Los Amigos Del Oso

Exclusively served at Through the House.

The El Oso Project was set up to help conserve forests near coffee-growing areas in the Santuario Nacional Tabaconas Namballe nature sanctuary in San Ignacio. The producers that contribute to this coffee are located in the buffer zones of a protected natural area, where bears and other native animals face huge pressures and are at risk of extinction. 

Using organic methodology and certifications is a strategic approach for these producers to create a culture of wildlife protection. This balance with nature has involved the provision of native trees for replanting, coffee seedlings that are suitable for the environment, as well as solar tents to assist with better drying facilities for coffee production, and 200 litre drums for fermentation.

The Oso project has been continuously growing over the past few years, encompassing the wider cooperative – these are the friends, or amigos, of El Oso. This wider reach allows a greater number of people to contribute to the project, diverting more funds to support the wildlife and the environment, balancing production and protection.