Collaboration schemes with farmers

The purpose of BB2 is to identify ad hoc collaboration mechanisms with producers that consider their technical and financial needs, as well as their business management capabilities.

  • Define mechanisms that provide certainty to producers regarding the price, timing and conditions of the purchase in advance.
  • To be able to finance the producer under a scheme that makes sense to him and allows him to have real profits.
  • Collaboration mechanisms should be flexible and varied to adjust to the reality of a wide range of producers.
  • For producers with less than 10 head under fattening, collaboration mechanisms should include financing schemes.
  • Sustainable sharecropping has proven to be a viable mechanism for small producers.
  • Be able to adapt collaboration schemes.
Convincing producers to adopt regenerative livestock husbandry methods

The purpose of BB1 is to convince producers of the economic benefits of regenerative ranching (in particular SSPi).

Regenerative ranching requires the producer to modify: the way he invests and operates his ranch, as well as livestock management.

  • Clearly present the economic advantages, even as infrastructure investment priorities change.
  • Recognize the importance of investing both in the conversion to a silvopastoral system and in infrastructure that facilitates intensive livestock management (e.g. more fencing and/or electric fencing to reduce paddock area, invest in more water troughs to improve animal weight gain).
  • Leverage on the experiences of pioneer cattle producers who have already converted their ranches.
  • Producers are not accustomed to investing in the regeneration of their ranches. The cost of converting to a silvopastoral system is perceived as an expense that detracts from their ability to invest in more cattle. "We are not forestry producers" is the typical response from producers.
  • Even when the silvopastoral system is implemented, intensive livestock management requires more initial effort on the part of the ranch operating team, particularly at the beginning.
  • Demonstrate the economic benefits of regenerative livestock through visits to converted ranches.
  • Practical capacity building for producers.
Provide an implicit benefit for forest conservation in the forestry sector - processing timber does not imply a negative impact

The forestry sector is very attractive to long-term investors. To achieve success, it is important to lower credit and access to creditors.

To have a broader portfolio of investors, which will allow us to continue growing the business while continuing to conserve Mexico's forests.

In 2018, we incorporated approximately 600 new effective hectares of land, all in the area of Huimanguillo, Tabasco, and we harvested and released more than 1,500 hectares, of which we selected strategic hectares and began the second rotation on these same lands with the Proteak standard.

Likewise, we continued to support the association program with small landowners initiated in 2015, which was a success and allowed us to reach more than 800 accumulated hectares incorporated under this scheme in the 2018 fiscal year.

  • Implement commitments and standards for environmentally responsible operation and production.
  • Defined and proven business plan
  • Investor profile sensitized to the issue of sustainability and its value.
  • Certifications in the lands where we work; Forest Stewardship Council®; CARB 2, which establishes low formaldehyde emission standards in materials such as plywood, particleboard and MDF, to avoid health damage when working with any of these materials; Verified Carbon Standard, among others.

Focus on sustainability within the business model in order to have

Access to Development Agencies, corporate arms of the agencies or investors looking to "green their portfolio".

High level of commitment to access this type of business gives you a higher added value (competitiveness).

To implement a business of this type and work with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental care, it is important to understand the market and its needs, understand the national and international competition.

In addition, you must have an integral vision that allows you to visualize the environmental and social impacts.

environmental and social impacts.

Creating a business environment for the sustainable forestry sector

The main purpose is to create the conditions to develop sustainable commercial forestry plantations (CFP).

Through the recovery of degraded and idle land for forestry vocation, within the framework of sustainable forest management.

The plantations that are used because of the type of tree, are not as intensive as other crops, and help the regeneration of soils.

In relation to carbon credits, several transactions were carried out in 2018, for a total volume of 6,326 tCO2. Additionally, Proteak was invited to be part of the Offsets Working Group, convened by SEMARNAT, to discuss the inclusion of forestry projects in the Carbon Bond Market in Mexico.

  • The economic robustness of the company, and having a financial model of the project for the investment, allowed to weather the time and keep the business afloat.
  • It is fundamental to be able to count on the necessary investment so that the business could have a larger scale.
  • One success was the selection of the species (TECA Eucalyptus), which have different characteristics and diverse production processes.
  • Continue the effort to develop high quality and productive genetic material. The eucalyptus hybridization orchard that was inaugurated in 2016 has successfully conducted field trials with four new clone varieties, some with very promising results.
  • Find alternatives to address the various types of land tenure, for example, if it is ejido, communal, if it is private, etc.
  • There is no public policy Forestry Plan, or strategy.
  • Legislative to reinforce the forestry law
  • Dumping of fiber, attempts have been made to stop it, but there is no tariff (should be the first thing to guarantee the development of national forestry projects).
  • Combat illegal timber trafficking
  • Select species with a business purpose and linked to processing - finished product.
  • It is a plus to have a sustainable approach to forest management.
  • Always have a business approach, always have profitability / source of income.
A responsible business partner

In order to realise the benefits of producing shea in the landscape, it was important to find and partner with a reliable company to fill two roles: develop value chains for women who collect and sell shea nuts, and support the community in conservation actions. This entailed looking at various opportunities, early preparation work with the company and framing it in a way to understand the needs of local communities. It was then that the Savannah Food Company (SFC) was identified and brought on board this journey.

