Sustainability

Protection & Management

Del Monte is committed to protect and promote biodiversity. Del Monte ensures that our farms and facilities are not located in protected areas such as forest reserves, conservation and rainforest areas. We minimize environmental impacts by providing mitigating measures to protect the ecosystem. Where possible, our production farms have buffer zones which protect the adjacent natural ecosystem. The El Tigre Forest Reserve for Wildlife in Costa Rica is an example of our commitment to enhance and promote biodiversity. The El Tigre, a 275-hectare area declared by the Ministry of Environment of Costa Rica as a private reserve and maintained by Del Monte, is home to many native plant and animal species and a venue where local school children can learn more about biodiversity. Furthermore, Del Monte supports the protection of forest reserves in Kenya, Brazil and the Philippines. We believe that the protection of these delicate areas is an important part of achieving environmental and economic sustainability. Finally, we conduct information campaigns to protect the ecosystem not only for our employees but also for the communities where we operate.

El Tigre Forest Reserve The El Tigre Forest Reserve for Wildlife is a 275 hectare area declared as a private refuge for wildlife by the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment (MINAE) and is sponsored and maintained by Del Monte. It is considered an 'outdoor classroom' with self guided nature trails and ten learning stations. Each learning station has a sign discussing various environmental topics aimed to promote awareness of biodiversity, environmental protection and conservation.

Additional Forest Reserves in Costa Rica With the acquisition of additional farms in Costa Rica, we have been able to consolidate an area of about 300 hectares adjacent to the confluence of three rivers: Rio Cacao, Rio Sonardor and Rio General. We have proposed to the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment (MINAE) that this area be declared as a private reserve for wildlife. The area, considered to be a rainforest, is home to a variety of insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds as well as different species of native plants and trees.

Conservation Areas Reforestation programs are carried out by Del Monte Brazil in areas which have been designated as conservation areas. Approximately 30 percent of our total production area in Brazil is maintained as conservation areas. Additionally, tree seedling nurseries have been established to sustain our reforestation program.

Tree Seedling Donations A tree seedling nursery has been established by Del Monte Kenya which provides seedlings for tree planting activities. In addition, seedlings are donated to encourage the community to plant trees in their own villages.

Support of Various Environmental Programs In the Philippines, Del Monte is involved in various environmental activities and provides support for the protection of the Talomo Lipadas Watershed, Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park and the Malagos Watershed, home to the Philippine Eagle.