Incorporating human well-being in the theory of change for saving the giant ibis

Engaging local rice farmers in forest protection and boosting incomes
Incorporating human well-being in the theory of change for saving the giant ibis
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The exercise this week had me thinking about a project that is helping to save Giant ibis in Cambodia's Northern Plains by rewarding rice farmers for not hunting and not cutting down trees.

Farmers sign an agreement to do "no-harm" to wildlife and in return they benefit from the project helping to market their rice as a wildlife-friendly product which is marketed in Europe and the US.  This helps farmers earn a much higher return on their rice. A Cambodian-registered company was set up to manage "Ibis Rice" a project linked to the larger conservation initiative.

Ranger patrols and a monitoring team periodically check to make sure that farmers signed up for the project really are not encroaching on the forest or hunting wildlife.

You can learn more about Ibis Rice here https://ibisrice.com/

Read about plans to launch Ibis Rice in the UK here 

You can follow the project on Twitter @ibis_rice

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Go to the profile of Beth Robinson
over 3 years ago

Hello Tony, thank you for sharing this, it sounds like a great idea and really well marketed as well, so I hope it is selling well. I see they do sticky rice, this was one of my favourite things when I was in Cambodia! I've not seen Ibis rice in the UK, but if I do you shall be one of the first to hear about my excitement! 

Go to the profile of Antony Lynam
over 3 years ago

Hi Beth, The plan is to launch Ibis Rice in the UK.  Jasmine rice is what's being marketed. It's already up and running in Singapore, Hong Kong, and soon Canada.  Nick Spencer is the Cambodia-based British CEO of the company that is managing the project.  You can read more here https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2019/08/21/We-re-in-business-to-protect-forests-and-wildlife-we-re-also-the-best-you-can-buy-IBIS-Rice-on-its-UK-launch-plans

Go to the profile of Beth Robinson
over 3 years ago

Thanks Tony! 

Go to the profile of Mariasole Calbi
over 3 years ago

Hi tony, this is very intriguing! From what I see around me, I believe it could have a very good market in Germany too :)

Go to the profile of Antony Lynam
over 3 years ago

Hi Mariasole, Ibis Rice is being sold in Germany.  There is talk about an Australian market too.  Cheers Tony 

Go to the profile of Mariasole Calbi
over 3 years ago

Oh, Awesome! :)

Go to the profile of Jane Wigan
over 3 years ago

Hi Tony,

This looks great. I look forward to buying my first packet of sticky rice. You must let us all know when this is up and running.

Go to the profile of Antony Lynam
over 3 years ago

Hello Jane, When Ibis Rice is available in the UK I will post the announcement here!


Cheers

Tony