Since the CREMA community was now more aware of nature’s benefits, they preferred to collaborate with a company that would be more than just a business partner, and actually contribute to their vision. Furthermore A Rocha Ghana ensured that SFC would pay good premiums for the women who collect shea, which also touched addressed the social component of the vision.

It is important to find a company that sees its role in society as more than just a profit-making enterprise, but also as a sustainability actor. SFC wanted to see an existing governance structure and an organised groups to make the contracting arrangement easier.

Biodiversity protection

To conserve one of the most biodiverse sites in the world and contribute to the increase of populations of bird, fish, mammal, etc. species.

  • Institutional support and commitment - public agencies.

  • Protected areas service committed and functioning.

  • Communities convinced of the benefits of conservation.

  • Continuous field support through allies, such as civil organizations and governmental institutions.

  • To implement a successful measure that aims to protect and conserve the territory, it is important to give a value to the territory. In this case, the ideal formula was found by giving value to the fruits of the forest. This measure has allowed the inhabitants of the forest to care for and prevent deforestation in the area. In addition, it has helped foster the local economy and improve people's quality of life by providing them with an option for development and growth.
  • A comprehensive vision of land management is needed. To implement a project of this type and ensure its success, it is desirable that those who design it understand that everything in nature is interconnected.
  • It would be desirable that all companies in the world become models of circular economy and thus avoid millions of carbon emissions.
  • Alliances with different institutions and organizations strengthen the project.
Community empowerment

The communities that inhabit the reserve should lead the protection and conservation of the forest while at the same time improving people's quality of life.

The project seeks to empower the communities, providing them with tools for the responsible management of their resources. Part of the focus is also to facilitate the development of sustainable businesses from them, with the possibility of forming cooperatives so that they can market their products together.

The training and tools provided are focused on good practices and management plans that allow and encourage forest conservation.

  • Pay fair prices to generate income that will prevent their migration and allow them to protect the forest.
  • To have a constant market for the products (to boost supply-demand).
  • Ensure that fruit harvesting is sufficient and constant to meet the company's demand.
  • Train producers in good practices and conservation.
  • Adequate management plans
  • Ensure that the supply chain is sustainable.
  • It is necessary to be permanently close to the communities.
  • Have a lot of patience. Projects take time.
  • Do not generate expectations that cannot be fulfilled.
  • It is a long-term project.
  • It is important to diversify the offer with parallel projects, in this case, other than forest fruit gathering. For this reason, we are developing other options, for example, the "turtle egg collection" where turtles are protected and released into the rivers for their reproduction and growth. We have managed to release 6,000 turtles into the river.
Alliances with key stakeholders

The project focuses on companies that use the natural resources of the NPAs and provides training to companies and the local population in biodiversity conservation, in alliance with various governmental institutions.

Achieving cooperation between the different actors in the territory is transcendental to create links with the communities, companies and SERNANP. The participation of local populations and producers throughout implementation has undoubtedly been one of the main success factors.

  • Scientific information must be available to make decisions.
  • The use of resources should not be an imposition; it is an activity that should be articulated with the uses and customs of the local population.
  • Have a well-defined plan for harvesting under SERNANP's defined criteria.

Effective Management of Forest Resources, Flora and Wildlife Harvesting

Create mechanisms in SENARNP to endorse sustainable production processes carried out by companies within protected areas.

  • Involvement of the local population
  • Co-management between SERNANP and local authorities and grassroots organizations.
  • Encourage and strengthen alliances with the private sector.
  • Robust and consistent technical and scientific criteria.
  • Local population involved in the process to ensure social, environmental and economic impact.
  • Support in the identification of target audiences
Reducing water runoff

The purpose of restoring water sources, especially community ponds, is to increase water infiltration by lowering the rate and volume of water runoff during the rainy season and to store rainwater for use during the dry season.  The project supported the protection, repair, and rehabilitation of springs and old ponds, thereby improving the water supply. Panchase receives a high volume of rainfall during the rainy season, so these ponds store water for later use rather than letting it run off. This water is used well into the dry season to irrigate crops and as drinking water for domestic and wild animals. By reducing runoff, the project also reduced soil erosion and landslides in the area. Additionally, the measure increased water infiltration and contributed to ground water recharge, which benefits areas downstream, as well as the overall ecosystem.

  • Technical knowledge of water source restoration before engaging the community groups in implementation of activities 
  • A strong rapport between the communities and the project team  
  • The project focused on developing measures that addressed issues already considered problematic by the communities, which helped ensure strong community support for the measures
  • Ponds were chosen for restoration based on priorities determined by the communities themselves 

Use of local knowledge regarding water source location and resource use

  • Using a participatory approach to address community problems ensures more interest in and ownership of project interventions 
  • Handing over the project implementation responsibility to community groups increases community ownership and commitment, but technical and managerial training must be provided before transferring responsibility
  • Perennial water sources are necessary to ensure a year-round supply of water and therefore effective water-retention. 
  • Interventions should be integrated with other relevant activities, such as agriculture, to ensure sustainability 
  • To protect community ponds from damage due to rural road construction, it is important to enforce appropriate safeguard measures