The project "Coffee and Forest" has been conceptualized to involve the participation of the small-scale farmers living around the Morro do Diabo State Park , in the Pontal do Paranapanema. IPÊ encourages these settlers to plant native trees alongside their annual cultures, such as beans, corn and cassava. The trees serve to protect the crops but also as steppingstones for animals moving between forest fragments.

Native trees also protect crops against frost that can sometimes wipe out entire harvests. The shade rendered by the trees and the use of organic pest controls and fertilizers also promotes the presence of large populations of insects, birds and small animals, which increase local biodiversity. Importantly, these practices do not harm human health.

IPÊ has also introduced planting techniques for organic coffee, which has been welcomed by farmers because of its economic advantages. Organic coffee can reach a premium price and has an established market presence. Besides, organic coffee has low production costs since the majority of consumables is found on the farmers ' properties or can be easily produced by them, such as compost , for example.

The first coffee harvest from 2003 is now being sold in an organic products shop in Sao Paulo City . IPÊ is marketing the product in 250 gram packages with the slogan "Better taste for you, better for the planet too".

The suggested price is slightly less than one dollar , though the estimate is that each sack of coffee can be sold by the farmer for US$ 130 , more than twice the price of other coffees.

In addition to increasing family incomes, "Coffee and Forest" highlights the importance of conserving the last remnants of the Atlantic Forest , some of which are located on or near these settlements. Since IPÊ 's work began in 2002, a significant change in attitudes has been observed, with some farmers voluntarily setting aside one hectare or more of their land for the planting of native tree species.

This project is supported by Ashoka Social Entrepreneurs, Fundação O Boticário, Fundação Interamericana , the Forestry Institute of Sao Paulo State and more recently the Fundação Banco do Brasil .