Module 2: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Technical Modules

Module 2: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Sustainable Agriculture Standard

July, 2017 Version 1

D.R. ? 2017 Red de Agricultura Sostenible, A.C.

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CONTENTS

Contributions of this module ............................................................................. 3 Principle II: what is its purpose? ......................................................................... 4

New concepts in the 2017 Standard ........................................................................ 6 Protection of ecosystems .................................................................................. 7

What are natural ecosystems? ............................................................................................ 8 Natural aquatic ecosystems .......................................................................................... 9 Natural terrestrial ecosystems .................................................................................... 11

Protected areas ....................................................................................................................... 15 Natural ecosystems management .................................................................................... 17

Conservation of natural ecosystems ......................................................................... 18 No degradation & no-destruction of natural ecosystems ................................... 21 Restoration of natural ecosystems ........................................................................... 31 Documentation and monitoring ................................................................................ 41 Preparation to evaluate compliance ......................................................................... 44 Protection of biodiversity ................................................................................ 45 Key topics ............................................................................................................................. 46 Native vegetation ................................................................................................................ 48 Wildlife .................................................................................................................................. 52

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Contributions of this module

Biodiversity and ecosystems protection is highly important for areas destined to agricultural and cattle production. A farm management system that complies with the 2017 Standard requirements allows to:

Implement actions for the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity;

Prevent deforestation and degradation of the ecosystems and their environmental services;

Implement a climate-smart agriculture approach, that mitigates the effects of climate change.

This training module provides the following tools to optimize the work of the Technical Community: ? Diagrams explaining objectives and key topics of the Principle 2; ? Information about the related Rainforest Alliance Terms & Definitions and its correct

interpretation; ? Charts that illustrate all relations between different criteria (from all Principles), which allows a

better comprehension of all requirements related to the ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. ? Recommendations to audit complex and conflictive issues. ? Information for the proper implementation and evaluation of the different Rainforest Alliance Parameters that avoid negative impacts in the ecosystems: canopy cover and species diversity, ESIA, vegetative barriers, restoration of zones adjacent to aquatic ecosystems. ? Cases and illustrative examples of complex issues.

The Guide for the 2017 Standard is a key tool for the implementation and evaluation of the 2017 Standard requirements.

Principle 2 What is its purpose?

Farms that implement the requirements of this Principle:

Module 2 - Page 4

Do NOT contribute to deforestation

Prevent deforestation and

conserve ecosystems

Conserve and restore native

and diverse vegetation

Protect natural ecosystems and

their conservation

value

Implement climate-smart

agriculture

Biodiversity Conservation

Protect biodiversity and

ecosystem services

Improve native and

diverse canopy cover

Maintain biological corridors and aquatic ecosystems

Do NOT permit hunting and prevent invasive species

PRINCIPLE 2 Biodiversity Conservation

Module 2 - Page 5

PROTECTION OF ECOSYSTEMS

- No destruction of natural ecosystems or high value conservation (HCV) areas - Requirements for conservation and restoration - Requirements for non-destruction and non-degradation

- Rainforest Alliance parameters for preventing negative impacts on ecosystems - Mapping ecosystems and planning actions - Environmental impact assessment (ESIA) for major land conversions

PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY

FLORA - Protection and restoration of native species - NO collection of endangered plant species - NO introduction of invasive species and management of existing species

FAUNA - NO hunting of endangered or protected species - NO hunting and no-introduction of invasive species - No wildlife to be held in captivity - Conflicts between humans and wildlife are reduced

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New concepts in the 2017 Standard

The 2017 Standard includes a number of new concepts that optimize the requirements for the conservation of ecosystems. Given the importance of those concepts and the need to ensure that they are correctly understood, implemented and assessed, the Rainforest Alliance Standards and Policies Team is developing specific guides. The new concepts related to Principle 2 Biodiversity Conservation are:

? High Conservation Value Areas ( HCV)

? Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA)

CONCEPT

CRITERIA

HCV

CC 2.1: High Conservation Value (HCV) areas have not been destroyed from November 1, 2005 onward.

ESIA

CC 1.4: An independent environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) is conducted prior to land conversion or the development or expansion of farm infrastructure when required by applicable law or when these proposed changes will exceed Rainforest Alliance ESIA parameters. The ESIA includes written plans and procedures for minimizing and mitigating any negative impacts and enhancing positive impacts. The farm management and group administrator implements and monitors ESIA plans during the installation and operation phases of the new development.

PROTECTION OF ECOSYSTEMS

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