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, the Amazon forest produces 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 it. Founded in 2018, Aliados conducts Amazon-centric R&D, promotes agroforestry, strengthens cooperatives, and fosters purchase contracts with foreign buyers. With partners like Nestlé, they have brought diverse produce to international markets, improved the incomes of numerous local farmers, and reduced deforestation. Founded in 2005, Maua Capital is an independent fund manager based in São 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 of Maua Capital, and learn.
Recorded December 13, 2021
References:
The Amazonia Sustainable Supply Chains Mechanism
Runa Foundation(predecessor to Aliados)
Innovation in sustainable finance: far behind the finances
Beauty Company Natura balances profitability and sustainability
Fully Alive: Using Lessons of the Amazon to Live Your Mission in Business and Life
SustainablePurchasing Leadership Council
RE100 (A leading example of using corporate procurement to foster demand and sustainability)
Cocoa: A Bitter sweet Supply Chain
Amazon Reforestation with a Profitable Twist
