Café Oso Andino® Becomes the First Certified Andean Bear Friendly Enterprise

A Landmark Achievement for Sustainable Coffee Farming and Andean Bear Conservation

February 21, 2025 – International Day for the Protection of Bears

El Águila, Colombia – Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN) is proud to announce that Café Oso Andino® has officially become the first enterprise to be Certified Andean Bear Friendly, a groundbreaking achievement marking a major milestone in efforts to protect the Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the only bear species native to South America.

A Commitment to Conservation
Since 2016, coffee farmers in the mountains of El Águila, Valle del Cauca, have partnered with Conservamos la Vida alliance to promote coexistence with the Andean bear. This public-private partnership includes WCS Colombia, Fundación Grupo Argos, Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, Fundación Smurfit Kappa, and Corporación Autónoma del Valle del Cauca. Through voluntary conservation agreements, farmers have dedicated significant portions of their land to habitat protection, ensuring safe corridors for the Andean bear while enhancing sustainable coffee production.

A Model for Sustainable Agriculture
In addition to protecting over 470 hectares of forest, the Café Oso Andino® initiative has implemented measures to reduce its environmental impact. These include sustainable water management, biodiversity-friendly farming practices, and infrastructure improvements that support high-quality coffee production. These efforts have been rewarded with improved market access and premium pricing for farmers.

“This certification demonstrates that consumer products can not only meet high standards of quality but also significantly contribute to wildlife conservation” shared Christine Lippai, Executive Director of Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network.

Source: WCS Colombia

A Global First
Developed in partnership with experts from WFEN, WCS, ProCAT Colombia, the Andean Carnivore Conservation Plan (Bolivia), and the Chester Zoo in England, the Certified Andean Bear Friendly standards set rigorous criteria for Wildlife Friendly agricultural practices. The certification of Café Oso Andino® represents the first time an enterprise is recognized for its role in Andean bear conservation.

“Every cup of Café Oso Andino® coffee supports conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods for our community,” said Jaime Duque, one of the coffee farmers involved in the initiative.

The Importance of Andean Bear Friendly Certification
The Andean bear faces multiple threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. Classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its protection is crucial not only for the species itself but for entire ecosystems. The Andean Bear Friendly Certification helps ensure that agricultural landscapes support both biodiversity and sustainable economic opportunities.

Source: WCS Colombia

About the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. WCS harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in more than 60 nations combining its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquariums to achieve its conservation mission.

To learn more, we encourage you to explore WCS Colombia’s press release, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind this certification.

About Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN)

WFEN is a global community dedicated to the protection of wildlife in wild places and on agricultural lands, promoting sustainable livelihoods through the certification of products and services that adhere to the highest standards of wildlife stewardship and habitat conservation. Our Wildlife Friendly® certification programs ensure that consumers can make informed choices that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.