To the Interamerican Foundation for Tropical Research (FIIT), the SAN member in Guatemala, 2014 was a year of growth both in terms of scientific research and certified operations in this Central American country; Moreover, in labor relations and in the field of sustainability.
Regarding scientific research, FIIT took samples from a series of certified coffee farms under the Sustainable Agriculture Network / Rainforest Alliance system. Those farms are located in the coffee regions established by the National Coffee Association of Guatemala (ANACAFE).
The results of these samples in coffee farms include new records into new areas as well as the presence of endemic, threatened or endangered species. In addition, these studies have also been conducted in palm and rubber plantations, with important results.
In terms of the SAN / RA certification program, in 2014 there was an important increase mainly in banana plantations and palm oil farms. Besides, melon and watermelon were added to the list of certified crops in the country, which is important at the local level due to the social and environmental impact of these crops as well as the experience in handling different crops.
As part of its contribution to inter-institutional relationships on sustainability, the FIIT’s Direction and Certification Management, as representative of the SAN, participated in the Technical Committee of the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), through Proforest and Solidarity, who have summoned the different sectors of the country to the “nationalization” of the Standard, with significant initial results.
In 2015, in FIIT we expect to maintain and increase our different operations, both in research, certification and inter-institutional relations, as well as issues of climate change and environmental education, to increase our outreach.