LONDON, UK – A project run by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 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.
