Trustbank Amanah and Amazon Conservation Team Guianas partnership creates sustainable economic opportunities for indigenous and tribal communities.
With a joint focus on collaboration, innovation and capacity building, an important step is being taken in strengthening local organic farms in the Amazon region. The signing of the cooperation agreement (MoU) between Trustbank Amanah and Amazon Conservation Team Guianas (ACT-G)underlines this initiative.
"This partnership marks an important step in our commitment to achieving a future-proof financial system, while at the same time contributing to the preservation of one of the world's most valuable ecosystems. In doing so, we are implementing the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles for a sustainable and inclusive future," said Trustbank Amanah CEO, Maureen Badjoeri.
The signing of the MOU brings together two worlds that are rarely structurally linked: sustainable conservation initiatives and accessible financial services. Combining the strengths of a financial institution and a nature and community organization creates a unique partnership that more strongly supports both economic development and protection of the Amazon.
With this collaboration, both organizations want to stimulate entrepreneurship in the Amazon region and promote local economic development. Through targeted programs, entrepreneurs will be supported in developing, improving and commercializing sustainable products from the forest. Particular attention is paid to strengthening local organic farms and community initiatives.
A key part of the partnership is to improve access to finance for entrepreneurs from indigenous and tribal communities. Trustbank Amanah will bring its expertise to bear in the financial services space, while ACT-G will bring its long-standing experience in community development, conservation, and sustainable value chains.
Trustbank Amanah is also one of the few banks that is actively working to lower the threshold for financing for indigenous and tribal communities living in the interior and south of Suriname. Through accessible financial services, among other things, the bank aims to improve the ability of these communities to develop entrepreneurship and build sustainable economic activities.
In addition, both organizations will work together on training, knowledge sharing and capacity building, so that local entrepreneurs can strengthen their skills and grow their businesses sustainably. Through this combined approach, the partners aim to contribute to economic resilience, while at the same time supporting the preservation of the Amazon forest and the traditional knowledge of local communities.
The partnership underlines the shared commitment of Trustbank Amanah and ACT-G to promote sustainable development, where economic opportunities go hand in hand with nature conservation and respect for the culture and way of life of indigenous and tribal communities.
Regional Director of ACT-Guianas, Minu Parahoe is pleased that more opportunities are created for entrepreneurs from the interior in this way. During her visits to the field, she often notices that many entrepreneurs develop and sell beautiful products, but struggle to become creditworthy with traditional banks. As a result, they often do not have access to the financial resources needed to further grow or expand their business. This partnership now provides the right opening for these companies and lays a solid foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.
