#Honduras #Julius Meinl #Climate-Smart #Ocotepeque, Copán, Lempira

Introduction

In a groundbreaking effort to address climate change and support local agriculture, coffee industry giants Julius Meinl, The J.M. Smucker Co., and Tchibo have joined forces with the Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) to launch a comprehensive project aimed at developing a Climate-Smart Coffee Region (CSCR) in western Honduras. This initiative, set to unfold over four years from 2025 to 2029, aims to create significant positive impacts on local communities and the environment.

Project Overview

The project will focus on three departments: Ocotepeque, Copán, and Lempira, where it will enhance the livelihoods of approximately 4,000 small coffee producers while affecting around 6,000 hectares of coffee-growing land. By working closely with 20 farmer organizations, the project aims to build institutional capacities and restore ecosystems that have been adversely impacted by climate change. The collaborative nature of this project welcomes additional partners interested in contributing to this vital initiative.

Adapting to Climate Challenges

With insights from the coffee and climate initiative, developed over 15 years, the CSCR project will leverage proven tools for climate adaptation. These include soil and water conservation, coffee agroforestry, erosion control, microclimate monitoring, as well as domestic innovations like energy-efficient stoves and water-saving devices. The goal is to transform vulnerable coffee landscapes, particularly those near protected areas such as Celaque, Erapuca, Las Minas, and Volcán Pacayita, into climate-smart systems that respect biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods.

Focus on Community Development

Beyond agricultural practices, the project places a strong emphasis on financial education, women’s leadership, and youth entrepreneurship. This holistic approach aims to strengthen community resilience and empower local populations in the face of ongoing climate uncertainties.

Transparency and Evaluation

To ensure effectiveness, the project will incorporate monitoring and evaluation strategies grounded in recognized frameworks like Enveritas. This will allow for transparent assessments of impact and facilitate adaptive learning throughout the implementation period.

The Urgency of Action

Theresa Ruperti, HRNS Project Program Director, highlights the ecological wealth and increasing vulnerability of western Honduras. With irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures, coffee production has dwindled by up to 30%. These environmental challenges have pushed cultivation into ecologically sensitive mountainous areas, further endangering both the environment and local economies.

Collaboration for Sustainable Solutions

Carina Needham, Global Sustainability Director at Julius Meinl, notes that this project marks a significant milestone for their Generations Program. The unique aspect lies in its collaborative spirit, bringing together diverse stakeholders including other coffee roasters to address common challenges through a pre-competitive landscape approach. The ambition is to cultivate a future where coffee production, community wellbeing, and nature thrive simultaneously.

Governance and Local Engagement

The project's strength lies in its coordinated governance model, facilitated through inter-municipal platforms like Higuito and MAPANCE. These will unite municipalities, civil society, and local stakeholders around shared climate goals. Technical support from the Instituto Hondureño del Café (IHCAFE) will be crucial in farmer training, research, and monitoring efforts.

Conclusion

Julius Meinl, as a fifth-generation family business, is committed to generating a positive impact across its entire value chain. The CSCR initiative embodies their mission centered on sustainability, addressing three key pillars: Origin, Planet, and People. This collaborative project not only aims to ensure the future of coffee farming in Honduras but also showcases a model that could inspire similar initiatives across Central America.

For more information, visit Julius Meinl.