This project engages indigenous Mayan communities by promoting economic incentives for agroforestry in the buffer zone of the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala. The Mayan coffee producer association works in ways that are consistent with CI’s conservation objectives, making the long-term financial viability of coffee production key to achieving conservation outcomes. A 250-member coffee cooperative operating in and around the biologically rich El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico, cultivating shade-grown arabica coffee. Cofinanzas is a leading producer and exporter of certified organic and specialty coffee in El Salvador. Cofinanzas’ 172-hectare farm is located near El Imposible National Park – the last refuge for biodiversity in El Salvador. By providing price incentives and affordable credit to local farmers for growing conservation-oriented coffee, the program creates a direct incentive for farmers to participate in sustainable coffee production. These cooperatives agreed not to log, to implement sustainable agriculture techniques, to divert coffee pulp from local waterways, and to respect the rules and regulations of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve. The plantation operates the first approved wastewater treatment plant and one of the first ecological wet mills in Mexico. The plantation also works closely on water and soil conservation issues Finca Arroyo Negro has set aside for conservation 200 hectares of primary forest that is contained within the coffee estate and serves as habitat for the Endangered Baird’s tapir. This investment is part of a larger landscape investment approach with other coffee farms near the Sierra Madre de Chiapas Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. Finca Irlanda maintains remnants of intact forest in strategic sites and reforests buffer areas to improve watershed management and protection of the two rivers and eight springs within this important corridor. Located in the buffer zone of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Finca La Paz has partnered with other coffee estates in this region to implement sustainable coffee practices. In addition to commercializing sustainably harvested coffee, the farm has set aside 30 hectares for conservation and natural regeneration of native species. The product development and trading company's sourcing philosophy is to engage existing farmers in shade-grown, organic production so they earn income while preventing further degradation to buffer zones near national parks. This estate has endeavored to introduce new technologies to minimize the impact of coffee production on its fragile environment. The farm uses an ecological wet milling system to mitigate impacts. Operating for more than 79 years, this farm’s production system is a model for conservation-oriented coffee production in Guatemala, and as result, has received numerous awards and certifications. The cooperative’s 379 members are trained in environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices. They have helped conserve one of Mexico's remaining cloud and pine oak forest fragements, as well as lowland evergreen forests. This sustainable ecotourism enterprise combines a unique offering of educational rain forest excursions, cultural experiences, and biodiversity conservation in a forest surrounding La Amistad National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.