In the Mesoamerican region, the Rainforest Alliance develops projects that promote the production and sale of sustainable products from the forest and agricultural activities, integrating men and women into productive activities for the generation of economic, social, and environmental benefits. Its main objective is to increase the competitiveness, sustainability, and access to markets of agricultural […]
Bananas as a commodity have a tumultuous history, particularly when it comes to labor practices and environmental degradation. While there have been many improvements over the last few decades, trade unions and NGOs continue to report concerns, including that low wages on plantations are insufficient for workers and their families to achieve a decent standard […]
The Rainforest Alliance Farmer Training App offers an interesting example of using digital technologies to increase farmer knowledge, connect farmers into peer-sharing networks and promote sustainable agricultural practices. In 2014, the Rainforest Alliance piloted a digital platform among 600 smallholders in Guatemala as a proof of concept for using technology to improve communication and information […]
Guatemala is a global leader in community forestry, having devolved control over forest resources to local actors in many parts of the country. While the Maya Biosphere Reserve’s community forestry concessions are well-known, a host of smaller forest-based enterprises in other parts of the country is taking on increasing importance. These enterprises, though incipient, are […]
Assessment of the conservation status of big-leaf mahogany, Spanish cedar, and three lesser-known timber species populations in the forestry concessions of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Petén, Guatemala Ensuring the sustainability of forest harvesting is a cornerstone for developing competitive community forest enterprises (CFEs). Without continued availability of the forest products upon which an enterprise relies, […]
Over the last two decades, countries across the tropics have devolved increasing authority over natural forests to local actors. While decentralizing control over natural forests is a step in the right direction, it is also clear that community forests can actually face increased pressure for conversion once they’re handed over. In this context, the capacity […]