The closing event for the Clima-LoCa project was held with great satisfaction in Lima, in the SUM Room of the European Union in Peru. This event brought together partners, allies, and friends who, for five years, made this joint effort possible to promote innovations in low-cadmium cocoa production, contributing to addressing the challenges of climate change and strengthening resilience and inclusiveness in this key production chain for the region. The event was the ideal space to share knowledge, experiences, and results achieved, as well as to define the next steps to continue promoting sustainable development in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Tatiana García, Head of Environment and Climate Change at the European Union Delegation in Peru. Photo: Carmen Calle, Alliance Bioversity International & CIAT.
The event began with welcoming remarks from representatives of the European Union, the project’s main funding entity, and the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), who highlighted the importance of promoting sustainability policies and adopting agricultural practices that are resilient to climate change. Rachel Atkinson, from the technical team at Bioversity International and CIAT, presented the scope and goals of the Clima-LoCa project, underscoring the relevance of this initiative in promoting productive innovations that reduce contamination from cadmium and other heavy metals. This was followed by technical presentations that delved into the genetic diversity of cocoa and measures to mitigate environmental risks, with first-hand accounts from producers and cooperatives involved.
Evert Thomas, Senior Researcher at Alliance Bioversity International & CIAT. Photo: Carmen Calle.
Fredy Yovera, Cocoa Project Coordinator in Peru, Alliance Bioversity International & CIAT. Photo: Carmen Calle.
Among the prominent participants were Tatiana García, Head of Environment and Climate Change at the European Union Delegation in Peru; Franklin Suárez Gómez and Carmen Rosa Chávez from MIDAGRI; as well as Rachel Atkinson, Evert Thomas, and Fredy Yovera from Alliance Bioversity International & CIAT. The private sector was also well represented, with Carmen Adrianzen from Scrap & Chocolates, recent winner of the silver award at the 2025 International Chocolate Awards, alongside representatives from the Peruvian Association of Cocoa Producers (APPCACAO) and Sumaqao.
Carmen Adrianzen from Scrap & Chocolates shares her experience working with the Clima-LoCa project. Photo: Carmen Calle.
During the event, key project results were presented, including the strengthening of inclusive, low-cadmium value chains and progress in climate change adaptation strategies for cocoa crops. A roundtable discussion involving representatives from the public sector, NGOs, and cocoa associations provided an opportunity to discuss these achievements and define future collaborations to maintain and increase the project’s positive impact in the region.
Tatiana García, Head of Environment and Climate Change at the European Union Delegation in Peru; Franklin Suárez Gómez and Carmen Rosa Chávez from MIDAGRI. Photo: Carmen Calle.
Franklin Suárez Gómez and Carmen Rosa Chávez from MIDAGRI reiterated the institutional commitment to continue promoting these sustainable agricultural practices. Afterwards, attendees shared a networking space accompanied by a selection of chocolates made with Peruvian cocoa, celebrating the successful completion of the Clima-LoCa project. This event not only marked the end of five years of work, but also strengthened the network of actors committed to more responsible and environmentally sustainable cocoa in Latin America.
The company Scrap & Chocolates provided a tasting of chocolates made with 100% Piuran cocoa. Photo: Carmen Calle.