At Impulso Verde, we believe that actions of reforestation and restoration of ecosystems should systematically involve local populations. These are the guardians of ecosystems, but they are often also responsible for their destruction to survive. In order to ensure the sustainability of these actions, we believe it is essential to identify with them economic alternatives that allow them to enhance biodiversity and thus combine ecology with economics.
The two main causes of wasteland and destruction in Colombia are the extension of agricultural land for conventional potato cultivation and pasture for dairy production. In this context, Impulso Verde aims to develop sustainable economic activities projects with local communities.
Project ‘Sustainable economic alternatives / green sectors’
The objective of this program is to reconcile the economic development of local communities with the protection of biodiversity through the economic appreciation of natural resources.
The implementation of these green sectors is planned as part of the project “Alternatives to deforestation in Colombia” funded by the French Development Agency, in consortium with the French NGOs Up2green Reforestation, Envol Vert and Forestever. This project began in January 2020 and lasts for 3 years. As part of this project, Impulso Verde accompanies three associations, long-standing partners in reforestation activities: Pumamaki (Guachucal), Sinchimaki (Cumbal) and Manantial de Vida (Potosí).
Impulso Verde supports partner communities for the structuring, production, processing and commercialization of green products in order to improve the added value generated and, therefore, generate additional income for the populations.
These green sectors were pre-identified and thoroughly identified, selected and developed with community partner associations.
In early 2020, Impulso Verde carried out the first feasibility and market analysis studies. These studies allow community associations to provide the keys of understanding to better choose the sector they will develop. The first natural product transformations are planned by early 2021.
Among the sectors previously identified, the production of natural vegetable oils from oilseeds, essential oils, the transformation of fruits to juice, pulp or nuts or also the production of natural cosmetics may be mentioned.
Finally, the beekeeping activity is also part of the green sectors developed by Impulso Verde.
