Dutch importer expands sustainability project from six to nine schools, as it attempts to educate communities about nature and sustainable agriculture
Dutch importer Nature’s Pride says its sustainability project the Nature’s Pride Foundation has taken an important step in helping to protect biodiversity in Peru, where it sources a significant volume of fruit.
Together with growers Agrícola Cerro Prieto (ACP) and Hortifrut, the foundation has spent several years focused on establishing so-called food forests, garden projects that educate school communities about nature, sustainable agriculture, and healthy nutrition.
Now, the project is moving to a phase of “strengthening and expansion”, the company said, and will expand from six to nine schools.
At the same time, it will continue to share knowledge and skills among teachers and parents so they can manage the gardens independently.
“At the same time, we are exploring ways to integrate the gardens into the school curriculum in the future,” it said. “Our shared goal is to give students, teachers, and families lasting access to knowledge about nature, sustainable agriculture, and healthy nutrition.”
According to Nature’s Pride, more than 1,000 students have received lessons in the food forests, and nearly 3,500 students have enjoyed fruit and vegetables grown in their own school gardens, over the past three years.
“At schools where there was once little greenery, more than 2,200 sq m of food forest has now been created,” it noted.
“This work is not without its challenges, and all participants continue to learn every day. At one school, for example, the food forest was lost due to significant changes in school leadership and teaching staff.
“As a result, valuable knowledge was lost, and cooperation between the school and the community proved insufficient to keep the garden thriving during the summer break. This new phase therefore places extra emphasis on strengthening knowledge and collaboration between parents and teachers.”
It added: “Our long-term vision is to create a sustainable environment in which students learn about healthy eating and nature, schools cultivate a green and healthy learning space, and communities work together to support these efforts. In doing so, the initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and Quality Education.
“By joining forces with our growers, we demonstrate how long-term relationships within the supply chain can become a driving force for positive change, creating lasting impact in the communities where our products are grown.”
