Why Shade Coffee Does Not Guarantee Biodiversity Conservation
Loading...
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
RESILIENCE ALLIANCE
Abstract
Over the past decade, various strategies have emerged to address critical habitat losses through agricultural expansion. The promotion of shade-grown, premium-priced coffee has been highlighted as one alternative. Our research, based on interviews with farmers in Chiapas, disputes some of the assumptions made by shade coffee campaigners. Results revealed a predisposition to converting forest to shade coffee production due to the socioeconomic challenges farmers face and the potential for increasing incomes. To ensure that their well-being is improved at the same time as reducing environmental impacts, there is clearly a need to provide more detailed information on who is responsible for enforcing certification criteria and how this should take place.
Description
Keywords
alternative coffee, conservation, biodiversity, Mexico, TROPICAL MONTANE LANDSCAPE, PREMONTANE MOIST FOREST, BIRD POPULATIONS, CLOUD FOREST, LOS-TUXTLAS, PLANTATIONS, AGROECOSYSTEMS, DIVERSITY, HABITAT, ANTS