As part of the large-scale transformation towards biodiversity-friendly, climate-resilient agriculture through risk finance solutions and enabling policy and trade frameworks (BIOFINCAS) project, our Associated Experts are contributing to a major shift in how agriculture adapts to climate and biodiversity challenges. 

BIOFINCAS aims to support the transformation of conventional farming towards biodiversity-friendly and climate-resilient practices in Latin American countries, namely, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Mexico. The project focuses on developing and implementing risk finance solutions for agricultural organizations and engaging stakeholders along the value chains through shared responsibility concepts. It also strengthens the capacities of agricultural organizations and financial institutions to upscale these solutions, while promoting biodiversity-friendly practices through communication campaigns, policy dialogue, and knowledge exchange. 

Within this wider context, our associated experts within the Analytics Team at UNU-EHS, together with BIOFINCAS, and local partners Defensores de la Naturaleza in Guatemala and Pronatura Sur in Mexico, held workshops in Cobán and Petén (Guatemala) and in Yajalón (Mexico). The goal of this collaboration was to explore how biodiversity and climate risk management can strengthen cocoa and coffee value chains.  Both cocoa and coffee depend on healthy ecosystems for their growth, and with climate change intensifying, protecting biodiversity has become essential for building resilience in farming communities. 

The workshop sessions combined practical training, open dialogue and interactive activities. Participants, who were mostly agricultural technicians and cocoa or coffee producers, engaged in hands-on exercises and open discussions to identify vulnerabilities, propose risk reduction measures, and reflect on preparedness and response strategies.  

As part of the workshop sessions, facilitators presented and validated country-specific risk profiles, identifying active CDRFI solutions, particularly parametric insurance products, and analysing their current offerings and market indicators. 

One of the most engaging parts of the workshops in Guatemala was playing the Hotel Resilience game, which allowed participants to explore real-world disaster scenarios in a dynamic way and highlighted the importance of collective decision-making. Indigenous farmers also took part, and interpretation into the Maya Q’eqchi’ language was provided by our local partner to ensure inclusive participation. 

The workshops showed that safeguarding biodiversity and addressing climate risks go hand in hand. They also reinforced the importance of collaboration among farmers, technicians, and institutions, as well as the value of practical tools that can be shared in the field. Through the BIOFINCAS project, these local actions contribute to a wider transformation and enable farmers and agricultural networks to better manage risks, access finance, and protect biodiversity.  This in turn ensures that cocoa and coffee value chains remain resilient for generations to come!