Agroforestry
The demand for agricultural products in densely populated areas comes at a price to the environment. Portions of our restored forests are integrated with agriculture to mitigate this. The combination of indigenous and economic plants increases biodiversity and productivity.
Agroforestry provides wildlife habitat, agricultural goods and a carbon capture system. Small protected conservation areas standing in isolation have restricted gene pools and limited biological interactions. Agroforestry within biological corridors can provide the necessary connectivity these protected areas need and enhance biodiversity. This long term investment enhances social, economic and environmental sustainability.
Agroforestry Cacao
We grow Cacao in the understory of the forest canopy where it thrives as a companion to other tree and shrub species of ecological and economic importance .
Wildlife has thrived. Apex predators have returned and are balancing the web. Puma now hunt within the cacao. This is full spectrum biodiversity with protection of natural resources, while providing meaningful employment for our community.
See Macaw Kakau,
Our planting system for Cacao and other crops:
Agroforestry plantings at Macao Santuario:
Timber:
Astronium gravolens Ronron
Dalbergia retusa Cocobola
Dipteryx panamensis Almendro amarrillo
Peltogyne purpurea Nazareno
Platymiscium pinnatum Cristobal
Samanea saman Cenizaro
Schizolobium parahyba Gallinazo
Swietenia macrophylla Caob
Nitrogen fixers:
Cajanus cajan Gandul
Cassia biflora Quierbraplatos
Cassia reticulata Saragundi
Desmodium sp Pega pega
Inga sp Guabilla
Mimosa pudica Dormilona
Food:
Acai
Cacao
Coffee
Bananas
Plantain
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