21 March 2019

Kew coffee project wins sustainability award

A Kew project in Ethiopia has won an award from the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA).

By Kew Science News

Coffee sustainability award 2019

A project run in partnership with Union Hand-Roasted Coffee has been awarded a prestigious Sustainability Award by the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA).

The award recognises outstanding work in the field of sustainability in the coffee industry.

Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and climate resilience at Yayu Biosphere Reserve’ is a Darwin Initiative funded project that aims to increase the income of coffee farmers while maintaining the biodiversity of the Yayu Biosphere in Ethiopia.

The Yayu Biosphere Reserve is not only an area where coffee is grown but is also home to a large number of animal, plant and fungal species, and an important refuge for wild Arabica coffee.  

Dr Aaron Davis, Senior Research Leader, says “The project clearly demonstrates the benefits of a holistic approach to sustainability, and the importance of a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship between farmer and [coffee] roaster”.

Pascale Schuit from Union Hand-Roasted Coffee will collect the award at the SCA’s annual symposium next month.

Darwin Initiative logo
Union Hand-Roasted Coffee logo

 

Yayu Wild Forest Coffee is available to buy in the Kew shop. Visit the shop online.

Read & watch

Find out more

  • Coffee farmers looking at coffee beans

    Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and climate resilience at Yayu Biosphere Reserve

    Preserving biodiversity and improving livelihoods through the development of high quality coffee and climate resilient farming practices.

  • Vietnam forest valley

    Where we work

    We work in over 100 countries worldwide to document and conserve global plant and fungal diversity.