The high-quality cocoa produced through this program has garnered international attention resulting in a signed commercial agreement with KAOKA, one of the largest buyers of organic cocoa worldwide, to export 12.5 tons of organic cocoa. This exciting outcome means additional markets and incomes for producers in Putumayo.
- Gran Tierra continues to show its commitment to the economic growth of the communities surrounding its operations. Through this program and others, GTE is working hard to position the Putumayo as a premier place to grow cocoa, with crops that meet the highest quality standards and are 100% organic and deforestation-free.
Putumayo, Colombia – October 4th, 2024. Gran Tierra Energy and Conservation International are pleased to announce a commercial agreement between the NaturAmazonas alliance and KAOKA, one of the largest buyers of organic cocoa worldwide, this outcome means local producers from Putumayo will export their first shipment of 12.5 tons of deforestation-free organic cocoa to European markets in November 2024. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the NaturAmazonas program, a collaborative initiative between Gran Tierra Energy, Conservation International, the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and CORPOAMAZONIA that aims to empower local communities and preserve the region’s biodiversity. The high-quality cocoa produced through this program has garnered international attention and offers substantial income for local families.
The NaturAmazonas alliance has been working to strengthen cocoa organizations and associations in Putumayo, Cauca and Caquetá, including 689 producing families across eight municipalities. Part of this support is focused on providing technical knowledge to make the cacao production more sustainable and deforestation-free. These efforts are in addition to the 1.6 million trees that have been planted and restored through the NaturAmazonas project in deforested areas to protect and conserve Colombia’s Amazon region.
Gran Tierra Energy’s commitment to sustainability has been crucial in the success of the NaturAmazonas program, providing funding of USD$17 million and essential technical support including tools, infrastructure, training, and strategic alliances for local farmers and communities. This comprehensive approach ensures that the cocoa produced meets the highest quality standards and is 100% organic and deforestation-free.
Diego Perez-Claramunt, Gran Tierra Energy Vice President of HSE and Corporate Social Responsibility, stated, “This commercial agreement with KAOKA is the result of a long-term commitment by GTE that started eight years ago when we approached Conservation International to start the NaturAmazonas project. We are proud to see that these efforts have resulted in exciting new market opportunities for local cocoa farmers. This achievement exemplifies how responsible business practices can drive positive change, benefiting both current and future generations.”
Through Gran Tierra Energy’s environmental efforts the Company has conserved, preserved, or reforested over 4,500 hectares of land. The NaturAmazonas program has made a significant contribution to these efforts, securing 1,700 hectares of agroforestry systems for conservation and reforestation purposes and providing technical and maintenance support to over 1,000 cacao, palm-heart, acai, and panela cane producing families, as a way to improve and accelerate their production. This groundbreaking achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration between industry, NGOs, and local communities in creating a sustainable and equitable future for the people who call the Colombian Amazon home.