Gibbon Forest Coffee
Gibbon protection through forest-friendly coffee cultivation
in the Arakan Mountains in Myanmar
Arakan Mountains, Myanmar
Families profit from coffee cultivation
Gibbon families retain their habitat
About the project
Coffee farmers preserve gibbon habitat
The Arakan Mountains, a landscape of global and national priority for biodiversity conservation, host one of the world’s highest densities of the endangered Western-hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), as well as many other threatened species. Gibbons in particular are dependent on primary tropical forests, which are traditionally cleared for shifting cultivation.
The Arakan Mountains still have well-preserved primary forest on the ridges. Deforestation on the lower slopes has created a mosaic landscape of fields, secondary vegetation, and remnants of ancient woodland. Chances for Nature works with the indigenous Ashok Chin communities to protect the remaining adjacent primary forests through the designation of a community-managed conservation area. The project will work with local indigenous communities and Genius Coffe, a private sector partner, to develop sustainable, wildlife-friendly coffee agroforestry and mitigate threats to gibbon habitat. This will reduce deforestation, restore habitats and improve landscape connectivity.
Coffee farmers from the Arakan Mountains with Gibbon coffee
Support us
Support the coffee farmers
Help us to support the coffee farmers to create perspectives for their families and to preserve the habitat of the gibbons. For example, with 400 € you can finance a roasting oven, with 30 € a family can participate in training for coffee cultivation.
Co-determination
Nature reserve
At least 40,000 ha of the remaining primary forest are to be designated as a nature reserve to be managed jointly with the local population.
Training
Sustainable coffee production
Farmers are trained in micro-entrepreneurship and in improving coffee bean production, harvesting, and processing techniques.
Listen
Gibbon Monitoring
The gibbon population is regularly scientifically recorded using bioacoustic methods.
Coffee marketing
Sustainable enjoyment
Through the coffee roasting company Genius Coffee, Gibbon Forest Coffee is distributed as a sustainable, wildlife-friendly product in Myanmar. Sustainable supply chains for export will be developed.
Product diversity
Coffee, Pepper & Co.
In order to make the families and the project financially independent in the future, further wildlife-friendly products, such as black pepper, will be established.
Partners & Supporters
The project is funded by:
Manfred Hermsen Stiftung
The project is implemented jointly with:
Fauna & Flora International