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Welcome to Kafa Coffee Biosphere Reserve

The official website of the Kafa Biosphere Reserve in Ethiopia provides information about the unique aspects of the region. Kafa, the birthplace of wild Coffea arabica, also harbors numerous exciting wildlife, striking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and a coffee tradition which brings the distinct aroma of wild coffee to you at home or at a colorful ceremony in Kafa.

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NEWS:

June 2010: Groundbreaking success - Kafa Biosphere Reserve recognized as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 
It is a groundbreaking success for nature conservation in Africa: As one of the first two Biosphere Reserves in Ethiopia the Wild Coffee Forests in the former kingdom of Kafa have been recognized as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the beginning of June 2010. NABU is campaigning since 2006 for the integration of the region into UNESCO’s World network of Biosphere Reserves. read more

March 2010: Breaking news for inhabitants, friends and supporters of the proposed Kafa Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO’s International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves recommended at its 16th Meeting to approve Kafa Biosphere Reserve as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve! The official recognition by UNESCO is to be expected mid of 2010. 

25-12-2009: Management plan for the proposed Kafa Biosphere Reserve to be presented
Relevant authorities at the federal, regional and local level have developed a management plan for Kafa Biosphere Reserve. read more

19-11-2009: New project on conservation of primary forests and climate change in Kafa Biosphere Reserve
The proposed Kafa Coffee Biosphere Reserve is situated in one of the last remaining forest areas of Ethiopia, therefore it is high time to act and to interlink the protection of the natural forests to the reduction of CO2 emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. read more

10-11-2009: Kafa Biosphere Reserve launches project website
The website aims to promote tourism in the region.  Sustainable development, including ecotourism, in Kafa accentuates the goals of the Biosphere Reserve and brings more opportunities for the people of Kafa.

01-10-2009: Why should you visit Kafa? A study on tourism opportunities accentuates tourist options
A landscape planner from Berlin TU University in Germany is studying the potential for tourism in Kafa.  This Master’s thesis will provide the Biosphere Reserve with a detailed map showing touristic sites and further recommendations for management of tourism. read more

30-09-2009: Official application submitted to UNESCO MAB Programme
The Kafa Biosphere Initiative submitted the official application to UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme.  The application proposes over 760,000 hectares to be included in the Reserve.  Over 44% of the total reserve area will support sustainable development and over 50% of the area, which is still forested, will be protected.

09-2009:  Ethiopia's Ministry of Science and Technology supports the Biosphere Reserve
The Ministry of Science and Technology supports the establishment of a network of biosphere reserves in Ethiopia including Kafa Biosphere Reserve as one of the first.  An agreement has been signed between the Ministry, NABU, and the UNESCO Cluster office in Addis Ababa.

01-01-2009:  Coffee museum in Kafa to be built
The Federal Ethiopian Government in collaboration with the Kafa Zone is constructing the National Coffee Museum in Bonga town.  It will also include an Information Centre about the Biosphere Reserve. read more