When choosing chocolate eggs, there are some where the varieties are neither ethical nor climate friendly. Derived from the cacao bean, quality chocolate depends on a high-quality bean. But there has become increasing awareness that that our t favourite sweet indulgence has for years been provided at terrible cost to farmers and the environment, particularly rainforests, so large-scale producers have been starting to take steps to address the issues. Brands that make great play of their ethical standards, such as the Dutch-based Tony’s Chocolonely, have been appearing more often on our supermarket shelves. A new study highlighted that choosing chocolate made from traditionally-grown shade cocoa , for example The C Note Ltd, Gola Rainforest Chocolate, and products certified by the Rainforest Alliance, it is possible to support both livelihoods and biodiversity while enjoying delicious chocolate this Easter.
The Northern Range Mountains of Trinidad cocoa trees A new study by the University of St Andrews reveals that ethically sourced chocolate can support wildlife. The study was part of a collaboration led by the University of St Andrews with the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. It shows that research into currently farmed cacao forests, abandoned forests and natural unfarmed forest on the Caribbean island of Trinidad found that all three supported bird diversity, contrary to expectations.
Purple honeycreeper Even forest specialist bird species such as collared trogons, long-billed gnatwrens and red-eyed vireos were found in the cultivated areas.
Date Time
Chocolate is egg-cellent for birds
As many of us enjoy tucking into our Easter Eggs today (Easter Monday 5 April), a study led by the University of St Andrews in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, has shown that ethically sourced chocolate can support wildlife.
A study of currently farmed cacao forests, abandoned forests and natural unfarmed forest on the Caribbean island of Trinidad found that all three supported bird diversity, contrary to expectations.
Even forest specialist bird species such as collared trogons, long-billed gnatwrens and red-eyed vireos were found in the cultivated areas.
Long-billed starthroat hummingbird