Corporate Procurement and Conservation Finance

If economics drives deforestation, then is the forest worth more alive and standing, or cut and burned? What comes first, Amazon forest produce or the corporate buyer of it? While some climate-conscious procurement officers may grumble about the supply and quality of select Amazon forest products, producers in the region complain about the lack of demand. Buyers and producers can join forces, but need help. Fortunately, some investors and entrepreneurs are starting to bridge the gap and launch new lines of business that finance Amazonian livelihoods and conserve forests. The innovation is the long term purchase agreement and financial products based on them. Founded in 2018, Aliados conducts Amazon-centric R&D, promotes agroforestry, strengthens cooperatives, and fosters purchase contracts with foreign buyers. With partners like Nestle, they have brought diverse produce to international markets, improved incomes of numerous local farmers,and reduced deforestation. Founded in 2005, Maua Capital is an independent fund manager based in Sao Paulo,Brazil. Through new partnerships, the firm is leveraging off-take agreements for forest-compatible products to provide upfront finance,technical assistance, and structural community resources that catalyze the bioeconomy and keep forests standing. Join us to meet the innovators, Wain Collen of the Aliados Foundation and Carolina da Costa or Maua Capital, and learn.

Recording from December 13, 2021