AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND LAND USE
How can we reduce emissions from agriculture and livestock while capturing carbon with our forests and soils?
Agriculture
4% of Monteverde's emissions come from agriculture,
mostly from nitrogen fertilizers.
- • Use compost instead of chemical fertilizers.
- • Nurture the soil with microorganisms (EM or MM).
- • Incorporate trees on your farm.
- • Reuse water for irrigation.
- • Do not use fire to clear land or brush.
- • Avoid tilling the soil.
Livestock
29% of Monteverde's emissions come from livestock
- • Replace feed concentrate with highly nutritious and digestible forage.
- • Replace chemical fertilizers with processed manure and compost.
- • Install a bio-digester.
- • Plant trees in and around pastures.
- • Do not let livestock enter forest so that they do not damage the understory.
Reforestation
Trees and soils are our best tools to capture carbon.
- • Protect existing forests.
- • Plant trees. To obtain native trees in Monteverde, contact the Monteverde Institute.
- • Create corridors by connecting forest patches.
- • Prevent fires in pastures and forests.
- • Support local conservation organizations, especially The Children’s Eternal Rainforest, the largest private reserve in Costa Rica.