Introduction
The AmazonBeEco project, titled “Driving an Inclusive Bioeconomy in the Pan-Amazon Region,” aims to empower communities and enhance sustainable practices across six countries: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. This transformative initiative is co-financed by the IDB Lab, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and Conexsus, focusing on fostering economic opportunities while conserving the rich biodiversity of the Amazon.
Focus on Guyana’s Pan-Amazon Regions
In Guyana, the project specifically targets Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). These regions are vital to the Amazon’s ecological integrity and cultural heritage, making them ideal candidates for implementing sustainable bioeconomic practices.
Objectives of the AmazonBeEco Project
The primary goal of the AmazonBeEco project is to increase the income of community-based bio-businesses—cooperatives and associations dedicated to sustainable practices. By integrating biodiversity conservation with economic growth, the project aims to create sustainable income opportunities for families involved in these activities.
Key Mapping Activities
Central to the project’s success are various mapping activities designed to gather essential data and insights into the socio-bioeconomy landscape:
Key Considerations
The project emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainability. Ensuring the active participation of local communities, particularly women and traditional groups, is crucial. Standardized methodologies will be employed across the six countries to ensure consistent and comparable data collection.
Expected Outcomes
Through these mapping activities, the AmazonBeEco project aims to:
Conclusion
The AmazonBeEco project represents a significant opportunity for sustainable development in the Pan-Amazon, particularly in Guyana’s Regions 8 and 9. By focusing on community-based initiatives and leveraging local knowledge, the project aims to create lasting economic opportunities while preserving the ecological richness of the Amazon.
The AmazonBeEco Inception Workshop - Guyana commenced today at the Grand Coastal Hotel with 33 participants from 5 countries, marking another significant milestone for sustainable bioeconomy development across the Amazon region....
The National Coordinating Coalition Inc. (NCC) will be hosting stakeholders and partners from South America and Guyana to participate in the AmazonBeEco Inception Workshop, a critical gathering to advance sustainable...
Promoting Sustainable Development in the Pan-Amazon: The AmazonBeEco Project Introduction The AmazonBeEco project, titled "Driving an Inclusive Bioeconomy in the Pan-Amazon Region," aims to empower communities and enhance sustainable practices...
José Andrés Díaz
Executive Director – iC Fundación
The IC Fundación, a Colombian NGO that supports the development of community-based enterprises in vulnerable regions of Colombia. Jose is passionate about building a more just and sustainable society through innovative business development and financing. He has led the design and implementation of many business support programs and the implementation of impact funds to support community based businesses in Colombia.
Naleni Persaud
Project Management Consultant – AmazonBeEco Project (ISC)
Simone Sills
Executive Director NGO NCC Inc
Twenty years of continuous work in the Health Sector. Seventeen years of experience in management and implementation of programmes and projects with civil society, government and international organisations. Thorough understanding of the public health system in Guyana; professional development and training specialist; and competence in strategic planning, community development, institutional strengthening and international partnerships.
Lorena Salazar
IDB Country Representative Guyana
A holder of a master’s degree in business administration from IDE Business School and a degree in business engineering from Espíritu Santo University in Guayaquil. She has led the Bank’s Country Office in Guyana in an interim capacity since October 2021 and has served as chief of operations in the country since September 2018.
Ulrich Zebisch
Market Specialist Los Aliados Foundation
A forestry engineer with a master's degree in sales and marketing. Over the past 14 years, he worked with various small producer organizations and technical cooperation agencies on issues related to market access, exports, and customer communication. In the last year, he has been working as market specialist in Los Aliados, developing sales strategies and market access for the members.
André Ramos
Deputy Operations Director
Andre has more than 10 years of work experience in the social and environmental fields, focusing on regional sustainable development. He is a Phd in Environment and Society at University of Campinas, Unicamp Brasil and an expert in Socio-Environmental Project Management and Coordination and Impact Business Development. He believes community bio-businesses are key to building a new type of economy, the socio bioeconomy.
Vicente Guadalupe
Technical Advisor for the AmazonBeEco Project at Conexsus
Forest engineer focused on Amazon conservation, climate solutions, and sustainable bioeconomy. Provides technical advice and has led collaborative processes with governments, communities, and organizations across the eight Amazonian countries.
Manu Caselli
Manu Caselli is the coordinator of the AmazonBeEco project
She is a public relations, specialist in corporate social responsibility, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. With extensive experience in project management, she has worked with Fundação Banco do Brasil, UNDP, and both the public and private sectors.
Mauricio Verkooijen
Country Director- NESsT Peru
Mauricio is currently Country Director of NESsT and leads an acceleration and investment program in companies with socio-environmental impact in Peru and the Amazon region. He has extensive knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and impact investment in Latin America, as well as the needs of social entrepreneurship.Mauricio has 13 years of experience in leading and managing multi-stakeholder programs in emerging markets. His areas of expertise are: corporate sustainability, international development, poverty reduction, digital inclusion and climate change adaptation.Graduated from Utrecht University with a Master's degree in International Development, and a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with emphasis in development, anthropology and international relations.
Michael Mc Garrell
Project Consultant AmazonBeEco project Guyana
Michael McGarrel is a member of the Patamona Nation of Guyana and was raised in the village of Chenapou, located in the northern Pacaraima Mountains and the closest village to the mighty Kaieteur Falls, the most sacred site for his people. Michael’s work involves advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples. Everything he does is aimed at ensuring that the rights of indigenous peoples are protected and respected. He worked with the Association of Amerindian Peoples (APA) in Guyana and was the Human Rights and Policy Coordinator for the Amazon Basin Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations (COICA).
Carlo, Koorndijk
Country Manager Amazon Conservation Team Guianas
Ben D’Leon
Tourism Consultant Amazon Conservation Team Guianas
A marketeer and business developer with 25 years of experience in Marketing & Sales and 15 years’ experience in the Hospitality & Tourism industry and consults ACT on the design, development and implementation of tourism programs across the ACT work areas. Tourism development is a component of ACT’s Sustainable Livelihood program. The aim is to support ITP communities in developing and maintaining sustainable income sources through commercially viable value chains, within their cultural context and while protecting nature.
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Grand Coastal Hotel, Georgetown Guyana
CLICK to learn more about the AmazonBeEco a multilateral effort to strengthen community-based bio-businesses in the Pan-Amazon region.
