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The landmark definition of "sustainable development", created in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development, is "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has declared 2005-2014 to be the "Decade of Education for Sustainable Development"; this means that, over the next 10 years, the UN will inspire organizations, schools, and businesses all over the planet to work toward a "world where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from quality education and learn the values, behavior and lifestyles required for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation."
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Photo: Rainforest Alliance
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Mayorga Coffee is committed to this holistic vision of society, education, and commerce. We choose to work with farms and farming communities that are, in turn, equally committed to promoting health in their families, economies, and environment. Most farms are either family or cooperative-owned, which means that the workers are intrinsically motivated to care for the well-being of everyone involved, and of the farm itself. We are constantly seeking new projects to support in these countries of origin (to improve water conditions and availability, to help build schools and bring much-needed medical professionals), as well as working toward raising awareness and implementation of sustainable practices here in our own area.
Sustainable coffee growers themselves often address environmental concerns by choosing "shade grown" coffee, plants raised under a protective canopy of pre-existing forest that not only ensures a slower, fuller growing cycle, but also provides natural habitat for migratory birds. Others might promote economic sustainability by using strategic tree combinations, (from banana to citrus to poplar) as much for their shade as for their ability to generate supplementary income. Most sustainable coffee is also pesticide- and herbicide- free, and is grown with deep sensitivity for the surrounding environment. Whether by protecting nearby rivers from contamination or providing safe havens from deforestation for hundreds of plant and animal species, these coffee farms daily demonstrate their appreciation for the interconnectedness of livelihood and life itself.
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Photo: Rainforest Alliance
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