Coffee and Sustainability: The Multiple Values of Traditional Shaded Coffee

Coffee is grown widely throughout the tropics on about 5 million farms from 85 countries. Several studies carried out during the last decade revealed the importance of traditional shaded coffee for biodiversity maintenance and protection. However, there is only biological and no interdisciplinary exploration of the multiple values and benefits of these agroforestry systems. We identify and review four kinds of nonbiological values, which complement its tested importance as a refuge for tropical biodiversity, as a contribution to the complete valuation of traditional shaded coffee. By briefly describing a case study in Mexico, we show how traditional shade-grown coffee is critical for areas where sustainable projects are being implemented. This article concludes by exploring three key dimensions of sustainability: economy, landscapes, and livelihoods.