The program Farming cooperatives gain entry to the Conservation Coffee™ program by meeting the following requirements:

• Legally registered as a cooperative with the Mexican government
• Are active in or around the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve
• Undergoing the organic certification process
• Use ecologically-sensitive production practices
• Agree to foster community participation in CI's technical assistance program and conservation education efforts

Measuring progress The CI field team visits each participating farm during the year to make recommendations on shade diversification, labor practices, coffee processing and waste management. The program also offers technical training in coffee production techniques, pest control, business planning and water treatment.

The El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve The biological diversity of El Triunfo is among the richest in the world. Over 37% of Mexican bird species, including the endangered Quetzal, and 3% of all the bird species found in the world can be found in the Reserve. El Triunfo is also home to an impressive number of species, including 45 types of reptiles, 30 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds, many of which are found only in this area. The Reserve also spans four climate zones, and is the largest continuous cloud forest in Mesoamerica.

Harmony with the land The conservation efforts among the farmers living and growing coffee on the Reserve are essential to its preservation. Improvements in small-scale coffee production will ensure the long-term economic viability of the farmers, and will also help sustain the Reserve and the many natural resources it provides.