00:00 Deep into the Nigerian rainforest, a group of cacao farmers are clearing out a patch
00:05 of land in order to grow their next harvest.
00:09 But the Omo Reserve is a protected area where deforestation and agriculture are banned.
00:16 We know that this is a protected area, but when we are done, we will all go back to our
00:21 village to start our own business.
00:24 The government says it evicted all illegal farmers from the area in 2007, but they've
00:29 gradually been returning as global demand for chocolate has continued to rise.
00:34 In order to combat these illegal practices, groups of rangers patrol the area on a daily
00:40 basis.
00:41 Their mission?
00:42 Tracking and arresting poachers and illegal farmers, but also replanting trees in deforested
00:48 areas.
00:49 An uphill battle, but a crucial one to protect the only remaining vital rainforest in the
00:54 country's southwest.
00:56 This is one of the remaining viable habitats that we have for forest elephants.
01:08 We are faced with threats from logging activities, threats from poaching, and expansion of farming
01:22 and community settlements.
01:26 Chocolate and cacao is purchased by some of the world's largest traders, which supply
01:30 major chocolate manufacturers like Mars and Ferrero.
01:34 A supply chain that could soon be affected by a new EU regulation, requiring companies
01:39 to prove their products haven't caused deforestation.
Comments