Adapting

sustainability

to farmers

and not

the other way

around

🌴🌱 Embracing a New Era of Assurance: Why It's Essential 🌱🌴

 - Bali Indonesia, May 2024

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Last autumn, we spearheaded the revision of the #SustainableCoconutCharter, rallying over 200 stakeholders from the industry and beyond adopting one common framework. the charter benefited from an alignment effort with the Principles of the "Accountability Framework"

 

Today, it is evolving into an innovative assurance system aimed at substantiating sustainability claims and championing companies as agents of change and sustainable trade partners.

 

"It's sobering to note that a staggering 99% of coconut volumes traded still does not support sustainable farming practices, perpetuating cycles of poverty among farmers.

The status quo underscores a critical need for market interventions that genuinely drive positive change." - Gregory Bardies, Executive Director, Sustainable Coconut Partnership

 

This is where the collective efforts of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership come into play:

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Designed to catalyze genuine sustainability within the coconut industry, our approach fosters alignment and common ground among buyers, processors, cooperatives, and farmers alike. By providing a framework for progress at scale, we aim to break the cycle of unsustainable practices and uplift communities.

 

🥥 What sets our system apart?

For starters, it's a work in progress! A dedicated task force

comprising our members is diligently crafting and piloting this game-changing system with partners on the ground, commencing this year.

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🌟 A Progressive Approach

Unlike conventional pass/fail certification systems, our focus lies on

fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By empowering businesses to evolve and excel on their sustainability journey, we pave the way for lasting change.

 

🌟Integrated Verification

Our verification unit spans farms, traders/cooperatives, and initial processing points, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability across the entire supply chain. This integrated approach stands in stark contrast to traditional farm-centric systems, offering a more comprehensive solution at a time when farmers need help.

 

🌟 Coconut Specific Approach

Our principles and ambitions are tailored to the unique complexities of the coconut supply chain that comprises a vast majority of smallholder farmers. We shaped this approach through extensive industry consultation. An outcome of this is a focus beyond just good agriculture practices to address challenges at their root beyond the farms. We will drive meaningful change where it matters most (rejuvenation of farms, access to market information for farmers, engaging the next generation of farmers...) to complement sustainable practices on the farm.

 

🌟 Volume and Performance Claims:

Our system will not only validate volume claims but also assess companies' performance levels in sustainability, recognizing verified actors as agents of change and sustainable trade partners. We’re in process of alignment against some of the best practices for sustainability systems.

 

🌍✨Together, we're forging a path towards a more sustainable future for the coconut industry—one that prioritizes integrity, inclusivity, and progress vs aiming for the stars.

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Join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can make a difference.

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