By Paula Auerbach and Javier Madariaga
In the department of Pando, in the Bolivian Amazon, Pando Verde—an initiative implemented by Conservación Amazónica (ACEAA) with the support of IDB Lab—is advancing the development of a productive model that links forest conservation with concrete economic opportunities for local communities.
With a total investment of approximately US$2.8 million, the project works with 31 local communities and six producer associations linked to forest products such as Brazil nuts, açaí, majo, and palm. It promotes the management of 244,000 hectares of forest and strengthens value chains associated with these products.
The initiative focuses on improving conditions for the responsible use of these resources through capacity building, improvements in processing, business management, and market access. Among the key advances is the upgrading of fruit pulp processing plants through new equipment and greater operational efficiency, which has increased processing capacity and optimized costs.
These efforts are reflected in the sustained growth of açaí pulp production, which increased from 10.5 tons in 2022 to more than 230 tons between 2024 and 2025. Over a four-year period, nearly 340 tons of açaí pulp were commercialized, generating close to US$1,000,000 in revenue and expanding economic opportunities for participating local organizations.
More than 1,100 harvesters and producers have taken part in technical training processes, including at least 376 women engaged in productive activities, strengthening local capacities. In addition, technical studies and publications have been developed to support decision-making and the design of public policies related to the bioeconomy.
In regions such as Pando, where 92% of the territory maintains forest cover in good condition, the challenge is to create conditions that strengthen forest-based productive activities, contributing to higher incomes and expanded economic opportunities for communities.
In this context, the project combines actions at both territorial and local levels, strengthening coordination among stakeholders and building the capacities of associations and enterprises in processing, product quality, and commercial management.
IDB Lab supports Conservación Amazónica (ACEAA) as a strategic partner in consolidating productive models linked to the sustainable use of forests. This intervention facilitates coordination among communities, associations, the private sector, and public actors, and contributes to generating relevant lessons for the development of nature-based solutions in the Amazon.
The project is supported by the Amazon Bioeconomy and Forest Management Fund and by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), in line with the Amazonia Forever initiative of the IDB Group, as part of an effort to mobilize resources toward productive models linked to biodiversity.