Prioritisation of native trees for enhancing carbon sequestration in shade-grown coffee plantations in the State of Veracruz (México): linking conservation and ecological traits to community needs

Abstract

Agroforestry systems, such as shade-grown coffee plantations are particularly well suited to address the challenges of climate change, due to potential synergies between adaptation and mitigation strategies. The traditional knowledge of coffee producers can play a critical role in optimizing agroforestry approaches and shade tree selection to balance biodiversity conservation and local needs. This knowledge was used in a two-stage hybrid methodology identifying the shade tree species that help coffee growers in central Veracruz, México, face multiple challenges including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and improved livelihoods. Multi-criteria decision analysis using the distribution and conservation traits and agroecological information available of the native tree species of Veracruz, helped generate a preliminary list of 50 prioritised species, which was refined by incorporating local knowledge of each species in participatory workshops involving smallholder producers, where gender equality and social inclusion principles were applied. Species with the highest priority score were those belonging to the genus Inga (I. jinicuil, I. vera, I. punctata), which provides shade, soil fertility, bird habitat, and food. Domesticated species of the genera Persea (P. americana, P. schiedeana, P. longipes) and Psidium (P. guajava), were also prioritised as they are considered as important elements for shade and fruit production. This methodology combines distribution and conservation and ecological traits with local knowledge to prioritise native tree species for use in shade-grown coffee plantations in the central region of Veracruz. This multidisciplinary approach could be replicated more broadly in México and other coffee growing regions.