Conservation and sustainable use of the last wild coffee forests of Ethiopia

Preserving biodiversity in a changing climate

Ethiopia is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot and is considered to be one of the world's most species-rich countries. The last remaining highland forests have been identified as particularly valuable key ecosystems. However, they have declined dramatically in size. The Kafa Biosphere Reserve in the country's southwest (760,000 hectares) is home to one of these last natural forest regions in the country and is remarkable for its species diversity and extensive wetlands and floodplain areas. The area is part of the “Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot” (CI) and a “Key Biodiversity Area” (CEPF).

Life in the forest and in the water

Species recordings have documented around 244 species of plants (e.g. Cyperus latifolius, Anagallis serpens), 300 species of birds and 300 species of mammals in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve. Along with the forests, aquatic habitats are the main suppliers of ecosystem services and used by the local population to produce water, food, animal feed, building materials and to generate income (e.g. medicinal plants, basketwork). Because of its importance for biodiversity and as a catchment area, it has been placed under national protection as a “Regional Forest Priority Area” (RFPA). However, it is particularly noteworthy for being the birthplace of wild Coffea arabica, and centre of its genetic diversity, and therefore a globally significant in situ genomic library. In 2010, the area was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Under NABU's management, it was planned with the support of a German Public-Private Partnership project.

Cloud forests at the Kafa Biosphere Reserve - Foto: Bruno D`Amicis
Wild Arabica coffee from Kafa’s forests - Foto: Bruno D'Amicis
The Colobus monkey is one of five ape species at the Kafa Biosphere Reserve - Foto: Bruno D’Amicis
Local communities are actively involved to preserve the environment of Kafa - Foto: Angelika Berndt
The forests are home to many rare and endangered species - Foto: Tom Kirschey
Local people are supported to use ecosystem services sustainably - Foto: Angelika Berndt
Around 300 bird species can be found at the Kafa Biosphere Reserve - Foto: Bruno D'Amicis

Climate change and overexploitation threaten ecosystems

Studies, however, revealed that overexploitation and climate change threaten the habitats. If the high rates of deforestation are maintained, significant amounts of carbon dioxide are released and the forests’ sink function affected. Uncontrolled fragmentation and degradation of the ecosystems would inevitably lead to a loss of habitats for flora and fauna, and as a result impact their soil moisture regime. Therefore, NABU worked towards protecting and restoring the afromontane cloud forests and wetlands, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI). In this way, the project preserved ecosystem resilience and the unique biodiversity, avoided CO2 emissions and secured ecosystem services for the population.

Valuing biodiversity

Ferns - Foto: Bruno D´Amicis

The project buildt on successful programmes from the previous project such as, for example, reforestation, participatory forest management or energy-efficient stoves, and expand them in order to integrate further areas and communities in Kafa. At the same time, it introduced new components developed to protect the area's unique biodiversity, and strengthen participatory community management and regional development. Offers included programmes to develop handicrafts, ecotourism and regional products, which will in return attach economic value to the region's biodiversity. Education programmes for children and young people were developed and implemented in cooperation with experts and spiritual leaders. The project supported the implementation of Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy, tied climate and biodiversity conservation to regional development, and helped the local population to independently ensure the long-term conservation of nature and natural resources. The project was implemented vom 2014 to 2017 with funding from the International Climate Initiative (IKI).