Cocoa production for biodiversity conservation
The Mata Atlântica has been reduced to about 10% of its original extent. The remaining relict areas are highly fragmented and mostly smaller than 50 ha. Nevertheless, the cocoa coast of southern Bahia has remained a hotspot of biodiversity. The traditional form of agriculture is the reason why high biodiversity has been maintained despite fragmentation.
In the traditional cocoa agroforestry system, the cabruca, cocoa trees are planted and harvested within the original forest as understorey, leaving the canopy layer as shade. This form of management has created an interconnected system of primary and secondary forests. Forest-dwelling animal species can use cabrucas as corridors or habitats. The biodiversity of the Mata Atlântica could thus be conserved within the cacao region of southern Bahia.
Fazenda Bom Pastor has approximately 20 hectares of cabruca. The cabruca is managed in a biodiversity-friendly manner. Organic certification was completed in 2024.
The Cabruca of Fazenda Bom Pastor is home to at least three groups of golden-headed lion tamarins. These are being scientifically observed in a long-term monitoring-project, with the support of AMAP, in order to find out which key factors are responsible for their survival in Cabrucas.
