Environment, Economy & Society
Global Forest Loss
One of the largest threats to biodiversity around the world is the conversion of forests to agricultural use. Large areas of tropical forests have been converted to corn, soy, oil palm and livestock grazing, and Guatemala is no different with deforestation for cattle grazing and banana plantations.
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A central focus of our farm is the restoration of forest cover to promote the recovery of plants, animals and soil organisms that support a balanced ecosystem. More than 20 hectares of our farm is registered as conservation land with the Guatemalan government. Our efforts have led to an increase in birds, mammals and insects and the development of more stable and nutrient rich soil. We are seeing the return of ecosystem functions that sequester carbon, prevent soil erosion and clean water. All of this is being accomplished without chemicals!
22
hectares in conservation
20'000
trees planted
2007
founded
Chocolate: meeting economic and ecological needs
Cacao provides a unique alternative crop that can simultaneously support biodiversity and socio-economic sustainability. Because cacao is a shade grown crop, a diverse forest overstory is kept onsite while the cacao trees develop below. Our farming methods incorporate ecological theory to balance production and ecosystem functions. This science-based approach encourages spatial diversity of trees, focused restoration of species and conservation of sensitive areas along rivers and in erosion zones. We also use low impact management techniques including:
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1. Excluding chemical use and instead apply only natural solutions for pest control and organic fertilizers on systematic and organized schedules. These detailed programs prevents nutrient runoff into rivers and lakes.
​​2. Maintaining the land by hand. We control weeds, prune trees and harvest plants manually without disruptive industrial equipment.
3. Tree planting of native species to encourage long-term forest sustainability around our cacao sites.
In combination, our science-based management and low impact methods are returning biodiversity, and although cacao production is not maximized, we can maintain economic benefits while meeting environmental goals.
Social Development
Our farm supports local indigenous communities through job creation and provides alternative agricultural possibilities for economic development of surrounding communities. We have developed training courses for cacao management and encourage the development of locally operated cacao plantations in the area. In addition, we work with the surrounding communities to promote health and empowerment. We have run clinics to de-worm families, initiated legal help for land rights and try to be overall good neighbors.
