Estates are often large expanses of cultivated land, and people sometimes worry that farming on such a scale could disrupt the natural balance of the local ecosystem.

However, some estates are showing that it’s possible to create environments where agriculture and nature thrive side by side. These estates take a thoughtful approach, ensuring that their practices enhance rather than harm the biodiversity around them. In India, a few such estates are leading the way in proving that cultivation can be a force for environmental harmony and preservation. Let’s explore their impact on biodiversity conservation.

Let’s take a closer look at what they are doing:

Elkhill Estates

Elkhill Estates, nestled in Coorg’s peaceful hills, is a sanctuary where sustainable agriculture and conservation meet. Acquired by Orange County Resorts and Hotels Ltd. in 2023, Elkhill spans over 1,008 hectares and produces premium coffee, including organic varieties. With a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, the estate prioritizes biodiversity, protecting local flora and fauna through native tree planting and land restoration efforts.

When you visit or enjoy their coffee, you are contributing to an initiative that goes beyond farming. It’s about preserving the land, restoring native species, and uplifting the rich biodiversity of the region. Every cup of coffee is a step toward building a sustainable, harmonious future for both the environment and its people.

Cauvery Peak Estates

Cauvery Peak Estates, in the misty hills of the Western Ghats, has perfected the art of growing coffee, fruits, and spices by working with nature. Their philosophy is simple: farming should help, not harm, the land. By using two layers of shade trees, organic compost, and relying on natural rainfall, they create a microclimate where their crops and local wildlife can thrive together.

But Cauvery Peak’s commitment goes beyond growing coffee. The shade trees not only protect the coffee plants but also create a home for rare birds, mammals, and reptiles. This careful balance ensures that every element of the estate supports a thriving ecosystem. So here, the coffee is not just rich in flavor; it is grown with a deep respect for the land and biodiversity.

Kerehaklu Estate

The Kerehaklu Estate in Chikkamagaluru has garnered significant attention for its efforts to safeguard biodiversity. Covering 250 acres, Kerehaklu Estate is a sanctuary for local wildlife. Kerehaklu takes pride in preserving a habitat that sustains both plants and animals, thereby safeguarding the local ecosystem.

Kerehaklu’s dedication to creating a space where wildlife and farming can coexist helps support a wide range of species. Here, it is not about merely growing and laying out crops, but rather how caring for land and all the flora and fauna living on it creates a beautiful balance between agriculture and nature.

Tenzing Bodosa’s tea estate

Tenzing Bodosa’s Elephant-Friendly Tea Estate in Assam has adopted a unique approach to biodiversity conservation by prioritizing the protection of elephants. Instead of viewing the elephants as enemies for their tea fields, they’ve figured out a way to share the land with them peacefully.

The estate’s farming practices allow elephants to move freely through their land, making it one of the few places where humans and wildlife truly coexist. The estates protect the natural habitat and plant native shade trees, thereby conserving the ecosystem as well as producing excellent-quality tea.