Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, along with leading chocolate and cocoa companies, are releasing action plans to end deforestation in the cocoa sector and restore forest areas.

Guittard Chocolate Co., as part of its Cultivate Better sustainability platform, has expanded its flavor quality work in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Indonesia.

The Hershey Co. has announced a new package of environmental initiatives and commitments, including establishing a new comprehensive environmental policy, signing the United Nations Global Compact and joining the Science Based Targets initiative.

Deerfield, Ill.-based Mondelēz International today announced it will partner with the Forestry Commission of Ghana, Ghana Cocoa Board and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to reduce deforestation and forest degradation in the country while simultaneously reducing emissions in its cocoa supply chain.

Alongside leading cocoa and chocolate companies, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have adopted new standards to end deforestation and restore forest areas, the countries and companies announced Thursday.

Mondelez International unveiled two new directives in support of reducing deforestation in West African cocoa supply chains.

Cargill has established a licensed buying company in Ghana, allowing the ingredient supplier to directly source cocoa from certified farmers and maintain a traceable purchasing model.

Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli announced last week it has achieved its goal of making its entire Ghana cocoa bean supply chain traceable and verifiable through its focus on farming initiatives.