Story By: Ishmael Barfi
MOCCPA Project: EcoCare Engages CFI Monitors on the way forward
In efforts to end deforestation and forest protection as well restoration in the cocoa supply chain, one of the key Civil Society Organisation (CSO) in the industry, EcoCare Ghana has engaged the various Cocoa and Forest Initiative (CFI) monitors in the various cocoa communities across the county in a roundtable discussion to closeout and share lessons on the Monitoring CFI Commitments through Participatory Approaches (MOCCPA) Project.
Addressing the gathering at Erata Hotel, East Legon-Accra, the Project Team Leader, Obed Owusu-Addai explained that, since January, 2019, EcoCare Ghana in partnership with Rainforest Alliance/UTZ started implementing the MOCCPA Project with the aim of supporting the CFI process in Ghana through two main approaches.
MOCCPA Project: EcoCare Engages CFI Monitors
The two main approaches he noted were building the capacities and mobilizing civil society and farming communities to actively participate in the Cocoa and Forest Iinitiative (CFI) implementation at national and landscape level and working with other partners to monitor the implementation of CFI commitments both at national and landscape level.
The Cocoa and Forest Initiative process since its initiation has become the main medium through which private-sector and government are collaborating to achieve the commitments in the joint Framework of Action (a set of commitments and how to achieve them) which is facilitated by Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and World Cocoa Foundation (WCF).
The MOCCPA Project being financed by Rainforest Alliance through its Sector Partnership (SP) programme he noted would be continued to end deforestation and promote forest protection and restoration in the cocoa supply chain.
Mr. Obed Owusu-Addai, Team Leader Ecocare Ghana
Adding that, EcoCare Ghana would also continue to support community monitors though the MOCCPA though it is coming to an end as well as continue to support the national CFI implementation activities.
Mr. Obed Owusu-Addia used the occasion to express EcoCare Ghana appreciation and gratitude to Rainforest Alliance for trusting and believing in them to execute the MOCCPA Project and prayed that, more funding would come in to end deforestation and forest protection in our rural communities.
On his part, Country Director of Rainforest Alliance , Mr. Kwame Osei thanked the monitors for their numerous support and dedication towards the Project.
To him, EcoCare Ghana has executed an excellent job and praised them for exhibiting pure commitment and dedication during the Project as well engaging other key stakeholders to understand the importance of the project.
He therefore urged the monitors and EcoCare Ghana to continue the good works they have started in ensuring cocoa communities are protected from deforestation and the restoration of the cocoa supply chain.
Sharing his experience as a CFI monitor,Nana Kwesi Bennieh II, Chief of Adwumam stated that, the MOCCPA Project has enlighten him and the others on the need to protect the various forest as well practicing afforestation on their cocoa farms.
Adding that, though he is a chief, he accepted to be a monitor to be able to engage the people of his town more effectively for the realization of the Project objectives.
MOCCPA Project: EcoCare Engages CFI Monitors
“As a leader, i saw it important to be part for my followers to appreciate and acknowledge the relevance of the project”, he noted.
He thanked the Project implementers, EcoCare Ghana for identifying them and giving them the opportunity to be part of the Project whilst they protect their cocoa farms and promote afforestation.
