Category: EM 46 Participant Blogs

Are We Listening to Nature’s Plea, or Merely Hearing the Echoes ?

It is easy to overlook the strong connection we have with the natural world in our modern lives. Although, nature has a remarkable ability to revive itself, we often ignore its direct signs. Successful forest restoration initiatives stand as powerful testaments to nature’s resilience when we choose to listen. Forests, the brightest green and most beautiful landscapes, are the lungs of our planet, vital for climate and water regulation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and human well-being. Unfortunately, deforestation and degradation have created gaping wounds in this vital ecosystem. Within these scars, however, a powerful concept is emerging: forest restoration. Forest restoration is not just about planting trees, but a holistic approach to revitalizing the complex web of life within a forest. It’s about repairing broken connections, encouraging the return of native species, and revitalizing the natural processes that make forests thrive. In this exploration, we shine a spotlight on inspiring examples from the African continent, where remarkable changes have occurred in just five years, demonstrating the resurgence of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and soil fertility. Once we begin restoration initiatives, nature responds immediately, demonstrating its amazing resilience.

Restored forests are majestic landscapes, rich in biodiversity, sources of carbon sequestration, and provide climate and water regulation. Photo credit: Meta Francis

Lessons learned

In Tanzania, the Amani Nature Reserve had been severely degraded by deforestation and unsustainable land-use practices.  However, when the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group initiated the restoration efforts, recovery was high and very successful. The restoration project led to the regrowth of indigenous tree species, the return of many bird and primate species, and enabled the ecosystem to perform its functions within five years.

The Ebo Forest in Cameroon is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots and had suffered habitat degradation due to deforestation. Local communities and conservation organizations like Rainforest Trust have actively supported forest  restoration initiatives of the forest, and they have succeeded in replanting native tree species in the degraded areas. Within a short period of time, endangered primates such as the drill and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee have returned back to the restored areas of the forest.

The government of Ethiopia and its development partners have worked tirelessly to restore degraded lands and improve ecosystem functions using forest-landscape-restoration approaches. For example, the restoration project implemented practices for afforestation, agroforestry, and soil and water conservation practices in the rocky and mountainous Tigray (northern Ethiopia). The impacts of the restoration efforts have been positive and significant, with increased vegetation cover, improved soil fertility, increased water availability, and the reintroduction of numerous wildlife  species.

The Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve in South Africa was once degraded by severe erosion and topsoil loss, but after a comprehensive ecological restoration effort that included reforestation, holistic grazing management, and the reintroduction of keyspecies, soil fertility improved significantly. The restored soil supported the growth of diverse vegetation types in less than five years, creating an environment conducive to the return of wildlife and the establishment of a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Key messages

We can learn from these successful examples of forest restoration and soil fertility improvement. They remind us that nature is capable of self-healing when given the chance, and that we need to pay attention to its indicators, understand its needs and act accordingly.

A holistic approach that takes into account the interrelationships between the various components of an ecosystem is crucial, because the restoration and conservation of our natural habitats depends on sustainable agriculture, good land use practices and reforestation initiatives. Patience, a virtue often underestimated, is essential for successful restoration. Nature operates on its schedule, and the fruits of our efforts may not manifest immediately. The key takeaway is clear: give nature the chance, and it will recover.  Let’s be good stewards of the environment. By initiating and participating in restoration projects, we can encourage nature to flourish and secure a sustainable future.

Together, through careful attention and concerted efforts, we can make the world a better place for both present and future generations.

References

Tanzania Forest Conservation Group. Amani Nature Reserve Restoration Project. Retrieved from http://www.tfcg.org/amani-nature-reserve-restoration-project: Last accessed on June 26, 2023.

Rainforest Trust. Saving Cameroon’s Great Apes. Retrieved from https://www.rainforesttrust.org/projects/saving-cameroons-great-apes/: Last accessed on June 26, 2023. 

Nyssen, J., Poesen, J., Moeyersons, J., Deckers, J., Haile, M. and Lang, A. 2004. Human Impact on the Environment in the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands-A State of the Art. Earth-Science Reviews, 64, 273-320. 

Boshoff, A. 2005. The Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve. An environmentally, socially and economically sustainable conservation and development initiative. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Report No. 52. 47pp.

by Meta Francis Justine (South Sudan), Workinesh Takelle (Ethiopia) & Omobayo Ghislain (Benin) – Participants of the 46th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries.

“The Hidden Cost: How Many Liters of Water Are Needed to Produce a Cup of Coffee?”

You may not think about the resources used in its production when you enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee, but coffee is more than a beverage; it represents a sophisticated global economy with significant environmental impacts. The amount of water it takes to make a cup of coffee is an important factor that is often ignored. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the hidden costs and examine how many liters of water are required to make your daily brew.

A cup of your favorite coffee can go a a long way in making you feel refreshed on a hectic day.

