Somsak Sriphumthong, an organic farmer and community leader was tired of watching Thailand’s forests were being destroyed for opium and rice plantations.
He started growing and selling organic coffee beans on reclaimed land, rather than the highly-profitable opium, because he “didn’t want to take advantage of society … or harm people” while earning a living.
As he explains in this 5-minute video, coffee plants can coexist with the native forest. Thus they reduce deforestation while providing steady income for poor communities.