Photo: Scenes from the environmental education workshop with the Biome app in Bolivia
1. The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project
The loss of biodiversity on a global scale is accelerating, posing a serious threat to vital resources such as food, water, and climate stability—essential foundations for human survival. It has also been pointed out that this could lead to an annual loss of natural capital valued at $44 trillion.
The Galápagos Islands, located in the Republic of Ecuador, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot with approximately 9,000 endemic species. However, the islands are under threat from multiple factors, including invasive species, tourism pressure, agricultural expansion, and climate change, prompting UNESCO to warn that the Galápagos are “one of the most vulnerable natural heritage sites in the world.”
In the agricultural sector, unsustainable farming practices and the economic instability of small-scale farmers have negatively impacted both environmental conservation and regional economies. Given these circumstances, it has become increasingly urgent to develop models that simultaneously achieve environmental preservation and improved livelihoods.
This project aims to implement and validate a biodiversity-sensitivefriendly agricultural model through agroforestry-based coffee production in the Galápagos—an iconic location. By showcasing scientifically-backed results, we hope to establish a scalable model that can be applied to other areasisland and rural regions, paving the way for a future where biodiversity conservation and increased incomes for small-scale farmers coexist.
Photo: Aerial view of a farm in Galápagos
2. Overview of the Collaborative Project
This project targets small-scale coffee farmers in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, introducing agroforestry-based coffee production and scientifically verifying its effects through a Proof of Concept (PoC).
Specifically, we will utilize a biodiversity monitoring app developed by BIOME Inc. to quantitatively record indicators such as the presence of rare species, the number of indicator species like birds, ants, and mammals, as well as vegetation diversity, canopy structure, shade cover ratio, and green space connectivity. This will help visualize the contribution of agroforestry to biodiversity conservation.
The coffee produced under this initiative will be branded by SAKA NO TOCHU Co., Ltd. as “coffee that contributes to biodiversity,” and sold to coffee roasters in Japan. This approach enables farmers to secure stable income while actively participating in biodiversity conservation.
Ultimately, we aim to scale this model to other biodiversity hotspots facing similar challenges, expanding systems where environmental conservation and economic development can coexist.
Photo: Scene of app usage
Photo: Coffee drying process
3. Introduction of Co-Creation Partner
This project is being implemented by two Kyoto-based startup companies.
SAKA NO TOCHU Co., Ltd. specializes in the sale of environmentally-friendly agricultural products in Japan and imports specialty coffee from overseas for sellingdistribution to Japanese roasters. The company has extensive experience in promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting small-scale farmers, and it maintains strong networks with local partners and farms in Ecuador.
BIOME Inc. has developed an AI-powered biodiversity monitoring system that enables both simple smartphone-based measurements and advanced data analysis. With past implementation experience in South America, including Bolivia, and Spanish-language compatibility for its app, BIOME Inc. is well-positioned to adapt quickly to field operations in the Galápagos Islands.
4. Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration
This project represents a bold challenge to simultaneously achieve biodiversity conservation and improved livelihoods for small-scale farmers in the globally iconic Galápagos Islands. However, establishing this model requires financial, technical, and market support from Japan and the international organizations such as UN agencies community.
For the expansion of this initiative, we seek long-term support from international organizations and corporations in the form of grants, sponsorships, or participation in the distribution channels for sustainable coffee.
Success in the Galápagos has the potential to bring ripple effects to other regions facing similar challenges worldwide. Moreover, the choices of individual consumers can play a vital role in shaping the future of environmental conservation and communityregional development. We sincerely invite as many people as possible to join this movement and help create a sustainable cycle for a better tomorrow.