UKPACT’s Shade Coffee Project Boosts Local Incomes and Saves Forests
New Tree Tech to Cool Climate-Hit Coffee Farms
Climate change is heating up coffee farms in Veracruz, threatening the industry and local livelihoods. To tackle this, experts assessed nearly 2,000 tree species, zeroing in on 50 top candidates. These trees grow fast, provide dense, evergreen shade, trap carbon efficiently, and have deep roots to live long.
Communities Take Charge in Cloud Forest Heartland
Farmers in Huatusco and Teocelo, nestled deep in the cloud forest, led the charge. ProNatura Veracruz hosted workshops where locals weighed in on each tree’s value—not just for shade but for cooking, crafts, and cultural traditions. Seven species made the cut for planting, backed by UNAM scientists who estimate each hectare could soak up six tonnes of CO2 annually—equal to emissions from powering a typical Mexican home for a year.
Better Coffee, Bigger Profits
His Majesty’s Ambassador to Mexico, Jon Benjamin, attended the final workshop, hearing firsthand how shade coffee means richer flavours and higher market prices. Local participant Lili Alicona Paes declared,
“This project has changed the way we think about trees and coffee. Before, deforestation was the norm. Now, we know trees are vital. More foliage means more shade and fewer pests. I want my grandchildren to benefit from the trees I plant. It fills me with pride—especially as a woman producer.”
Spreading the Shade Coffee Revolution
The project offers free guides and videos online, enabling other coffee communities across Mexico—and beyond—to replicate this green success. UK and Mexico continue partnering to sharpen farmers’ skills, boost incomes, and fight climate change one tree at a time.
