Overview

In Thailand’s Wawee Valley, Hilltribe Organics and the Wawee Valley Foundation are collaborating with reNature to promote regenerative agriculture and address land degradation caused by industrial farming.

With the support of all 19 restaurants across all 4 Hyatt Hotels in Hong Kong, funds raised via the 1% pledge program since 2023 have been ring-fenced to large scale projects across SEA. This particular project aims to develop regenerative model farms, food forests, composting, and nutrient management systems adapted to local conditions, and has the potential to restore up to 100,000 acres, boost biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of more than 27,000 local inhabitants.

In urban areas where agriculture is limited and food is largely outsourced, the local food industry has a key role in strengthening regional supply chains. This partnership  demonstrates the impact that collective action can yield when public-private funds are channeled toward impactful, large-scale land restoration projects that deliver environmental, economic, and socio-cultural benefits.

Key actors

• Hilltribe Organics and the Wawee Valley Foundation communities and farmers

• reNature (agronomists and technical support)

• Hyatt hotels in Hong Kong, of which all 19 restaurants are ZFPA 1% Partners. 

• Beneficiaries – local consumers and restaurants

Lessons Learned

Technology has played a vital role in advancing the project’s master plan and estimating carbon sequestration potential. Using Kanop’s satellite imagery and research database, the team has gained deeper insights into the Wawee Valley’s landscape, aiding the design and implementation of model farms and food forests. This technological support enables the estimation of the project's carbon sequestration capacity, highlighting a key step in promoting climate-smart agriculture by integrating traditional knowledge with modern tools.

Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission 

The project has attracted interest from companies locally and internationally and is now seeking partnerships to promote regenerative products. Beyond restoring the Wawee Valley, it aims to produce sustainable food, enhance biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and lead the transformation of supply chains to inform better consumer choices. A comprehensive evaluation plan accompanies the master plan, including soil health indicators, farmer income tracking, visual assessments, and surveys. This monitoring framework will help ensure the project's success and enable ZFPA to translate findings into compelling public narratives.

Progress:

• 100,000 acres in transition

• 27,000 individuals positively impacted

Next steps

• Partnering with more hotel and restaurants to generate funds for larger project sizes, positively impacting more farmers in the region.

• Collaborate with more businesses so they can be part of the solution too, expand access to regenerative goods and educate consumers

• Invite more farmers in the Valley to implement the regenerative model farm and food forest which will then expand their revenue source and restore the environment at the same time.