In August and September 2024, Clima-LoCa carried out dissemination activities in Ecuador, focusing on sustainable cacao production in the face of cadmium contamination and climate change challenges. At the Chokao 2024 fair, Clima-LoCa set up a stand to present research on cadmium mitigation and climate change. The event attracted various stakeholders from the cacao value chain, including producers and government representatives, fostering discussions about European regulations and available mitigation alternatives.
Workshops were also held in Manabí, in collaboration with Fundación Maquita, where research findings on cadmium contamination in cacao crops were shared with technicians and farmers. These workshops facilitated discussions on agricultural practices and their implications for contamination.
From September 16-27, dissemination workshops were held in Guayas and Napo, addressing the impact of cadmium regulation and sources of contamination, tailored to the specific agroecological conditions of each region. Effective coordination among project stakeholders was key to the success of these activities, which not only delivered valuable information but also fostered meaningful exchanges on cadmium regulation and its effects on agriculture.
Clima-LoCa continues its efforts with ongoing workshops, multi-stakeholder events, and participation in agricultural fairs to expand knowledge on European cadmium regulations and climate change mitigation strategies.