Ongoing deforestation and ecosystem degradation threaten tropical forests, driving economic, cultural, and environmental harm while accelerating climate change. In 2022, over 16 million acres of forest were lost globally, mainly due to logging, grazing, and road construction (WWF: n.d.), highlighting the urgent need to protect these ecosystems for the well-being of communities and the planet.
To address the urgent issues of deforestation and unsustainable sourcing, we have leveraged our KoltiTrace platform to develop solutions that promote forest conservation and responsible sourcing. KoltiTrace's recognition as the winner of the Tropical Forest Commodities Challenge, hosted by the World Economic Forum's UpLink and Tropical Forest Alliance, highlights our dedication to these objectives. Launched in 2021 by the Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) and UpLink, this challenge sought innovative and systemic solutions to enhance global production and trade of agricultural commodities, with a focus on delivering social and economic benefits to local communities (We Forum: 2021).
The challenge was designed and executed in collaboration with the FACT Dialogue and the UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021, supported by partners such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Stockholm Environment Institute, WA'IK, and Wilmar. Out of 82 global submissions, KoltiTrace emerged as one of the five top innovators, recognized for its groundbreaking solutions (We Forum: 2021).
Our platform excels in enhancing transparency and accountability across agricultural supply chains, supporting smallholder producers and SMEs in adopting responsible sourcing strategies that protect tropical forests. This award highlighted KoltiTrace's innovative approach to driving systemic change and fostering a more inclusive and equitable global economy. Today, these efforts continue to make a significant impact as we expand our reach and deepen our partnerships.
Manfred Borer, our Co-Founder and CEO, said: "By providing comprehensive seed-to-table traceability, we empower corporations to wisely navigate the dynamic landscape of evolving regulations and sustainable practice compliance while enhancing smallholder producers' livelihoods. We aim to foster an ecosystem benefiting global brands while also uplifting the grassroots level of the supply chain." This recognition underscores KoltiTrace's innovative solutions and its potential to drive significant impact in the sustainable sourcing of tropical commodities. (E27: 2023)
KoltiTrace continues to lead the way in demonstrating how technology and collaboration can create systemic changes, protecting tropical forests while supporting the livelihoods of local communities. As we expand our solutions and impact in 2024, we invite you to explore how our innovative tools can transform your sourcing practices. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more and join us in driving sustainable change.
Resources:
KoltiTrace selected for UpLink WEF Challenge. (n.d.). Koltiva. Retrieved from https://www.koltiva.com/post/koltitrace-selected-for-uplink-wef-challenge
Sustainable farming supply chain traceability startup Koltiva raises series A funding. (2023). e27. Retrieved from https://e27.co/sustainable-farming-supply-chain-traceability-startup-koltiva-raises-series-a-funding-20230918/
World Economic Forum. (2021). These 5 entrepreneurs are providing innovative and systemic approaches to global production and trade of agricultural commodities. Retrieved fromhttps://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/these-5-entrepreneurs-are-providing-innovative-and-systemic-approaches-to-global-production-and-trade-of-agricultural-commodities/
World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). Deforestation and forest degradation. Retrieved fromhttps://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation-and-forest-degradation
Writer: Kumara Anggita, Content Writer
Editor: Daniel Prasetyo, Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications
About the Writer
Kumara Anggita, serving as Koltiva's dedicated Content Writer, brings a wealth of experience from her six-year tenure in journalism in the fields of humanities and lifestyle, as well as her role as a writer in the tech industry. Her deep-rooted passion for gender equality and sustainability spurred her to enhance her reporting and storytelling skills through the EmPower Media Bootcamp by UN Women. Now, Kumara utilizes her platform to advocate for sustainable practices and gender equality through her compelling writing.
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