Finlays: The business case for a landscape approach to sustainable tea production in Kenya and worldwide

“If we do not arrest deforestation, the impact in Kericho will mean that the region will lose its climate regulator and this will impact our ability to sustain agriculture in Kericho. The factors behind degradation are multiple and often interconnected; the project seeks to identify root causes. This differs from other multi-stakeholder projects, in that the work is being driven by local stakeholders, on the ground.”

Michael Pennant-Jones, Former Group Head of Sustainability, James Finlay Ltd.

Increasingly impacted by the varying tea production volumes in the Kericho region of Kenya, independent tea trader Finlays decided to engage in IDH’s Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes (ISLA) in Kenya, which involves collaboration between the private sector, government and NGOs. This initiative aims to ensure the stability of the future supply of tea and the longevity of the industry in Kericho by ensuring the conservation of the South West Mau Forest complex, its climatic and water regulatory functions, and the provision of sustainable energy and livelihoods for local communities.

This is the latest in a series of case studies exploring Why engaging in a landscape approach is good for business.

Download the case study below, and explore more landscape business case studies here.

Image: Enigma Images

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