At the prestigious New Champions Awards 2024 ceremony hosted by the World Economic Forum in Geneva, AgroAmerica was honored as the winner in the Regenerative Business category. This accolade highlights AgroAmerica’s leadership in pioneering sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, particularly through its groundbreaking efforts to protect pollinator habitats via Macro-Sanctuaries.
The New Champions Awards celebrate companies making significant contributions across four key areas: Digital Innovation, Sustainability for Profits, Regenerative Business, and Diversity as a Strategic Asset. AgroAmerica’s recognition in the Regenerative Business category emphasizes its commitment to fostering agricultural practices that regenerate ecosystems and enhance environmental stewardship.
Protecting Pollinators: A Key to Global Food Security
Pollinators, such as bees, are critical to the production of 75% of the world’s food crops. However, habitat loss and declining biodiversity pose significant threats to their survival. AgroAmerica has addressed these challenges through a three-pronged approach aimed at conserving pollinator populations and their habitats. This strategy includes:
- Creating Macro-Sanctuaries: AgroAmerica has established protected areas connected by biological corridors to safeguard native bee habitats.
- Environmental Education: Workshops and community programs are organized to promote awareness and conservation of bees.
- Partnerships for Rescue and Relocation: Collaborations with organizations like BeeHub focus on rescuing and relocating bee populations to ensure their survival.
Innovation in Action: The BeeBox
A standout feature of AgroAmerica’s conservation efforts is the development of the BeeBox, a modular hive created in collaboration with BeeHub. Designed to support a variety of native bee species—including honeybees, stingless bees, and solitary bees—the BeeBox integrates with local vegetation to provide tailored nesting solutions while minimizing migration.
The BeeBox has demonstrated remarkable success. In Escuintla, Guatemala, the bee population in areas using the BeeBox tripled within just one year. This innovative solution showcases its potential to significantly enhance biodiversity while serving as a scalable model for pollinator conservation worldwide.
Long-Term Commitment to Sustainability
AgroAmerica’s pollinator protection efforts align with its broader sustainability framework, known as the PlanetA Strategy. The company has already invested over $101,000 in this project and has pledged an additional $750,000 by 2030 to conserve pollinator habitats across 30% of its corporate forested areas. This long-term vision underscores AgroAmerica’s dedication to integrating biodiversity conservation into its core business operations.
“Protecting bees means protecting our planet,” stated Fernando Bolaños, CEO of AgroAmerica. “This recognition inspires us to continue advancing regenerative agriculture practices that benefit both people and the planet. Our goal is to build a truly sustainable food system, addressing global challenges while producing healthy food in a way that prioritizes biodiversity and environmental protection.”
Leading by Example in Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture aims to restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity. AgroAmerica’s efforts exemplify these principles, demonstrating how businesses can adopt practices that not only mitigate environmental impact but also contribute to ecosystem restoration.
The company’s focus on pollinator conservation is particularly noteworthy, as these tiny creatures play an outsized role in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems and ensuring food security. By addressing the root causes of habitat loss and fostering innovative solutions like the BeeBox, AgroAmerica is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.
Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
A key factor behind AgroAmerica’s success is its collaboration with strategic partners such as BeeHub. These partnerships have enabled the company to implement innovative projects with measurable impact, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing global challenges. AgroAmerica’s holistic approach combines technological innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to create tangible results that benefit both people and the planet.
Inspiring Global Change
AgroAmerica’s recognition at the New Champions Awards is a testament to its role as a leader in regenerative business practices. The company’s work not only sets a benchmark for sustainable agriculture but also serves as an inspiration for others to embrace regenerative practices. By prioritizing biodiversity, investing in innovative solutions, and fostering global partnerships, AgroAmerica continues to drive meaningful change in the global food system.
As the company moves forward, its commitment to protecting pollinators and advancing regenerative agriculture remains steadfast. Through efforts like the Macro-Sanctuaries and the BeeBox initiative, AgroAmerica demonstrates that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
