The Atlantic Forest biome in Paraguay has been under assault from multiple angles, including intensive soybean agriculture and illegal logging. To combat this, Guyra Paraguay has teamed up with local indigenous communities to purchase land around the edge of the forest. This creates a “buffer zone” to protect the ecosystem from further encroachment.
Within the buffer zone, local people grow yerba mate (a traditional Paraguan tea) in the shade of the forest. This unique agroforestry system provides a source of income for people and habitat for local wildlife.
As of right now, around 7,000 hectares of forest have been protected under this system, and the number will only go up. A healthier forest means healthier soil and water, and more natural carbon sequestration.
“With yerba mate popping up as a key ingredient in natural energy drinks in Europe and North America, demand is growing fast, and the next step is marketing forest-friendly yerba mate for commercial success. This year’s yield was particularly successful, with 15 families harvesting 14,000 kilograms of yerba mate. For the first time, the product was harvested completely under organic and fair trade standards, opening up great exciting opportunities to market the crop as a premium product.”
Thanks to @barkcadegannon for sending this in!