The water journey in coffee production

Understanding the complex supply chain involved in coffee production is critical to understanding the beverage’s water impact. Planting and caring for coffee plants are the first steps in growing coffee. When the coffee cherries are ready, they are picked, prepared, roasted, and finally brewed into the fragrant beverage we all enjoy. Water is an essential resource because it is involved in every step of the process: 

1.Cultivation:

Coffee plants need a lot of water to grow. Typically, the agricultural process takes place in areas with irrigation systems or moderate to high rainfall levels. The typical amount of water required by coffee plants per kilogram of coffee cherries is 2,500 liters. The soil should also have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plants. In addition to water, coffee plants thrive in regions with specific temperature and altitude conditions. Coffee is usually grown in tropical climates with temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius. The altitude of the growing area is critical, with most coffee plantations located between 2,600 and 1,800 meters above sea level, contributing to the development of the unique flavors associated with coffee grown at high altitudes. Coffee plants also require adequate sunlight for healthy growth. This is where an agroforestry system can be implemented. When coffee grows under the canopy of taller trees, the trees provide the shade needed to protect the delicate coffee cherries from the sun’s harsh rays. This agroforestry practice not only benefits the coffee plants, but also promotes biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

2.Processing:

After harvesting, coffee cherries undergo a processing stage. There are two main processes: the wet process and the dry process.

  • Wet process: In this technique, the outer skin of the cherry is removed and left to ferment in water for a while. The water is necessary to wash away the mucilage that coats the beans during fermentation. The wet method requires between 38 and 42 liters of water to produce one kilogram of coffee.
  • Dry process: In this technique, the coffee cherries are spread out in the sun to dry. Although, this method uses much less water than the wet process, a small amount of water is still needed in the initial washing stage to remove any impurities or debris. The dry technique requires about 1-2 liters of water to process one kilogram of coffee.

3.Roasting and brewing:

The coffee beans are heated to a high temperature during the roasting process. Although, water plays less of a role in this process, it is critical when it comes to brewing the roasted coffee beans. The amount of water needed for brewing is determined by a number of variables, including the desired strength, the brewing process, and personal preference. A typical cup of coffee requires between 100 and 200 milliliters of water.

To calculate the total water footprint of a cup of coffee, we must consider all the water used in  the production cycle, including irrigation, processing, and indirect water use, in order to calculate the entire water footprint of a cup of coffee. Research suggests that it takes an average of 140 liters (37 gallons) of water to produce a single cup of coffee. However, this value can change based on a number of variables, including the type of coffee, farming techniques, processing techniques, and even the region in which the coffee is grown.

Sustainable practices to minimize water impact of coffee

While the complexity of the industry makes it difficult to estimate the exact water footprint, it is important to understand the environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. As a result, programs and practices are in place to minimize water impacts. Some examples include:

  • Irrigation systems and technologies that use less water: the use of drip irrigation or precision agriculture techniques (like sensor-based irrigation systems) can help maximize water use in coffee farming. These systems use real-time data to optimize water delivery, ensuring that plants receive the precise amount of water they need, thereby minimizing waste.
  • Utilization of water-efficient coffee varieties: research and development efforts are underway to breed coffee plants that are more resilient to water scarcity. By cultivating and promoting the use of water-efficient coffee varieties, farmers can contribute to water conservation in coffee production.
  • Education and training programs: providing education and training to coffee farmers on water-efficient agricultural practices and sustainable water management can play a crucial role. Empowering farmers with knowledge about water conservation strategies ensures the long-term viability of coffee production while preserving water resources.
  • Environmentally friendly processing technologies can reduce the amount of water used during the manufacturing phase. These methods are being developed and promoted.
  • Responsible brewing: Minimizing the amount of water used while making coffee helps reduce resource use. Making the right brewing decisions, such as avoiding excessive water waste and selecting efficient brewing tools, can have an impact.
  • Promote water conservation throughout the supply chain by purchasing coffee from companies that are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Here, certification can play a role. Certifications often include criteria related to environmental sustainability, including water management practices, and can guide consumers toward environmentally friendly coffee options.
  • Consumer awareness campaigns for coffee play a crucial role in educating and informing coffee enthusiasts about various aspects of the coffee industry, from ethical sourcing practices to health benefits and sustainability initiatives. It can have a significant impact on shaping purchasing behaviors and fostering a more informed and conscientious coffee culture.

So we, as consumers, can do our part by supporting coffee farmers who are committed to water-efficient farming and processing practices and advocating for transparency in the coffee supply chain, including information on where the coffee comes from and how it’s produced. In addition, minimizing our own water footprint when making coffee at home can help reduce the overall water footprint of our favorite morning habit. More simply, we can promote a more sustainable and environmentally responsible coffee culture by also appreciating the water that goes into a typical cup of this delicious beverage.

Authors enjoying a cup of coffee. Image credit: Arief Lagoina.

