Extraordinary tales of everyday heroism have been illustrated beautifully by renowned US photographer Steve McCurry in the new 2015 Lavazza Calendar. The calendar which has been created in collaboration with the Slow Food movement, features twelve breathtaking pictures, capturing the spirit, strength and humanity of the Earth Defenders – women and men who protect their land and projects in Africa with passion and bravery. The proceeds from sales of the calendar and all donations will be contributed entirely to create 10,000 food gardens in African schools and villages by the end of 2016.

“Saffron and Freedom”. Mhamd Id Taleb, President of the saffron agricultural cooperative and Slow Food Presidium in Taliouine, a village in the south east of Morocco, the freedom of his lifestyle derives from the cultivation of saffron. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“The Salt of the Presidium”. Andrew Wanyonyi Sikanga is a salt producer in Nabuyole, western Kenya, who produces salt from an aquatic plant. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Seed Saver”. John Kariuki Mwangi, Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity Vice President and the coordinator of all operations in Kenya, he is 27 years old and stands guard over the pumpkins of Lare, which have been thriving in the area for centuries despite the highly irregular rainfall. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Argan Oil Paladine”. Nadia Fatmi president of the Tighanimine women’s cooperative (a Slow Food Presidium), she is the guardian of the argan tree, which is similar to the olive but grows only on the southern coast of Morocco. From it a rare oil is obtained which has remarkable therapeutic properties and is an excellent condiment. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“The Chieftain”. Roba Bulga Jilo, an Ethiopian food activist, he is a member of the Karrayyu tribe of nomadic herders, with whom he has established a Slow Food Presidium to safeguard camel milk, a product with a symbolic value in Ethiopia. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“The Sentinel Guarding the Plantations”. Asnakech Thomas, a coffee grower in Ethiopia, the homeland of coffee, she is a determined and passionate guardian of the Ethiopian Arabica coffee she calls “green gold” and regards as the “backbone” of her country. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Our Roots”. Ethiopian women In the Kafa region defend and preserve the coffee which symbolises the richness of this land. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Future in Our Hands”. Children in Father Peter’s School in Tanzania who symbolise the Earth Defenders of the future, throwing colourful coffee seeds into the air demonstrates that the future really does lie in our own hands. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Kirua calls Tierra”. Father Peter Kilasara, a Tanzanian missionary in the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, he has worked in various countries and is at present the determined leader of the Kirua Children Association in Tanzania. He is surrounded by an expanse of coffee beans drying in the sun, as a defender and protector of his tradition in Tanzania. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Women of Fadiouth”. Anna Ndiaye (President of the Gie Mbel Saac Federation on Fadiouth Island in Senegal) fights to defend the quality of salted millet couscous. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Soul Ingredients”. Mayé Ndour, a chef and restaurant owner in Senegal, she is a champion of cereals and local products in general, which she selects with care to help the people who are close to her and add value to her work. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)

“Dreaming of a Better Africa”. Edward Mukiibi, Slow Food International Vice President and tropical agronomist, he is the proud defender of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. (Photo by Steve McCurry/2015 Lavazza Calendar)