Why we're making coffee production more bird-friendly

Every sip of coffee is a footprint on the earth, and is that footprint good for birds or not?

Can you identify these feathered guests spotted by our nature camera? © Slow/Saosavanth Ketmala

 

Sipping billions of cups a day, most coffee-loving people are likely unaware how their brew impacts the population of tropical birds in some of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots.

Nearly 100 bird species face extinction due to current farming and forestry practices, a study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution warns. The authors estimate that around 140 bird species have vanished in the last 400 years. This highlights the potential impact of international trade on animal populations far from the countries where goods are consumed.

Another study adds to the evidence that tropical agriculture can significantly impact species loss. Researchers found that even a small increase in tree cover on coffee farms could benefit bird populations.

Discover the birds that visit our farm and learn their names. © Slow/Saosavanth Ketmala

 

For generations, intensive farming practices have relied heavily on chemicals to maximize yields. But this approach has come at a cost. Pollinators, vital for 87% of the world's leading food crops, are declining. The very foundation of our food system is crumbling.

Just like us, birds need places to live. They rely on specific habitats within forests and ecosystems to survive. When those habitat is removed, their populations start to crash.

Slow farms in Laos and Vietnam use a method called regenerative agroforestry. Think of it like mimicking a natural forest, with coffee plants nestled amongst a variety of trees. While the long-term impact on bird populations needs further study, it’s a promising step.

The good news? The birds themselves can tell us a lot about the health of our coffee farms. Commonly spotted birds in our coffee farm in Laos are:

Bird expert identifying the birds of our Laos coffee farm. © Slow/Saosavanth Ketmala

 

The more diverse the birdlife, the better. The piercing cry of the black kite signals a balanced food web with plenty of prey. Sightings of kingfisher with its flash of blue as it dives for fish indicate clean waterways. And the graceful dance of the barn swallow points to a healthy insect population, nature's own pest control team.

We believe that changing how we produce coffee is essential to protect birds and other wildlife impacted by our choices. We’re committed to reversing biodiversity loss, and you can be part of the solution.

Want to join Slow in flipping the script on coffee farming? Contact us.