Hummingbirds, warblers and other migratory birds are not the only wildlife that inhabit tropical forests. Biological diversity in general is enhanced by a shaded system, which provides habitat for insects, snakes, reptiles, orchids, and other species. The shade trees also absorb CO2 and help preserve water quality. The coffee plant evolved with the blessings of forests, so growing coffee in farms utilizing forests can in fact be said to be a traditional and sustainable farming method.

However, in some regions, trees that provide shade are being cut down, since more coffee can be produced and picked—sometimes even with the aid of machines in large plantations, thus lowering farming costs. On Bird Friendly® certified farms where forest-like shade is preserved, coffee is grown organically (organic certification is a pre-requisite for Bird Friendly® certification) and handpicked. It is difficult to maintain such a laborious farming method without deep consideration for nature and the global environment, as well as the support of consumers. This is why we need to support agroforestry based on the shade method in order to protect migratory birds. It is necessary to establish coffee traceability using the certification system so that consumers are free to select coffee from certified farms.

The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, which founded this program, created a set of standards for a seal of approval for farms that meet certain criteria. The program was launched amid a serious decrease in the number of migratory birds that travel between North America and Latin America. The alarming situation prompted the Smithsonian Institution to research and observe migratory birds, which led to scientists to discover the birds were using the traditional shade-grown coffee farms in Latin America as rest stops. Based on this knowledge, the Institution established the Bird Center, and launched the Bird Friendly® certification program in 1999 with the aim of promoting sustainable coffee production.

Migratory birds need to be protected by supporting agroforestry whereby coffee is grown in the shade of trees. Currently 28 farms in eight countries, including Guatemala, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, are certified as Bird Friendly®, having met the criteria.