"More Trees, Fewer Cows" is an initiative by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Re:wild, and the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (AMPB) aimed at raising awareness and taking action against illegal cattle ranching activities in indigenous territories and protected areas in Mesoamerica. By promoting the concept of "More Trees, Fewer Cows," the goal is to emphasize the importance of forest conservation and highlight the detrimental impact of illegal cattle breeding.

THE PROBLEM

Illegal cattle ranching is the main cause of deforestation in Latin America and is often concealed by illegal activities such as organized crime and drug trafficking. Each year, between 1 and 2 million head of cattle are illegally trafficked from Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico.

This impact is reflected in the security, biodiversity, and well-being of indigenous and local communities, as well as in environmental conservation, where indigenous leaders face acts of violence. Additionally, cattle ranching is responsible for 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with 65% of these emissions coming from cattle.

THE STRATEGY

With a focus on Mesoamerica, the strategy encompasses everything from replacing cattle ranching in legal but forest-damaging areas to the restoration of degraded areas. The participation of governments, businesses, indigenous peoples, and local communities is crucial to achieve this goal.

Government Responsibility: Governments commit to deforestation-free procurement, regulating and enforcing regulations to ensure the complete absence of cattle ranching in illegal areas.

Corporate Responsibility: Companies undertake the commitment to ensure and demonstrate the traceability of their cattle ranching products, certifying that they come from deforestation-free and conflict-free sources in indigenous territories.

Strengthening Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Mesoamerica: An essential component lies in strengthening indigenous peoples and their capacity to manage and defend their territories. Additionally, we will promote economic activities and food production compatible with climate preservation to ensure sustainable harmony between local practices and environmental conservation.

GREEN FUTURE: SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO CATTLE RANCHING

This list presents viable and appealing options that offer a greener and more sustainable future, both for local communities and our planet.

• Renewable Resources: Utilization of wood and non-wood products that protect and enhance our forests.
• Sustainable Food Production: Promotion of crops like cocoa and honey, which harmonize with nature and offer economic and environmental benefits.
• Protein Diversity: Expansion of our diet with alternative protein sources like beans and chicken, reducing dependence on cattle ranching.
• Community Based Tourism: Responsible travel that celebrates local culture and nature while generating income for communities.
• Reviving Our Forests: Forest restoration not only restores biodiversity but also offers long-term economic benefits.
• Environmental Services: Compensation to forest owners for essential services such as carbon capture, water purification, and biodiversity protection.

TO PRESERVE THE 5 GREAT FORESTS, WE DEMAND:

MORE TREES🌳

• Territorial Protection: Strengthen the protection and management of protected areas and indigenous territories.
• Sustainable Alternatives: Establish food and economic systems compatible with the forest that do not rely on or promote cattle ranching.
• Forest Restoration: Forest restoration that replaces cattle pastures, with a focus on maximizing ecological integrity, social benefits, job creation, and financial sustainability.

FEWER COWS🐄

• No Cattle Ranching Where Not Permitted: Compliance with laws and regulations to ensure the complete absence of cattle ranching in protected areas and indigenous territories.
• Responsible Cattle Ranching Traceability: Certify and ensure that cattle ranching and its products come from deforestation-free and conflict-free sources in indigenous territories.

THE IMPACT AND SOLUTIONS IN DATA

MORE TREES, FEWER COWS AT CLIMATE WEEK IN NEW YORK

At New York Climate Week, the "More Trees, Fewer Cows" initiative was presented. The in-person event took place on September 19th at 3:30 pm (New York) / 1:30 pm (Guatemala-Honduras-Nicaragua) at the Central Park Zoo, featuring Elvis Antonio Greham, an indigenous leader who heads the Miskito organization MASTA in Honduras, and Jeremy Radachowsky, Regional Director for WCS Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. They addressed deforestation and security issues threatening forests, biodiversity, and communities.