As the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into force, cocoa imported into the European Union must be proven to come from land that has not been deforested since 31 December 2020. For countries such as Côte d’Ivoire – the world’s largest cocoa producer – demonstrating compliance across thousands of smallholder farms presents a major challenge.
This case study shows how Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data is helping to make this possible.
French Earth observation company Disaitek uses Sentinel-1 radar imagery and artificial intelligence to detect changes in forest cover, even in tropical regions where persistent cloud cover limits the use of optical satellites. The resulting evidence is integrated by sustainability consultancy So-B-Green into a comprehensive compliance workflow combining satellite analysis, field verification, traceability and farmer support. Commodity trader Africao Trading then uses this verified information to demonstrate compliance with the EUDR and maintain access to European markets.
By providing reliable, parcel-level evidence of historical land-use change, Sentinel-1 enables continuous monitoring at a scale that would be impractical through field inspections alone. The approach also allows field teams to focus their efforts on higher-risk areas, improving efficiency while supporting farmers through targeted interventions rather than blanket exclusions.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the service helps reduce deforestation risks, promotes sustainable cocoa production and strengthens the resilience of smallholder supply chains. It also demonstrates how freely available Copernicus data can underpin innovative commercial services that deliver environmental, economic and societal benefits across the entire value chain.
