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C

Buyers should note that the grading
system is in the midst of a transition pe-
riod and the implementation will be rolled
out over time. It’s always best to commu-
nicate well with the seller to understand
how the coffee is being labeled.

Conservation and Coffee

Papua New Guinea has such a vast
and beautiful landscape that remains re-
mote and extremely difficult to access. It
is home to the third largest rainforest in
the world with unique and beautiful wildlife
and plants. Among these is the Matschie
Tree Kangaroo. The YUS Conservation
areas was established in 2009 and is the
first of its kind in Papua New Guinea. Lo-
cated in the Morobe Province boasting an
area of 760 square kilometers, this region
has become essential in protecting this
rare, endangered species.
As a part of this conservation effort,
the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program
worked alongside industry professionals
to train and support the villagers that live
in and around the YUS Conservation area
to grow, market, and sell their coffee. But
this is not an easy feat.
This coffee is grown in an isolated
and difficult to reach place. Each year, the
coffee is flown out on small cargo planes,
utilizing dirt air strips, and makes its way
to markets in the US and Australia. This
unique coffee, that supports such an amaz-
ing cause, goes a long way to creating
sustainable livelihoods for the local peo-
ple caring for this conservation area.

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