The Inter-American Development Bank’s innovation laboratory (IDB Lab), has unveiled two initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity and fostering sustainable development in the Amazon basin.
According to a June 12th statement, the the initiatives were announced during the Sustainability Week of IDB Invest in Manaus, Brazil.
These projects, Amazon BeEco and the ReGenerate Accelerator and Investment Fund for the Amazon, are set to provide bioeconomy training and support for families, communities, and early-stage businesses across the region, including Guyana. The approved projects form part of the Amazonia Forever programme, the IDB Group’s initiative to safeguard the basin’s ecosystem while promoting sustainable economic growth.
According to IDB Lab, the Amazon BeEco project aims to enhance incomes and biobusinesses in the Amazon areas of Brazil, Colombia, Suriname, Ecuador, Guyana, and Peru. The initiative will train 8,000 families in sustainable practices, managing 400,000 hectares of land within four years.
“The programme, which will be implemented by Conexsus and the Institute for Sustainable Connections (ISC), will provide participants with access to networking, training activities, and financial, technical, technological and commercial solutions,” it was stated.
The ReGenerate Accelerator and Investment Fund for the Amazon targets bioeconomy companies with high regenerative potential in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. Managed by KTPL/Kaeté, this fund addresses financing gaps, scales businesses, and promotes the regenerative economy in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was stated that companies already operating with a minimum viable product (MVP) will receive support in the form of investments to boost their growth.
Notably, the Fund will be managed by KTPL/Kaeté, a Brazilian fund management company with extensive experience in identifying early stage sustainable biobusinesses.
