Asunción, June 24, 2024.- From June 19 to 21, the V Subnational Territories Forum of the Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor was held in Alto Paraguay department, marking its first occurrence in Paraguay. During the event, Investancia showcased impact data of the company in Carmelo Peralta city, the department, and the entire Paraguayan Chaco.
On the third and final day of the forum, a segment dedicated to the private sector highlighted ongoing projects and future opportunities in light of the development of the Bioceanic Corridor, which will connect Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. This includes the construction of the Bioceanic Bridge over the Paraguay River, linking the Paraguayan Chaco with Brazil.
Representing Investancia, the Country Manager, Gabriela Viñales, explained that the company operates as a multi-income reforestation work operator, focusing on carbon, pongamia oil, and pongamia meal production through large-scale reforestation that generates quadruple impact.
This quadruple impact encompasses: increasing forest coverage in the Chaco region, protecting its rich and unique biodiversity, enhancing community livelihoods, and sequestering significant amounts of additional carbon dioxide.
Viñales emphasized the use of cutting-edge technology in production and planting, innovatively transforming previously degraded livestock lands.
She highlighted the innovative income diversification opportunity for the agricultural sector through carbon sequestration, which can be traded as carbon projects, currently in demand globally. Additionally, the production of oil and bio-protein serves as valuable by-products.
Social Impact of Investancia
Investancia is recognized as a model company in the department due to its significant social impact, among other characteristics. Data supporting this claim was also shared during the forum.
Viñales mentioned that the company creates approximately 200 direct jobs in Carmelo Peralta, indirectly benefiting between 800 and 1,000 people, which represents 21% of the city’s total population. Forty-five percent of the employees are women, Fifty-five percent are men, and 29% of the workforce belongs to indigenous communities.
The establishment of Investancia signifies a paradigm shift in the community, with a large majority of employees being banked for the first time and gaining access to social security. Another important contribution is the company’s emphasis on the culture of safety and well-being of employees and their families.
At the community level, there is observed economic revitalization, improved air quality, and increased community rootedness among employees and their families.
Projections
Viñales stated that Investancia aims to close in 2024 with 5,000 hectares planted. The annual projection for the future is between 15,000 to 20,000 hectares, aiming to plant 50 million trees over the next five years.
This initiative targets reforesting 120,000 hectares of Paraguayan Chaco lands, to sequester 30 million tons of carbon over the next 40 years. Expansion plans include increasing plantation areas within Investancia’s influence zone.
About the Forum
Organized by the governments of Alto Paraguay and Boquerón departments, the forum included visits to the ongoing construction of the Bioceanic Bridge, reported to be 55% complete according to government authorities during a boat tour.
The event was attended by national and international authorities from central and local governments, as well as entrepreneurs and representatives from the production and industrial sectors. Delegations from countries along the corridor, and from Peru and Bolivia, also participated.
