A real family business for more biodiversity: the brothers Felipe and Olman Vargas on one of their banana plantations in Costa Rica. Photo © GIZ
Eating tropical fruits from sustainable cultivation preserves endangered species such as sloths and toucans. But who are the responsible producers? As part of the campaign “Biodiversity bears fruit – bananas and pineapples from biodiversity-friendly production”, the Global Nature Fund (GNF) introduces people who are committed to preserving biodiversity.
A key aspect of the “Biodiversity bears fruit – bananas and pineapples from biodiversity-friendly production” campaign launched on December 1, 2021 by the Global Nature Fund (GNF) and the Lake Constance Foundation is to tell the stories of these people: Producers such as Felipe and Olman Vargas, Álvaro Vargas, Carlos Tejada and Roodys de la Rosa, who are committed to preserving biodiversity on their farms. They literally provide the soil that bears fruit.
Commitment and creative solutions for more biodiversity
Her namesake Álvaro Vargas runs his farm in another part of Costa Rica. He has planted many fruit trees around his pineapple fields. The twittering from their branches gives you an idea: Álvaro has created a safe space here for pollinating bird species whose habitat would otherwise be lost. Fruits such as mangoes, avocados and oranges are a versatile source of nutrition. “I only feel comfortable here with them,” says Álvaro. “Only through them will this country remain a place of diversity, as it has been for thousands of years.”
In the Dominican Republic, too, more and more producers are supporting biodiversity-friendly production. Carlos Tejada, for example, is aware that growing other crops alongside bananas is more beneficial for his plantation and biodiversity than a monoculture. “That’s why I also grow coconut, cocoa, orange, lemon and soursop,” reports Carlos – and cites obvious benefits: “The fruit helps to keep banana production free of pests. For me, this means that I have to use fewer environmentally harmful pesticides.”
Roodys de la Rosa is developing soil conservation initiatives in his Dominican village of Monte Cristi: he uses organic fertilizers, returns natural residues to the soil and uses beneficial microorganisms to keep the ecosystem healthy. “I work here with practically everything that crawls on and in the ground,” says Roodys and laughs. “Various organisms, insects such as ants, but also earthworms can take care of the soil in peace,” he explains. “When we protect the life of nature, we also protect the lives of people. It’s quite simple.”
From the field to the plate: project for biodiversity-friendly fruit
In addition to the activities described above, the farmers involved meet the requirements of demanding certifications such as Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance, which place a particular focus on the protection of biodiversity. These certifications are a good guide for consumers who want to buy responsibly produced fruit. Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance are therefore already part of the “Del Campo al Plato” project and the “Biodiversity bears fruit” campaign.
Further information on the “Del Campo al Plato” project and the “Biodiversity bears fruit” campaign
Background
Contact us
Global Nature Fund (GNF)
Dr. Thomas Schaefer
Head of nature conservation
Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4
78315 Radolfzell on Lake Constance
Phone: +49 7732 9995-89
schaefer@globalnature.org
