Recent rust infestation affected the vast majority of coffee plantations and about 90% of the production was nearly lost in communities. This situation has forced producers to strongly impact agro-ecosystem through intensive use of agrochemicals and elimination of shade trees, exposing high biodiversity areas thus threatening the natural wealth of traditional coffee plantations. This proposal allows development and implementation of environmentally friendly practices and communities well-being.
Coffee incomes are the material basis of thriving communities, which are effective stewards of ecosystems, biodiversity and culture. The stagnation scenario for small coffee producers in central Veracruz in the last 3 years as a result of coffee rust infestation and adverse economic factors, jeopardizes natural wealth of traditional coffee plantation and the local economy of small coffee producers. This situation has forced producers to strongly impact agro-ecosystem.
The overarching idea of this innovative proposal is that the best stewards of natural resources are local communities that depend on them. Therefore supporting their initiatives to develop and implement environmental friendly techniques,add value to their own natural capital and get benefits from sustainable ways to generate incomes will guarantee resources preservation. Social fabric restoration will be favored by encouraging participation of women and young people which usually migrate.
The project will provide technology, skills and financing to Communitarian Enterprises to consolidate a community based ecosystem management model that preserves natural resources and improves community economy. Supporting Community Enterprises (CE) with explicit parameters of environmental sustainability and fair social relationships, may restore a social, environmental and cultural fabric able to guarantee the future and wellbeing of local communities.
