FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – In honor of International Day of the Tropics, Chiquita is highlighting its mission to preserve the Tropics and empower the communities that reside there.  

Because of its climate, the Tropics have been the ideal location for Chiquita to grow its sustainable bananas for more than a century. Recognizing the global importance of the region, Chiquita is committed to celebrating and preserving this land and its inhabitants through the company’s all-encompassing “Behind the Blue Sticker” strategic approach. 

“Chiquita is honored to be a part of the vibrant community in the Tropics, and we are proud of the work we’ve done to preserve this crucial ecosystem,” said Raul Gigena, human resources director for Chiquita North America.  “Our farming experience in the area has allowed us to witness the beauty and biodiversity of the Tropics firsthand, but we have also seen the negative impacts that climate change has had on the region. As we celebrate International Day of the Tropics, we hope to bring awareness to these issues and restate our commitment to a prosperous future for the Tropics.”  

According to the United Nations, the Tropics host approximately 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Since 2004, Chiquita has planted over 20,000 trees there to help improve air quality, create safe shelter for wildlife, and reduce the risk of floods and landslides. Those efforts have provided results, with three new species being discovered in the area in 2017.  

Recently, Chiquita partnered with the GIZ Farm to Table initiative to install several hidden cameras to track animal activity in the area. The cameras showed that a wide variety of animals are thriving in the reserve, including Deer, Anteaters, Coyote, Armadillos, Horned Guan, and more. Last year, Chiquita celebrated the reserve’s 15th anniversary and will continue to preserve the 720 plant and 339 animal species found within the reserve’s 257 acres of land. 

Chiquita is also taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint and minimize the effects of climate change. Earlier this year, the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) approved Chiquita’s “30BY30” sustainability program, aiming to reduce carbon emissions across brand operations by 30% by the end of 2030.  

For updates regarding Chiquita’s work in the Tropics, visit www.chiquita.com/sustainability