In order to address Climate Change and promote economic activities that focus on conserving our country’s biodiversity, the Amazon Business Alliance will invest over 300 million soles in sustainable businesses. These investments will directly benefit Amazonian populations who conserve the forests. 

Driven by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Canada, and Conservation International, the Amazon Business Alliance is a new platform aiming to harness efforts from both the public and private sectors to promote sustainable investments in the Peruvian Amazon. Its goal is to contribute to achieving national climate targets and Sustainable Development Goals. 

For its implementation, there is an initial fund of 100 million soles, with an aim to leverage an additional 200 million soles to be invested in sustainable businesses through two financing mechanisms: accessible grants and loans with competitive interest rates. 

“This platform is a commitment to the Amazon, to its sustainable development, to creating opportunities for economic growth while respecting the environment. We aim to enhance the environment for green businesses to thrive,” explained Luis Espinel, Vice President in Peru of Conservation International. 

Women-Led Businesses 

The Alliance proposes economic development based on the sustainable use of natural resources, with a foundation in gender, interculturality, and rights approaches, promoting appropriate engagement with the population, particularly with women and indigenous peoples, to ensure their effective participation in decision-making and the development of relevant and inclusive public policies. 

A pillar of the Alliance is to increase women’s participation in businesses, strengthening their economic autonomy to achieve a more equal and respectful society. In this sense, the Alliance will promote businesses led by women and enhance their entrepreneurial capacities. 

THE ALLIANCE IS ALREADY IN THESE REGIONS 

Seeking to recover and restore over 20,000 hectares of forest and contribute to the sustainable management of 60,000 hectares of forest, the Amazon Business Alliance is driving initiatives in the regions of Madre de Dios, San Martín, Huánuco, and Ucayali. Cooperative Framework Agreements were signed with the respective regional governments, allowing alignment of public and private investment priorities. 

This is aimed at facilitating coordination and generating synergies, as well as strengthening technical and innovation capabilities. Likewise, the goal is to leverage around 200 million additional soles from the private sector for sustainable businesses. 

In the first group of companies that are part of this alliance, notable participants include Starbucks, the BHP Foundation, Viridis Terra, Aje, Shanantina, Rainforest Expeditions, among others.