A new collaboration between The Glacier Trust and Happy Barista has seen the release of a limited-edition coffee roast aimed at supporting climate resilience efforts in Nepal’s Solukhumbu region. This first-ever UK roasting of Solukhumbu coffee marks a significant milestone in both the coffee industry and global climate adaptation initiatives, highlighting the region’s evolving response to climate change.
The Solukhumbu Charity Roast celebrates the success of a decade-long project that has helped local farmers transition from traditional farming to coffee cultivation, providing a sustainable income source amid the challenges posed by climate change. Over the last few years, rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events have made subsistence farming increasingly difficult. In response, The Glacier Trust, in collaboration with the NGO EcoHimal, has worked closely with farmers to establish coffee as a viable and climate-resilient crop.
Located in the foothills of Mount Everest, Solukhumbu is not a traditional coffee-growing region. However, with training and resources from The Glacier Trust, local farmers have embraced coffee cultivation, with the crop now thriving in a layered agroforestry system. This system not only provides the local community with economic stability but also helps preserve the environment and adapt to the changing climate.
Mark Holmes, Executive Director of The Glacier Trust, expressed his excitement about the partnership with Happy Barista: “We’re thrilled to partner with Happy Barista to showcase the remarkable resilience of the people of Solukhumbu. This collaboration is about much more than just a great coffee; it’s about making a real difference in the lives of communities affected by climate change.”
Happy Barista, an ethical coffee roaster based in County Durham, worked closely with The Glacier Trust to ensure the roast reflects the unique flavour profile of Solukhumbu coffee. The company’s commitment to sustainably sourced, high-quality coffee aligns perfectly with the goals of the collaboration.
Tom Bolland of Happy Barista shared, “This partnership is especially meaningful to us. We believe coffee can be a force for good, and this project is a powerful example of that. Every cup of this coffee represents the resilience, hope, and strength of the Solukhumbu community.”
Proceeds from each sale of the Solukhumbu Charity Roast will directly support The Glacier Trust’s ongoing work in Nepal, which includes efforts in agroforestry, climate-resilient farming, water resource management, and climate education. These initiatives are vital in helping vulnerable communities adapt to the pressures of climate change, ensuring long-term sustainability in the region.
Scoring 83/100 in a recent Q-grading, placing it in the “very good” coffee range, the Solukhumbu Charity Roast is now available for purchase via Happy Barista’s coffee pod and online store. Coffee lovers are encouraged to enjoy a delicious cup while contributing to the vital work being done in Nepal.
For more details, visit www.theglaciertrust.org or www.happybarista.com.