American Bird Conservancy seeks to understand the coffee market for conservation purposes

In 2019, RSI and ABC started a study to better understand the feasibility of investing in the Venezuelan specialty coffee industry while maintaining conservation as a priority. We hope to identify additional coffee producers in Venezuela interested in improving their farming practices while preserving forests and biodiversity. Project activities will include an overview of the national coffee market, identification of potential buyers, and the analysis of exports.

The project is led by Maria Elisa Vollmer, who brings experience in public policy, environmental management, and economic incentives. Based in Nashville, TN (USA), she works as a consultant on integrated urban development and efficient use of natural resources. Maria Elisa will be joined in Venezuela by Génesis Cardozo, who will be in charge of field activities for the project. Other project members include Andrés Anchondo and Andrew Rothman, of ABC, and Miguel Arvelo, RSI Coordinator, with Luis Arrieta, the Birds and Coffee Technical Coordinator.