In the lush, rain-soaked hills of India's Western Ghats mountains, conservationists and coffee growers are working together to restore one of the country's most biodiverse regions. The monsoon season brings mist and uninterrupted rainfall – ideal conditions for planting native trees. But years of deforestation and commercial expansion, especially for coffee cultivation, have disrupted the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.

Brewing biodiversity through coffee agroforestry

Forest conservationist Dr. Anand Osuri and his team at the Nature Conservation Foundation are studying native tree species and their natural regeneration cycles. Rather than harvesting seeds in bulk – which can harm local ecosystems – they collect only those at risk of being lost. These seeds are grown in nurseries and replanted in degraded areas of coffee estates. Agroforestry, where coffee is grown under the shade of native trees, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming – protecting biodiversity, improving soil health, and even influencing the flavor of the coffee.

It's an approach that has been embraced by coffee growers Chandini D Purnesh and Sohan Shetty. By planting hundreds of forest saplings and preserving naturally regenerated species, they're helping restore the forest while producing high-quality coffee. The collaboration between scientists and farmers is proving that conservation and agriculture can go hand in hand.

This model of sustainable coffee farming could be a blueprint for other regions facing similar ecological pressures. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, coffee grown in harmony with nature may become the new standard – ensuring that our morning brew supports both people and the planet.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.