Coffeeangel and Dunsany Estate agree landmark Irish biodiversity deal

Irish specialty coffee group, Coffeeangel, has agreed a landmark deal with the Dunsany Estate in Co. Meath and Irish clean-tech company Bionua which will see it commit 5% of its profits over the next 5 years to buy biodiversity credits. This is the first time such a deal has been completed in Ireland and only the second time across Europe after Swedbank’s purchase of biodiversity credits in 2023.

Bionua deploys its cutting-edge technology to monitor nature in real time, producing scientifically backed data. Driven by AI, it utilises a combination of satellite multispectral imaging and ground-based sensors to accurately quantify carbon sequestration and biodiversity, both above and below ground. Bionua connects corporate organisations and SMEs withlandowners and deploys its tech to produce biodiversity credits. The lands, under long-term stewardship agreements, are dedicated solely to enhancing biodiversity and capturing carbon, using entirely natural processes, and adhering strictly to a policy of causing no harm.

The first year of this deal with Coffeeangel will represent the removal and storage of a minimum of 80,000 kgs of harmful carbon from the atmosphere at Dunsany Nature Reserve, and the direct involvement in the protection and enhancement of its unique biodiversity habitat above and below ground which include some of Ireland’s most important flora and fauna.

William Butterly, founder of Bionua said: “Through our biodiversity credits, we are giving companies the chance to make a real-world difference locally by supporting the rewilding of nature and in so doing combating biodiversity loss. Thanks to scientifically backed data and state of the art technology, Bionua’s biodiversity credits offer companies not just a way of meeting their sustainability goals but a way to visibly showcase their commitment locally to their customers, stakeholders and the general public. This is the first sale of credits of many that we envisage from our partnership with Dunsany Nature Reserve which has the capacity to produce hundreds of credits per month for organisations whether they are large corporates or SMEs”.

Biodiversity credits are verifiable and quantifiable financial instruments designed to incentivise investment in the restoration, conservation, and development of biodiversity. Biodiversity credits offer an incentive to large landowners to generate income by preserving and enhancing the biodiversity of their lands. By purchasing biodiversity credits, organisations can also take nature-positive action to contribute to the conservation of ecosystems, protection of endangered species, and promotion of overall biodiversity, while also meeting their environmental and sustainability objectives. The Biodiversity Credits produced by Bionua are to the ISO 14064-2 Standard and independently verified by a third party.

Sustainability reporting obligations have increased for organisations with the introduction of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which requires organisations to identify and assess material impacts, risks and opportunities that relate to biodiversity.

Karl Purdy, CEO of Coffeeangel, said: “As pioneers of the Irish specialty coffee scene, we understand the environmental challenges that our industry faces and that we have a responsibility to tackle these. Coffeeangel has always had a long standing commitment to sustainability – whether that is using renewable-sourced energy to run our shops, using locally-produced, fully recyclable packaging or launching social initiatives like our #YourCupOurFuture programme.

“But we also fully accept that these steps are simply not enough. We are very proud and delighted to invest 5% of Coffeeangel’s profits with Bionua to support the biodiversity benefits via the continued rewilding of Dunsany Nature Reserve over the next 5 years. Doing so will allow us to practically, tangibly and verifiably offset our carbon impact”.

The historic Dunsany Estate in Meath spans back to the 11th century and covers a vast area of 1600 acres (650 hectares). Within this expanse, approximately 750 acres (300 hectares) have been dedicated to rewilding, forming the core of the Dunsany Nature Reserve.

Lord Dunsany of the Dunsany Estate said: “When I embarked on my journey of rewilding the land, the objective was simple: bring back nature. The goal was quickly achieved with species returning and increased biodiversity. Then came the second goal, making rewilding a mainstream concept. Although the public was listening, other rewilding initiatives were slow to get started.

“Landowners were fearful to buy in to the concept as there was no way to make it financially viable. We needed a model that was not solely built on government subsidies. I am very proud of this initiative and the model we have created with Bionua and Coffeeangel. I’m especially proud that it is an Irish collaboration. We are after all the green nation, and today it feels a whole lot greener.”

See more stories here.