Let’s enjoy our coffee with a mindful awareness that our choices possess the power to preserve this invaluable resource and safeguard the environment for generations to come… 

by Arief Lagoina (Indonesia), Délice Muhoza (Burundi), Guillermo Vizarreta (Peru), Sumaiyya Saleem (Pakistan), Minh Hoang (Vietnam) – Participants of the 46th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries.

Honey! Can I afford to shrink more?

While calling it a day, I am reflecting on the thought-provoking sessions at CIPSEM which discussed the alarming environmental problems exacerbating climate change. Climate change is currently among the most pressing environmental issues that our planet is facing. Scientific evidence shows that the Earth’s climate is changing at an unprecedented rate, largely as a result of human activities.  CIPSEM is playing a great role in arranging these sessions which are good to initiate critical thinking about how big the problem is (although research says the problem is really big) and what to do (although research says the solutions are manyfold and all require financial means).

As I write this piece, I am reminded of a scene from the movie Avatar (2009) where the protagonist, Jake Sully, after being discredited, tries to get higher in the sky above Toruk (the great leonopteryx) to control it and becomes Toruk Makto. 

Sometimes your whole life boils down to one insane move to test a theory. 

In this case, the theory was that Toruk, being the largest and biggest leonopteryx, would not care about things flying above it.

So, when the problem is complex and vast, we need to broaden our perspective to solve the problem. The broadening of perspective becomes more important  especially when the problem is related to the Earth itself.

Ironically, instead of addressing the root cause of the problem, we often settle for symptomatic solutions. Thus, shrinking the focus and perspective. This narrowing of the focus is also very visible in the evolution of our societies that moved from a collective family-oriented mentality to a narrow definition of family. In the Indian context, we have moved from the very primitive philosophy (Sanatan) of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means Earth (Vasudha) is One (Aiva) Family (Kutumb) to “Veer Bhogya Vasudha” which means Earth (Vasudha) belongs (Bhogya) to Strong (Veer) in the mediaeval period and finally to the definition of family as per:

  • Oxford Dictionary: a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit
  • Cambridge Dictionary: a group of people who are related to each other, such as a mother, a father, and their children. 
  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: the basic unit in society, traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children.

The 3Cs: Consciousness, Compassion and Creation

As an observer of nature, societal development, and curious about spirituality, I see this transition broadly from the perspective of Consciousness, Compassion and Creation (3Cs). I borrowed these three terms from the three major philosophies of Hinduism (Sanatan) in India: Shiv, Vishnu and Brahma.

Shiv is the Consciousness that guides the energy in the whole system and is also responsible for the change of activities in the system, Vishnu is the Compassion that sustains momentum and interdependencies of activities in the system and Brahma is the Creation that introduces new activities into the system. 

In nature, these three exist in perfect harmony. Disturbing this balance disturbs the whole entropy in nature as a system consisting of living species, non-living elements, earth, climate, water and many more. This means that for a balanced development, we need the 3Cs to be in complete harmony. Leaving even one C will result in an unbalanced development.

Human beings, as another living species, are also a part of the natural system and so thus the human society. 

Disturbance in 3Cs

Thus, the problem of today’s earth, disturbance in the entropy of the natural system, is the result of unbalanced development where all the 3Cs are not in harmony. In the initial phase of modern development, creation seemed obvious and beneficial for societal development, but consciousness and compassion were dominated by creation.

Now, in the present scenario, to some extent consciousness about nature is increasing while carrying out creation, however  compassion is missing. So, unless we learn to keep the 3Cs in harmony, we may struggle in solving the problems of the present time.

Education in the present scenarios helps to achieve awareness (Consciousness), which is very important to act in a certain direction. However, the same “shrinking” transition from broad to narrow focus can also be observed in the education system. In India, this system has moved from the broad “Gurukul Sabhyata” with flexible and nature-based learning (covering all the 3Cs) to a narrow “standardised school system” with rigid and text-based learning (covering only one or two Cs). Thus, structural learning has almost replaced behavioural learning and the focus has changed from one’s overall development to training the masses in a certain specific way. 

Therefore, this transition from 3Cs to two or one C needs to be carefully analysed and calculated. 

We need to think that to what extent we can shrink our focus and disturb the entropy of the system in the veil of development.

For me, the solution to the present problem lies in the history of societal development along with the education system. It’s very important to achieve harmony within the system. We must restructure the education system to incorporate all 3Cs to promote the development of a balanced society. This includes creating environmental consciousness, fostering compassion through interaction with nature, and facilitating creation through field activities.  Small initiatives like waste segregation at the school level or student-based gardening can help reconnect society with nature and restore the balance between 3Cs. 

It is also crucial to take collective measures at individual, societal, national and international level with a futuristic approach to balance the 3Cs through self-awareness, social boundations, policy changes and international agreements respectively.

Sometimes going back to achieve harmony is the only way forward.

by Vaibhav Aggarwal (India) – Participant of the 46th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries.