We are honored to have been recognized by the Ministry of the Environment of Peru (MINAM), alongside a group of impact investors and organizations driving biodiversity-based solutions in Peru—including Amazonia Impact Ventures (AIV), Beneficial Returns, Fair Capital, responsAbility Investments AG, Root Capital, and Shared Interest.
This recognition took place during the launch of *Impacta Verde* on May 8, 2026—a program led by MINAM that is celebrating its fifth edition this year and aims to mobilize approximately S/10 million for 100 sustainable eco- and bio-businesses.
Mauricio Verkooijen (left) received the MINAM award in May 2026 in Lima, Peru.
Our Country Director in Peru, Mauricio Verkooijen, attended the event in Lima to accept this recognition and participate in the awards ceremony, which brought together representatives from the public sector, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
During the event, MINAM highlighted the importance of continuing to coordinate efforts among the State, investors, and entrepreneurs to generate economic opportunities linked to conservation and sustainable development.
Regarding this recognition, Mauricio noted: “The recognition of NESsT’s work in Peru—through our acceleration programs and the Lirio Fund—is yet another sign of the importance of fostering programs that combine business strengthening with patient capital, and of the role they can play within the impact investment ecosystem.”
“The recognition of NESsT’s work in Peru—through our acceleration programs and the Lirio Fund—is yet another sign of the importance of fostering programs that combine business strengthening with patient capital, and of the role they can play within the impact investment ecosystem.”
We congratulate all the organizations recognized for their commitment to biodiversity and for generating positive impact.
Photos: MINAM
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The Regional Indigenous Incubator for the Amazon is a pilot program that strengthens Indigenous-led enterprises driving social well-being and the conservation of Amazonian territories. It does so through an innovative governance and incubation model led directly by Indigenous organizations.
NESsT is recognized by the Ministry of the Environment in Peru (MINAM), alongside a group of impact investors and organizations that drive biodiversity-based solutions in Peru.
Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Santa Ana is a coffee cooperative in Perené, Junín that works with around 170 coffee farmers, nearly half women who are heads of their households and over half are over the age of 45.
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Sweden joins as a donor to NESsT’s long-standing South America acceleration program, enabling the program to increase the number of enterprises it supports and to expand its efforts in Colombia, Peru, and into Brazil.
Located in the jungle areas of central and eastern Peru, Kulkao sources cocoa from over 400 smallholder farmers living in the remote regions of the Amazon basin. Its products include cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and cocoa nibs that are sold to local and international markets such as Europe and North America. Due to its success, in 2023, NESsT approved a second revolving loan to Kulkao, supporting the social enterprise to continue to purchase cacao beans from local farmers committed to organic, sustainable practices.
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The NESsT Lirio Fund will support RONAP with a working capital line to expand its production, develop new Brazil nuts products, and increase sales channels. With NESsT’s flexible financing, the association will be able to strengthen its relationships with prospective and existing clients.
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To produce specialty coffee, Cafe Compadre eliminates the intermediaries and works directly with farmers located in the remote central Peruvian jungle, training the farmers to pick only the coffee beans that are free of defects and at peak ripeness from each harvest. This way, the farmers preserve the quality and flavor of the coffee while maintaining a traceable and sustainable production process. In 2019, the social enterprise paid farmers 50% more of the average price paid to farmers for normal commercial beans.
NESsT is thrilled to welcome Shanantina to its portfolio as the NESsT Fund closes another investment in a pioneering social enterprise helping indigenous communities thrive in the Peruvian rainforest.
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