©2009 Rainforest Alliance

Session 5:Session 5: Keeping shade Keeping shade treestreesSession 5:Session 5: Keeping shade Keeping shade treestrees

Language: EnglishLanguage: EnglishLanguage: EnglishLanguage: English

Version: 2011Version: 2011Version: 2011Version: 2011

Corresponding principle:

Principle 2.Ecosystem

conservation

Corresponding principle:

Principle 2.Ecosystem

conservation

Agroforestry cropsCorresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8

What happens if no shade?Corresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8

Your crop will suffer from:

1. Dehydration and

scorching by strong

sunshine

2. Soil getting drier and

exhausted

3. Soil erosion

4. Loss of productivity after

some years

©2009 Rainforest Alliance

What happens if no shade?Corresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8Testimony of cocoa farmers in Indonesia and in Ghana

5

Benefits of shadeCorresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8

• Protection from strong sunshine and winds

• Organic matter for the soil (Some shade trees fix nitrogen

in the soil)

• Keeping moisture in the soil

• Soil erosion control

• Habitat for wild animals • Fruits and timber for

extra income

• Understory crops

©2009 Rainforest Alliance

Benefits of shadeCorresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8Testimony of coffee farmers in Costa Rica and in El Salvador

7

Corresponding criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8

• 12 native species/ ha

• Some lower trees and some higher trees

• Important to prevent disease infestation of shade trees

Diversification of shade trees

©2009 Rainforest Alliance

Diversification of shade treesCorresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8Experience of a coffee farmer in Costa Rica

9

Maintenance of shade trees

• Pruning

•Renovation

Pruned branches of

a shade tree

New planting of a shade tree

10

Exceptional casesCorresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8

•Original ecosystem is not a forest (grassland etc.)

Designate 30% of your farm as conservation areas

alternatively.

•Climatic condition (high moisture, high altitude, lack of

sunlight etc.)

11

Non-agroforestry cropCorresponding

criterion:

2.8

Corresponding criterion:

2.8Keeping shade trees is not mandatory but is good for your farm.

Step by step

No shade treePlanting some shade trees

Impressive agroforestry system

The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoodsby transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.

The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoodsby transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.