Sustainable Coffee Concludes by Advancing the Circular Coffee Economy in Peru
The project benefited more than 300 small coffee farmers in the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha Biosphere Reserve
The initiative promoted sustainable practices, regenerative agriculture, and the circular economy in the coffee sector
Finnova Foundation and Descocentro fostered knowledge transfer and international cooperation
Sunday, May 31, Brussels. The project “Economic growth and job creation in coffee-producing MSMEs that preserve nature and reduce the effects of climate change in the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha (BIOAY) Biosphere Reserve, Peru,” known as AL-INVEST Verde Sustainable Coffee, has concluded its activities after successfully promoting the transition toward more sustainable production models in the Peruvian coffee sector. The initiative, led by Descocentro and supported by Finnova Foundation, was implemented in the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha Biosphere Reserve with the aim of strengthening climate resilience, improving resource management, and fostering the circular economy among small-scale coffee producers, thereby contributing to the preservation of one of the country’s most valuable ecosystems.
Greater Sustainability and Circularity on Coffee Farms
Within the framework of the AL-INVEST Verde programme, Sustainable Coffee promoted the comprehensive adoption of sustainable and circular economy practices on coffee farms throughout the BIOAY Biosphere Reserve. Through farmer field schools, specialised technical assistance, and the development of best-practice guides, the project contributed to improving production efficiency and strengthening farms’ capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change.
The initiative placed particular emphasis on the valorisation of waste generated during coffee production, promoting alternatives related to biomass utilisation, biochar production, handicraft development, the transformation of by-products for animal feed, and the creation of new value-added products. In doing so, it encouraged more circular and sustainable production models.
Impact on More Than 300 Small Coffee Farmers
One of the project’s main achievements has been its direct impact on more than 300 small coffee farmers in the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha Biosphere Reserve. Through training activities and technical support, producers strengthened their knowledge of regenerative agriculture, efficient resource management, circular economy principles, and sustainability throughout the coffee value chain.
The project also facilitated the exchange of experiences between Latin America and Europe, bringing local producers closer to successful case studies, innovative tools, and international cooperation opportunities related to the green transition.
International Forums for Knowledge Sharing
As part of its final activities, Sustainable Coffee organised international forums on sustainability, circularity, and agrotourism in the coffee value chain, bringing together experts, researchers, institutional representatives, and professionals from various countries across Latin America and Europe.
These events provided an opportunity to discuss global challenges facing the coffee sector, European funding opportunities, digitalisation, traceability, waste valorisation, and new avenues for economic diversification in producing communities. They also helped consolidate a knowledge-sharing network focused on sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness within the sector.
The Sustainable Coffee project was implemented under the European Union’s AL-INVEST Verde programme, with a total budget of €363,199.60. The initiative was carried out by Descocentro, with the support of Finnova Foundation, with the objective of promoting sustainability, the circular economy, and climate resilience among micro, small, and medium-sized coffee enterprises in the Oxapampa–Asháninka–Yánesha (BIOAY) Biosphere Reserve in Peru. AL-INVEST Verde promotes sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and more circular economy. Through its Component 1, led by Sequa, the programme finances innovative projects that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in the private sector and strengthen cooperation between Europe and Latin America.
More information: https://finnova.eu
About Finnova Foundation
Finnova Foundation is a Spanish-Belgian non-profit organisation based in Brussels, specialising in innovation, entrepreneurship, and European funding. The organisation promotes public-private cooperation, knowledge transfer, and access to European financing through the management and dissemination of international projects linked to sustainability, digitalisation, and the circular economy.
About Descocentro
Descocentro is a Peruvian institution committed to promoting sustainable development and defending the rights of women and vulnerable populations. Its work focuses on creating social, economic, and environmental alternatives, as well as influencing public policies through a rights-based, gender-sensitive, and intercultural approach.
About AL-INVEST Verde
AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union-funded programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and more circular economy. Its Component 1 is led by Sequa, a German non-profit organisation specialising in international private sector development