Sustainable Coffee Challenge Returns with Key Initiatives and Global Events
After a Busy Summer, the Focus Turns to New Sessions and Global Coffee Industry Collaboration
The Sustainable Coffee Challenge, led by Conservation International, has returned from a productive summer to announce a series of upcoming initiatives aimed at driving collective investment in sustainable coffee practices. The Challenge team is preparing for a busy few months, packed with learning and working sessions designed to support landscape-level efforts and industry-wide collaboration.
One of the key events kicking off the season is the Coffee Public Private Task Force (CPPTF) Forum, which takes place in London from September 9th-13th. The forum is set to gather leading voices in coffee sustainability to discuss public-private partnerships, with a focus on innovation and landscape-level impact. The Challenge team will be attending and encourages any partners in the area to connect for face-to-face meetings.
As the coffee industry gears up for the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP) in Cali, Colombia, next month, the Challenge is offering an exclusive opportunity for its partners. A field visit to Huila, Colombia, will take place from October 23rd-24th, providing hands-on learning about ecological restoration approaches on coffee farms. This visit will also offer insights into biodiversity monitoring efforts in the Trans Andean-Amazon corridor, a crucial region for sustainable coffee farming.
Key Upcoming Sessions
Several virtual sessions are planned for the coming months, starting with Optimizing Agroforestry Outcomes: New Research for Colombia and Beyond, scheduled for Thursday, September 12th. The session will showcase research from the Smithsonian Bird Friendly Coffee team, exploring how specific shade tree species can support coffee farming, diversify income streams, and contribute to ecosystem services.
Another notable session is Grounds for Action: 2025 Targets Progress, set for October 1st, which will review the industry’s progress toward the Sustainable Coffee Challenge’s ambitious 2025 goals. The session will outline steps for doubling down on efforts to bridge existing gaps and accelerate progress.
Additionally, the Double the Impact: Combining Living Income and Environmental Efforts session on October 10th will highlight how investments in environmental stewardship can also address social issues, such as closing living income gaps for coffee farmers. This discussion will feature case studies from key industry players and will update the community on global living income dialogues, including work from the International Coffee Organization (ICO).
Looking Forward
The Sustainable Coffee Challenge is committed to maintaining momentum in its goal of achieving a fully sustainable coffee sector. The various forums and working groups, including the Cool Farm Coffee Working Group and Landscapes Lab, will continue to offer stakeholders opportunities to collaborate, learn, and take meaningful action.
As the year comes to a close, the Challenge team will host an End-of-Year Webinar in December, summarizing the accomplishments of 2024 and outlining strategies for the year ahead. Participants will also have the chance to engage in a Landscapes Showcase, featuring virtual visits to coffee-producing regions to explore landscape-level initiatives and cross-cutting investment opportunities.
The Sustainable Coffee Challenge remains a pivotal platform for uniting coffee stakeholders worldwide and fostering innovative solutions to the industry’s pressing sustainability challenges.
For more information on upcoming events and to sign up for future sessions, visit the Sustainable Coffee Challenge website.
