This risk assessment has been developed in the context of the global project "Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE)" and the implementation of the global program "AgriChains" led by the German Technical Cooperation (GIZ) Ecuador. It is part of a series of activities focussing on the socialization of EUDR and its implications for the cocoa chain, but also on strengthening local capacities that facilitate adaptation to the requirements of EUDR.

Taking into account the requirements specified in the EUDR (legality and non-deforestation), Preferred by Nature organised a team of international experts with proven experience in certification systems, supply chains, and risk assessments to conduct the risk assessment. They worked with the support of a group of local technicians. The risk assessment was developed considering Ecuador's legislative framework and current practices.

Preferred by Nature carried out the risk assessment and analysis based on collected and analysed information, a review of applicable legal regulations, and consultation workshops with state entities, producers, leaders and directors and administrative staff of associations, representatives of cooperative entities, and local entities that provide advice and/or direct assistance. Field visits were also conducted to farms and primary and secondary collection centers to validate information and understand the functioning of the supply chain.

To organise the risk analysis, Preferred by Nature generated a list of indicators linked to the EUDR requirements related to deforestation and legal compliance. Based on this list of indicators, the risk assessment was organised and documented.

The assessment is also published on our Sourcing Hub.