Agricultural aspect
WATER CONSERVATION
The tributary river flowing down the Ecuadorian Andes and its spring-fed streams are essential elements in our nature reserve. The crystalline, mineral-rich water is truly valuable to us.
It is currently seriously threatened by invasive mining companies in the region's territories, as well as by the increasing use of pesticides and other chemical products by farmers. To protect the water
and its environment, we have initiated several steps described below.
Water protection & access to drinking water
Defending our various bodies of water with government laws is a primary concern to ensure our community has better access to potable water. Katalina Robalino, founder of Café Latitude Zéro and president of the community, has successfully placed water under governmental protection against any contamination due to the natural exploitation of various resources in the region. In addition, we are simultaneously working with a neighboring village to make
drinking water accessible to our two communities, which comprise approximately 500 people.
Water use in cultivation
Furthermore, we strive to eliminate the common use of chemical products in the surrounding plantations, thereby preventing their harmful residues from accumulating in water bodies. During our grain collection, our purchasing contracts
are signed under several environmental conditions, such as the absence of chemicals in coffee cultivation and the promotion of polycultural practices to foster the perpetuation of ecosystems and their native forests. To complement our requirements, we offer free access to information on ecological equivalents and practices
necessary to implement this new, more efficient, less expensive, and long-term sustainable system.
SOIL RESTORATION AND PERMACULTURE
Beyond organic farming and the balance between what is taken from the earth and what is returned to it, our cultivation method not only avoids contaminating the environment but also provides it with significant benefits. The goal is to create the best possible conditions
for our plantation in addition to practicing agriculture that promotes environmental flourishing. Our permaculture practices make it possible to maintain balanced ecosystems with rich soils, ideal for the successful development
of a coffee plant.
Eco-responsible agriculture starting from the soil
We enrich the ground of our forests and their coffee plantations by optimizing the cycle of nature. Decomposing leaves and branches on the soil form excellent protection and promote the creation of microorganisms.
To enhance the richness of the soil without disrupting its initial balance, we have designed 100% natural fertilizers created from
animal manure as well as other elements from our farm. Moreover, the water used during our production process is collected to irrigate our plantations and enrich them with its residues brimming with essential nutrients.
Promoting ecosystem flourishing
Our idea can be summarized as using all forms of natural life as allies, not killing them.
From the forests we create and conserve to the microorganisms whose reproduction is encouraged within the soil.
Our self-sufficient and eco-responsible system may seem longer to implement and offers less abundance than artificially stimulated production, but it represents long-term benefits. It guarantees efficient production, not only for us but for the future of the environment and the future of its
next generations of workers.
