Forest conservation through traceable supply chain development

This project aims to support conservation livelihoods in the montane rainforests of South West Ethiopia. Specifically, it tackles issues that are inhibiting development of enterprises based on forest-conserving wild coffee and honey. The project focuses upon the creation of sustainable supply chains for these two non-timber forest products, by introducing improved quality assurance and new traceability systems, as well as creating trade links between community enterprises and national and international buyers. As a result, community enterprises should receive premium prices for sustainably managed forest-conserving products, thereby demonstrating the economic value of the forests and providing financial incentives for communities to protect their forests and conserve the rich biodiversity. The project is underpinned by a commitment to strengthen the already established Community/Participatory Forestry Management across these forests, which promotes local responsibility and institutional empowerment, sustainable economic development opportunities and biodiversity conservation. It works specifically with some of the poorest forest-fringe farmers and beekeepers in the region.