Insects: Invisible Allies in the Coffee Agroecosystem of the Cloud Forest
The coffee plantation and its biodiversity can be analyzed from different perspectives. One of the most important is that, thanks to traditional cultivation, the landscape of the Cloud Forest has largely been preserved. Without the introduction of coffee, it is possible that the region would have evolved into a landscape dominated by extensive grasslands and sugarcane fields. In the high mountain region of Veracruz, the coffee plantation has harmoniously integrated into the cloud forest landscape, an ecosystem of high biological diversity. These coffee agroecosystems, especially those that maintain shade under native trees, serve as refuges for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Among the insects, birds, and mammals that inhabit these areas, many play essential roles in the ecological balance, such as pollination, pest control, and the decomposition of organic matter. This type of coffee plantation management, respectful of the environment, promotes the conservation of key species and the health of the ecosystem.
The biodiversity in these coffee plantations is profoundly influenced by the microclimate and unique characteristics of the cloud forest, characterized by its constant humidity and rich vegetation cover. Through sustainable management that prioritizes biodiversity, coffee growers not only protect local species but also contribute to the resilience of the agricultural system in the face of climate change challenges. This symbiotic relationship between coffee and local biodiversity highlights the importance of adopting agricultural practices that are compatible with the conservation of the natural ecosystems of Veracruz.
Types of Insects in Coffee Agroecosystems
Without a doubt, I can say that there are no studies on the species, abundance, and behavior of insects in the coffee agricultural systems of the state of Veracruz, as well as in other coffee-growing states like Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Hidalgo. Usually, the insects observed in these agroecosystems are categorized as pests, as they are perceived to be harmful to the coffee plantations, with the exception of honeybees. However, there are beneficial insects, such as praying mantises, that are adapted to capture prey. These insects have a triangular head and large eyes that can move independently, providing excellent stereoscopic vision. Stagmomantis spp., recorded on iNaturalist for the municipality of Chocamán and observed in the organic coffee plantations of the area, is a voracious predator of other insects, helping to maintain the balance of insect populations that reproduce rapidly and feed on leaves.
This situation highlights the urgent need to investigate and better understand insect biodiversity in the coffee plantations of Veracruz and other coffee-growing regions. Identifying and protecting beneficial insects can not only improve the sustainability of agricultural systems but also contribute to conserving the ecological balance in these unique ecosystems. A more integrated and scientific approach to insect management in coffee plantations will allow for optimizing coffee production while protecting local biodiversity.
Support Coffee Farmers and the Insects That Sustain Them
By supporting organic coffee, you're helping protect the insects that keep plantations healthy—benefiting farmers, biodiversity, and your morning brew!
Buy Chalum CafeEcological Benefits of Insects in Coffee Plantations
Insects play a crucial role in coffee plantations, providing a variety of ecological benefits that are essential for the health and sustainability of these agroecosystems. Among their most notable functions are pollination, organic matter decomposition, and biological pest control. Bees, for example, are fundamental pollinators that improve coffee productivity by facilitating the transfer of pollen between flowers. This process not only increases crop yield but also contributes to the genetic diversity of the plants. Additionally, insects like beetles, cockroaches, and ants participate in the decomposition of leaves and organic debris, enriching the soil with nutrients and improving its structure, which in turn benefits the growth of coffee plants.
Another important aspect is the role of predatory insects in pest control. Insects such as praying mantises and ladybugs act as natural pest controllers, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and minimizing environmental impact. This biological control not only protects coffee crops but also helps maintain the ecological balance in the plantation, fostering the coexistence of diverse species and promoting the resilience of the agroecosystem against disturbances. Together, these ecological benefits highlight the importance of encouraging agricultural practices that value and preserve insect biodiversity in coffee plantations, promoting more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming.
Threats to Insects in Coffee Plantations
The last decade, the number of coffee producers at the national level has decreased by 25%, which has had a significant impact on the conservation of Cloud Forests and Jungles. The lack of opportunities to process and market coffee until it is packaged forces many coffee growers to seek more profitable alternatives, opting for products that do not require processing and can be sold directly as raw material, unlike coffee. This shift in cultivation often involves cutting down trees to establish full-sun monocultures. This transformation not only reduces the available habitat for many species but also affects local biodiversity. Pollinating insects, which rely on native vegetation for food and reproduction, are forced to travel farther in search of food, and many species do not survive this challenge. Monocultures, lacking the shade and diversity of the original forest, alter ecosystems and lead to the loss of key species, disrupting food webs. The intensive use of pesticides in these systems worsens the situation, harming native and beneficial insects, contributing to the decline of their populations.
Sustainable Practices to Protect Insects in Coffee Plantations
Insects, with the ecosystem services they provide (supporting, provisioning, regulating, and cultural services), play an essential role in coffee plantations, significantly contributing to food security, the economy, and biodiversity conservation. Their role in pollination not only increases coffee productivity and quality but also impacts national and international trade of agricultural products. However, the integration of insect conservation and their ecosystem services into policies and regulations is insufficient and needs to be strengthened. To promote the local presence of these populations and their conservation, policies linking ecosystem services with coffee certification should be implemented, and greater investments in the conservation of forest habitats should be considered. These measures could be supported by international organizations and trade agreements, thus contributing to more sustainable agriculture and the protection of biodiversity in coffee plantations.
Case Study: Chalum Café and Its Commitment to Insects
Chalum Café emerged from years of accumulated experience working with coffee producers in different states of Mexico. Walking through coffee plantations in humid areas, drier regions, forests, and jungles, observing their production methods and the challenges they face, provided the motivation to create Chalum eight years ago. Experiencing organic production firsthand, learning about certification processes, and seeing how coffee is cultivated in these ecosystems, which are rich in centuries-old fruit and timber trees, inspired me to found an ecological coffee brand, also committed to the protection of insects—crucial yet often overlooked and misunderstood animals in these agroecosystems. Chalum honors insects in coffee plantations that are polycultures and organic, striving to incentivize and support these agroecosystems that foster biodiversity in cloud forests, high and lowland jungles, and pine and oak forests.
Conclusion
Coffee plantations associated with other crops in a polyculture system help preserve biodiversity and promote environmentally and socially sustainable agricultural practices, which are key to conserving vital ecosystems in Mexico, such as the Cloud Forest. Through techniques like cultivating coffee under the shade of native trees, these agroecosystems act as refuges for a wide variety of insects that perform essential ecological functions, such as natural pest control, nutrient recycling, and pollination. Despite challenges like the expansion of monocultures and intensive pesticide use, there are initiatives that demonstrate the viability of organic and sustainable agriculture, as exemplified by Chalum Café. This approach not only protects local biodiversity but also contributes to the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate change. Therefore, it is crucial that policies and investments focus on promoting practices that respect and value the ecosystem services provided by insects. This includes linking the conservation of native insects with the certification of coffee and other agricultural products, and encouraging their acceptance in both national and international markets. In this way, coffee plantations will continue to be allies in the preservation of forests and jungles, as well as in the long-term sustainable production of coffee.
Support Coffee Farmers and the Insects That Sustain Them
By supporting organic coffee, you're helping protect the insects that keep plantations healthy—benefiting farmers, biodiversity, and your morning brew!
Buy Chalum Cafe
