Chocolate to Save Forests Destruction of Dominican Republic forests could be offset by farmers growing organic cacao, used for chocolate.

The Dominican Republic makes a surprise for visitors with its diverse landscape ranging from coral reefs to mountains and arid lands. But several decades ago, this critical nature reserve came under threat of deforestation, in part because of the decline in the cacao market. Devastated farmers switch to more profitable agriculture, clearing their cacao trees. Alarmed by what was happened local citizens took action. The local Loma Quita Espuela foundation wanted to create a program that transforms the agriculture into organic products to help better the economy. They help the farmers transform their cacao plantations into profitable enterprises by going organic. They teach farmers organic practices. More than a hundred farms already became organic. Organic farms do not use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, so the environment is cleaner and full of life. Success really is, quite sweet!