Bearwell & Nuwara Eliya Estates receive Rainforest Alliance Certification
View(s):Nuwara Eliya and Bearwell Estates, managed by the Hayley’s Group, have received the the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Certification.
The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international NGO created in 1987 with the objective of conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods by transforming land usage business practices and consumer behavior. The RA Standard is focused on thre areas -environment, economy and social justice.
For the certification of tea, the Alliance follows 10 key principles; Social and environmental management systems, Ecosystem conservation, Wildlife protection, Water conservation, Fair treatment and good conditions for workers, Occupational health and safety, Community relations, Integrated crop management, Soil management and conservation and Integrated waste management.
“As employers it’s our responsibility to take care of our workers,” said Senaka Alawattegama, Regional General Manager, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC in a media release issued by Hayleys. According to him yearly audits are conducted to assess the estate’s practices on maintaining and protecting the environment, the protection, health and safety of the workers and on social aspects.
Occupational health and safety issues are a key area of focus at both estates. Improvements include the provision of special personal protective equipment (PPE), with both sprayers and estate workers educated on their personal health and hygiene, thus fewer accidents happen at work.
Clean drinking water is provided for pluckers as well as a special plucking basket. The new basket uses straps reducing the amount of weight on the neck, with a cap attached to keep out the sun and is used on both estates.
“A must for Rainforest Alliance certification are ‘buffer zones’ –both estates have specific areas where no chemicals are sprayed. Workers have been trained not to spray chemicals at these locations,usually near housing and common areas,” the statement said.