Deforestation
Deforestation is a major problem in Haïti. Economic exploitation to support domestic requirements has removed all but 1.5% of forest cover. Wood is used for fuel across Haïti at nearly twice the rate that forest growth takes place. Topsoil, is then easily washed away, especially where this has been intensively used. Water sources become silted and the remaining soil acidic. This is not a sustainable situation and makes RECOCARNO's efforts all the more important. Its coffee is grown in shade provided by natural forest which is therefore carefully preserved.

Protection and conservation of the remaining forest cover is vitally important. RECOCARNO therefore promotes sustainable farming techniques, diversified agriculture (balance between food and cash crops), conservation of natural resources and economic diversification. RECOCARNO coffee farms use production techniques and materials that conserve and / or improve on specific local ecosystems and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

Some areas are still forested within the RECOCARNO area but the proportion varies a great deal according to altitude and the steepness of slopes. About a third of the Borgne and Plaisance zones are still wooded whereas trees cover only about 10% of the land in Carice and 15% in Dondon.

Though the demands for fuel wood (charcoal) are greater than ever, those involved are increasingly educated to take parts of trees that will not threaten their survival.

Ecosystem Management
By increasing the viability and long-term value of the coffee ecosystem, peasant producers will better manage their current forest resources and renew the failing ecosystems. Responsible management of natural resources in Haïti means that small producers have greater security and stability in their livelihoods. Sustainable production of quality coffee requires simultaneous attention to economic viability, social justice and shared environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Production Methods
RECOCARNO strives to protect the environment by minimal chemical use; it is also committed to establishing cultural, non-chemical methods of controlling broca (Coffee Berry Borer, or CBB).

RECOCARNO was at the forefront of the campaign to heighten awareness of the ravages of CBB and, with other Fairtrade groups successfully prevented the application of chemical pesticide, which would have caused long-term problems, and opted instead to use natural methods to contain and eradicate the parasite

...... more about organic and gourmet production

Regeneration
RECOCARNO is also implementing farm regeneration programmes rather than encouraging expansion into new areas, as part of its strategy to conserve natural resources. There is a strong emphasis on planting new coffee seedlings, assisted by grants from Oxfam and other agencies. By the end of 2002, 516,000 coffee and shade tree seedlings had been planted.

Shade-grown Coffee

	Producers are expected to protect the natural environment and to make environment protection a part of farm management. Fairtrade Standard

There is strong growth in the demand by consumers for coffee that is ecologically sound. Shade-grown coffee, typified by RECOCARNO methods, shuns the large-scale forest clearing and use of agro-chemicals associated with “sun-grown” coffee. This is one of the reasons for the growing success of Fairtrade brands amongst coffee drinkers in environmentally-aware countries. Some shade-grown coffee is also known as “bird friendly”, particularly in the USA.