This document introduces an Earthwatch Institute research project in Tarrazú, Costa Rica that aims to promote more sustainable coffee production practices. The project studies how traditional intensive farming has degraded soils and biodiversity in the region. The research examines factors like shade trees, ground cover, and soil pH to understand their impacts on coffee health, productivity, quality and erosion. The project also supports outreach to local farmers and technical assistance. It explores using agroecology and ecosystem services frameworks to manage landscapes in a way that supports water, soil, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and the well-being of communities. Specific on-farm strategies discussed include increasing aboveground and soil carbon stocks through shade trees, cover crops and biochar addition

1. Introduction to the Research Tarrazú, 2009

2. 1 st Part: The Beginning

3. “ Engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment” Earthwatch Institute:

6. Tarrazú Research Initiative

9. Shade tree Ground cover Coffee Health/vigor Productivity Quality Farmer investment Biodiversity and abundance Erosion and water run off Soil Landscape composition, features, altitude (GIS) Micro-climate Fertilizer and liming

10. Soil pH

13. 2 nd Part: The Future of the Research Initiative

14. Ecosystem Services*: * Millenium Ecosystem Assesment, 2007 “ Ecosystems underpin human well –being through supporting, provisioning, regulating, and cultural services.”

16. Managing Ecosystems (1) Farm (sub) Watershed Landscape

19. 3 rd Part: Carbon Sequestration

20. The Carbon Cycle*: * http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/CarbonCycle/carbon_cycle4.php

21. Carbon stocks: plants, soil, atmosphere* * In Janzen, H., 2004

22. Human induced changes: Increased CO 2 emissions (Janzen, 2004) Fossil Fuels: Land cover change:

23. Human induced changes (2): Warming Earth (IPCC,2007)

24. What to do? (in agricultural landscapes): On Farm Strategies_ Off Farm Strategies

27. Above/belowground Carbon Stock (2)

30. Increase Forest Cover: