Luker Chocolate, a Colombian leader in sustainable cocoa farming, is taking significant strides in combating deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. As a company deeply committed to environmental stewardship, Luker participated in the recent COP16 Colombia to share its innovative approaches to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability.

Known as COP16, the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity was held from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1 in Cali, Colombia.

Luker Chocolate recognizes the urgency of the global biodiversity crisis. As a company that relies heavily on natural ecosystems and the services they provide, Luker is dedicated to conserving and restoring biodiversity, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable land use. In line with the Convention on Biological Diversity's goals, Luker actively integrates responsible practices into its operations to protect the ecosystems it depends on.

At COP16, Luker joined discussions at Casa Humboldt, focusing on how agroforestry systems like cacao farming can support biodiversity conservation. The panel explored the vital role cacao cultivation plays in sustainable land use and environmental resilience, aligning with Luker’s mission to foster a healthy, biodiverse planet.

Positioned in the Green Zone’s finance and productive sectors district, Luker showcased its sustainability projects at the B Corp Stand. Their work aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework, using this platform to connect with potential partners and promote collaborative biodiversity projects.

Luker Chocolate also participated in a high-level event organized by the National Trade Council and ANDI’s National Water and Biodiversity Center. Julia Ocampo, representing Luker, joined a discussion on “Target 15: Integrating Biodiversity into Value Chains” alongside industry leaders from Bavaria, Pepsico, WWF, and TNC. The conversation centers on biodiversity integration within supply chains, deforestation prevention, and nature-based solutions.

Luker Chocolate is a B-Corp certified Colombian business specializing in purpose-driven chocolate ingredients made with the finest quality Cacao Fino de Aroma. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Luker works closely with farmers and partners to create exceptional products while protecting the environment. Luker’s mission is to drive positive impact across the cocoa value chain, ensuring that biodiversity and well-being are at the core of their operations.

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity describes biodiversity as the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. These three work together to create life on Earth, in all its complexity.

Delegates at COP16, formally the 16th Conference of Parties to the UN Biodiversity Convention, discussed how to restore rapidly degrading lands and seas in a way that protects the planet and respects the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

A key goal is to fully implement the so-called 30 by 30 Kunming-Montreal pledge to protect 30 percent of the planet’s lands and inland waters, as well as of marine and coastal areas, by 2030.

During the summit’s opening ceremony, Secretary-General António Guterres urged delegations from some 190 countries to “make peace with nature” and shore up plans to stop habitat loss, save endangered species, and preserve our planet’s precious ecosystems.

The UN chief’s call came in a video message to the opening ceremony of the gathering. The Secretary-General said: “the framework is grounded in a clear truth – for humanity to survive, nature must flourish...it promises to reset relations with Earth and its ecosystems.”

Guterres underscored that delegations must leave Cali with significant investments in the GBF, its related funds and commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver on its goals in full.  

“We have a plan to rescue humanity from a degraded Earth,” the Secretary-General said, and added that he looked forward to seeing delegates in person at the end of the COP “to hear how you have delivered.”  

The Minister of Environment in Colombia, and President of COP16, Susana Muhamad, highlighted that “Colombia has become the epicenter of global climate action, uniting leaders and experts to address the greatest challenge of our era: protecting our planet and ensure a sustainable future.”