What is the Ecotierra Capital Project?
Ecotierra Capital is a unique, holistic, sustainable agroforestry project developer and operator, building on the success of the Urapi Sustainable Land Use Fund. Born from more than 20 years of work with coffee and cocoa cooperatives, the project helps small-scale producers use land responsibly to accelerate the sustainable development of their communities. Emphasizing environmental and social value alongside financial returns, the project tackles climate change and land degradation by empowering communities and creating lasting change. With roots in non-profit initiatives and success through hands-on work—from helping cooperatives gain certifications and establish exports to marketing their products internationally—the project has evolved into a robust model for climate-smart agriculture and profitable agroforestry.
Main Benefit
Key features of the project are highlighted by several core advantages that bolster both financial sustainability and community development:
- Provision of holistic solutions to agricultural producers’ cooperatives, including patient credit, improved processing facilities, and comprehensive technical assistance packages.
- Development of high-impact and financially sustainable business models which do not rely solely on grants and philanthropy.
- Building lasting and equitable partnerships with cooperatives, businesses, and other stakeholders across the land-use spectrum.
- Utilizing the benefits of carbon finance to optimize value chains and ensure sustainable landscape management, fueling the project’s dynamic approach.
Our Vision and Mission
At the core of the project are clear visions and missions that guide its operations. It works directly with small farmers and producers to reclaim degraded land, improve productivity, and secure quality inputs and financing. The mission focuses on responsibly using land to accelerate sustainable community development and combat the challenges of climate change. The vision entails a co-creation process with multiple partnerships that allow producers to control their economic, social, and environmental growth through the strengthening of agricultural and forestry value chains… the approach speaks of empowerment, social justice, and integrity, all aimed at achieving tangible results.
About Ecotierra and Its History
Ecotierra Capital evolved from decades of practical experience working with agricultural cooperatives. Originally established as Pro-A, a non-profit organization, the founders helped cooperatives stabilize, gain certifications, and initiate their export ventures. Later, Distribution Solidaire was launched to effectively market certified cooperative products across Canada. Over time, it became evident that certification alone was insufficient; a broader, more integrated approach focusing on quality, productivity, and land reclamation was necessary. Recognizing that many producers lacked access to adequate financing, technical support, and carbon finance, the founders set up the current model in 2011—aiming to broaden the spectrum of support for cooperatives and create climate change mitigation projects that are as economically viable as they are socially beneficial.
Sustainable Land Use and Strategic Approach
The project centers on designing, co-developing, and operating sustainable land use projects that generate socio-economic and environmental benefits. It emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that incorporates agroforestry systems to diversify income streams, enhance land management, and uplift rural communities. Employing innovative methods—from the implementation of patient credits and improved processing facilities to technical assistance in critical areas—the project creates high-impact business models that are less dependent on external grants. A dynamic interplay between technical expertise and on-the-ground experience fuels the ability to address land degradation and climate change challenges, all while ensuring that the benefits of carbon finance translate into optimized value chains. This strategic blend sets the stage for robust, sustainable growth.
Project Leadership and Values
The ongoing success of Ecotierra Capital can be attributed to its passionate and dedicated team that demonstrates clear values in every facet of operation. Core values such as empowerment, social justice, integrity, and achieving results are embedded into the project’s culture. This clear ethical framework helps in nurturing equitable partnerships and in driving the comprehensive solutions integrated within the agroforestry and forestry projects. These values reinforce a commitment not simply to environmental stewardship but also to the upliftment of rural communities and the evolution of their agricultural practices. The project’s leadership continuously stresses the importance of long-term sustainable development through improved practices and strong value chains.
Project Impact (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty, by enhancing small-scale producers’ incomes through better financing and technical support.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger, via the strengthening of agricultural value chains that promote sustainable food production.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through legal and sustainable land management practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action, with direct interventions aimed at mitigating climate change.
- SDG 15: Life on Land, by reclaiming degraded lands and promoting sustainable forestry and agroforestry systems.
Global Presence and Future Prospects
The reach of Ecotierra Capital extends far beyond a single country. With offices established in Canada, Peru, Côte d’Ivoire, and plans for a new branch in Colombia, the project stands as a testament to globalization in sustainable development. Its network of operational centers plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border collaborations and transferring practical knowledge across continents. By combining increased revenues for participants with tangible environmental benefits, the initiative represents a model that is both replicable and scalable. Future prospects hint at even broader expansions as more regions explore climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry solutions—each project a new opportunity to make an impactful change. This ongoing journey is marked by constant innovation and an unwavering commitment to improving the livelihoods of rural communities, one sustainable project at a time…
