【SDGs】コーヒーが地域課題を解決する未来の特産品に

沖縄で国産コーヒーの特産品化を目指している一色康平さん。近年、気候変動などの影響で、2050年にはコーヒー豆の栽培に適した地域が減少するといわれています。そこで、亜熱帯の気候をもつ沖縄に、コーヒー豆の新たな産地としての可能性を感じ、この取り組みをスタート。地元の生産者や自治体、大学と協力し、将来的には「沖縄といえばコーヒー」と誰もが答える“新たな沖縄の顔”を作り上げたい、と語る一色さんの思い描く未来とは？

Mr. Kohei Isshiki is working to establish domestically produced coffee as a specialty product in Okinawa. In recent years, due to the effects of climate change, it is said that the areas suitable for coffee bean cultivation will decrease by 2050. Seeing the potential for Okinawa, with its subtropical climate, to become a new coffee-producing region, he started this initiative. Working with local government, producers, and universities, he speaks of a future where, when asked about Okinawa, everyone will answer, “Okinawa means coffee,” creating a new image of Okinawa. What kind of future does he envision?