TRIAS visit strengthens alliance with CATIE to promote climate resilience among Indigenous coffee-growing families in Guatemala

• Intercambio técnico permitió conocer innovaciones en producción sostenible, adaptación climática y , aplicadas al sector cafetalero

With the aim of strengthening technical capacities and consolidating strategic alliances to address climate change challenges in Indigenous territories of Guatemala, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) welcomed a delegation from TRIAS Central America and the Caribbean from April 20 to 24, 2026.

The visit took place במסגרת the project “Ajupaja Tikonel: toward inclusive climate resilience for Indigenous farming families in Guatemala,” funded by the Flemish Government through the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (GSTIC) international climate action program. The initiative seeks to strengthen the climate resilience of 1,300 Indigenous producer families organized in agricultural value chains, particularly those linked to the coffee sector in the Guatemalan Highlands.

During their stay at CATIE, the delegation participated in theoretical-practical lectures and field visits related to coffee hybrids, seed propagation, drone use, low-carbon sustainable production technologies, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The exchange also provided an opportunity to learn about applied experiences in research, innovation, and technology transfer developed by the institution.

The visit also created spaces for reflection on opportunities for productive diversification under circular economy approaches, as well as mechanisms to scale up good practices in Indigenous rural territories.

“The experience was highly enriching and relevant. The combination of technical training, field visits, and exchange spaces among organizations made it possible to translate knowledge into concrete solutions applicable to local contexts,” said Hernán Carabante, Regional Programs and Projects Coordinator at TRIAS.

Carabante also highlighted CATIE’s comprehensive approach, which integrates research, innovation, and technology transfer, as well as the opportunity to learn about real implementation experiences that strengthen the strategic vision of organizations to address climate challenges through more sustainable and inclusive approaches.

The project is implemented by TRIAS Central America and the Caribbean, together with Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, the Federation of Specialty Coffee Exporters of Guatemala (FECCEG), and the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (CCDA), joining efforts to strengthen local capacities and improve resilience conditions for small Indigenous producers.

As a result of the visit, both organizations identified strategic lines to continue strengthening collaboration, including the possible scaling up of the “Ajupaja Tikonel” project with new partners and donors, technical exchanges with producer organizations, specialized support in Guatemala, and the joint mobilization of resources in Central America and the Caribbean.

Likewise, the possibility of expanding access for technical teams and community leaders to training opportunities, conferences, and academic programs promoted by CATIE was discussed as part of a regional capacity-strengthening strategy.

The visit reaffirms the joint commitment of TRIAS and CATIE to continue promoting innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to climate resilience, sustainable production, and the well-being of Indigenous rural communities in Guatemala.