How Coffee Is Aiding Community-Based Conservation Efforts In Myanmar – CoffeeTalk

Fauna & Flora is working with the Asho Chin people in western Myanmar to protect the endangered western hoolock gibbon, a primate confined to small forest fragments in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India. The population of this species has declined by 90% in the past four decades, and fewer than 5,000 are believed to survive in the wild. The last remaining contiguous evergreen forest in the Arakan Mountains is a vital haven for this species, as it not only harbors gibbons and other threatened wildlife such as bears and hornbills but also protects the watershed of the Mann River, which feeds irrigation water to the paddy fields of Myanmar’s dry zone.

In 2012, Fauna & Flora began working with the Asho Chin Coffee Association (ACCA) to reverse this trend by supporting local farmers in adopting permanent, more productive agricultural practices, promoting coffee and pepper grown in forest gardens, while encouraging the protection of western hoolock gibbons and their remaining habitat. Together, they have developed sustainable coffee agroforestry as an alternative to shifting cultivation, putting an end to deforestation.

Since working with Genius Coffee in 2017, Fauna & Flora has provided both technical and financial support to ACCA to develop the coffee value chain and improve local livelihoods through establishing stable incomes from coffee production. In partnership with Genius Coffee, we trained farmers in improved coffee harvesting and processing techniques, creating a unique arabica coffee of excellent quality that commands a premium price, enabling farmers to increase their income. In return, all villagers have signed a community conservation agreement, since when no primary forest has been cleared.

The number of Asho Chin community members whose livelihoods have improved has increased by 5,691 since the initiative was launched. At the start of 2019, national and regional governments committed to supporting this community-based conservation initiative by designating the remaining primary forest area as a new wildlife sanctuary to be managed in collaboration with the local Asho Chin communities. With Fauna & Flora support, these communities have made the transition to sustainable shade-grown coffee, addressed deforestation caused by shifting cultivation, restored wildlife corridors, protected western hoolock gibbons, and enhanced local livelihoods in this wildlife-rich landscape. They are now producing around 20 tons of Certified Wildlife Friendly, speciality-grade coffee annually and are seeking partnerships with roasters to bring their outstanding coffee to international markets.

This nature-positive business model in Myanmar is a great example of sustainable finance in action. It demonstrates what can be achieved when communities’ commitment to conservation is reinforced by the knowledge that it will change their lives for the better. By following sustainable agricultural practices, Fauna & Flora is ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability. As local farmers, they recognize the value of their ecosystem and are committed to conservation efforts to enhance natural habitats. In recent years, the significant decline in shifting cultivation has led to an increase in forest cover and the restoration of wildlife habitats.

Fauna & Flora is taking action for people, nature, and climate by working with partners around the world to help change the story.

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