The Green Climate Fund, a global climate fund supported by major nations and private investors, recently approved a $2 million grant to Conservation International (CI) to launch the AROMA coffee sustainability program. This program aims to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation practices among smallholder coffee farmers in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Uganda.
The project, named Alternative Response Options for Mitigation & Adaptation of Coffee Farms (AROMA), is part of CI’s Sustainable Coffee Challenge, a global sustainability platform that has been operational for a decade. AROMA will target countries with a significant smallholder coffee farmer population, making up nearly 20% of the world’s coffee farmers and accounting for 11% of global coffee production and 16% of land used for coffee cultivation.
Through the AROMA program, CI seeks to bring about structural changes in the coffee sector by enhancing the resilience of coffee communities and reducing the carbon footprint of green coffee production. The program aligns with the Green Climate Fund’s mission to support climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries, particularly in the Global South.
The total cost for the project design phase is estimated at $2.5 million, covering expenses such as consultant fees, meetings, workshops, and staff time and travel for Conservation International. The implementation of the AROMA project is expected to span seven years and require an investment of approximately $120 million.
Conservation International’s AROMA program aims to create lasting impacts in the coffee industry by fostering sustainable practices and promoting environmental conservation. By engaging with local communities and leveraging the expertise of stakeholders, the program seeks to drive positive change in the coffee supply chain.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the Green Climate Fund and Conservation International to launch the AROMA coffee sustainability program represents a significant step towards building a more resilient and environmentally conscious coffee sector. By supporting smallholder farmers in key coffee-producing countries, the program has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change and promote sustainable coffee production practices.
