In parts of Asia, civets are captured and farmed to produce “civet coffee,” prized internationally for its rarity. The trade is largely unregulated, leaving civets – including the endangered Owston’s Civet and the vulnerable Binturong – exposed to poor welfare, stress, and disease. Workers and the public can also be at risk from illnesses passed from animals. Despite its luxury reputation this industry fuels wildlife exploitation and damages ecosystems. Few community voices currently counter the narrative that civet coffee is harmless or ethical.
Advocating for civets, people and planet
Since its founding, The Civet Project has become the world’s leading voice for civets. They have produced an award-winning documentary From Rare to Reckless, highlighting exploitation in civet coffee farms, founded World Civet Day, and educate people in zoos, colleges, and universities. Partnering with global companies and co-founding a Civet Working Group, the charity combines research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to drive meaningful conservation action.
The Civet Project runs global campaigns, develops education programmes, and works with partners to improve civet welfare, protect people from the risks, and protect the ecosystems supported by civets. They challenge the myths around civet coffee, encourage responsible tourism, and teach sustainable practices that benefit both people and wildlife. Their work ensures communities, visitors, and local stakeholders understand the risks of farming civets and are empowered to make informed, ethical choices.
The Funded Project
The John Good Group grant will support the Civet Forest School in Vietnam, part of the Civet One Health Vietnam programme. This initiative delivers community-level education on civet conservation, welfare, and human health risks from close contact with farmed civets. Funding will be used to design and produce educational resources such as storybooks, posters, videos, and activity kits, and train local educators.
By equipping communities with accessible, engaging information, the project aims to reduce civet farming, promote sustainable livelihoods, and protect both species and people. The pilot has the potential to expand, creating a model for community-level conservation education globally.
We are incredibly grateful and honoured to have been shortlisted. As a small charity in our infancy, we work incredibly hard to work with organisations whose values align with ours. To have our organisation considered alongside so many worthy programs really is a huge achievement. Thank you so much for seeing the value in what we are doing and for recognizing the needs of civets, communities and the environment at the core of our work. Without support from organisations like yours, we could not be doing what we are doing to help.
The Civet Project has made an astonishing impact in such a short time. This is a conservation challenge that many people in the UK will never have heard about, yet the team has rapidly built global awareness and meaningful partnerships to protect civets and the communities affected by their exploitation. Their leadership, scientific grounding, and ability to communicate a complex issue with clarity and urgency is truly impressive. We are delighted to support a charity that is shining a light on a largely hidden problem and driving real change at both community and international levels.
Latest Project Updates
December 2025
Granted £2,500
After employees at the John Good Group voted for their favourite causes, The Civet Project received a grant of £2,500.
December 2025
Grants for Good Finalist
The Civet Project has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.