Protecting a very special forest in Colombia

Casa Luker, our Colombian based chocolate supplier, have created the 'Guardians of tropical forests', conservation program which will protect one of the rarest forests in Colombia. The program will educate the local farmers and communities about the importance of preserving the almost extinct forest and its species.

This is a well planned, 3 year educational program and we are excited to see the progress along the way as well as keeping you updated! This means that every bite of an Exploding Bakery cake contributes directly to helping protect extinct species in Colombia.

So far, 80 cocoa growing families have taken part in protecting the tropical dry forest in Huila area. The tropical dry forest used to cover 9 million hectares, now only the size of Monaco remains which is approximately 200 hectares.

Huila is a department in the southwest of Colombia, with a little over a million inhabitants.Rivers weave through this tapestry of ecosystems, nurturing a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. This vibrant corner of the world thrives on its agricultural bounty—imagine fields bursting with fruits, rice, cotton, coffee, and cocoa. But that’s not all. Visitors flock for unforgettable adventures, while locals also cultivate fish farms and raise livestock, adding to the area's dynamic way of life.

The program of preserving this area is all about education, which is why the local farmers have been given a custom made, educational app to track the wild life and biodiversity. 

In the coming months the farmers and local schools will start attending educational workshops which helps to report sightings and helps to build the relationship between cacao and biodiversity. What's even more exciting is that children are getting involved and teaching adults how to use technology when it comes using the app.

By munching on our brownies you are also helping us to care for our planet.