Project Description
Situated in the Peruvian jungle (Madre de Dios), Fundo Exuberante covers 200 hectares—160 hectares of degraded forest and 40 hectares of former pasture. Launched in late 2018, the project aims to regenerate these areas through agroforestry, reintroducing native species like Brazil nut, shihuahuaco, and tornillo. It also includes a special effort to recover the endangered Aniba roseadora (Palo Rosa) for essential oil production. The agroforestry system focuses on producing cupuacu for future butter processing, promoting both forest regeneration and sustainable economic income.
Stakeholders and local communities involved in the project
Founded in 2018, INARSAC is an agroforestry company supplying natural, organic, and 100% traceable inputs to the cosmetic industry and beyond. Operating from their agroforestry and processing site and a Brazil nut concession in Madre de Dios, INARSAC is dedicated to high-quality, ethical production without animal testing or environmental harm. Key stakeholders include INARSAC, which partners with public institutions like SERFOR, MINAM, and the regional government, as well as research institutions. Local communities, such as the Cupuacu producers association and Brazil nut producers, supply raw materials and benefit from fair compensation. Lush, another key stakeholder, provides crucial funding through their Buying Investment Fund, demonstrating a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. This collaboration demonstrates how various stakeholders can come together to achieve socially responsible and sustainable goals.
Project Goals
The overarching goals of this project encompass reforesting, regenerating, and conserving land, forests, and wildlife in the targeted region. A key objective involves the valuation of ecosystem services to encourage reforestation and promote biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the project aims to conduct testing, production, and processing of oils, butters, and essential oils, contributing to sustainable practices. An essential aspect of this endeavor is to generate employment opportunities for the surrounding communities, thereby promoting social and economic well-being.
Co-benefits
Anticipated co-benefits from the project activities include various positive outcomes. One significant aspect is job creation, which serves as a strategic measure to reduce engagement in illegal activities within the community. By offering alternative employment opportunities, the project aims to contribute to local economic stability and diminish reliance on illicit practices. Moreover, environmental conservation is a pivotal co-benefit, as the initiative actively works towards mitigating climate change. Through reforestation efforts and sustainable land use, the project aims to offset carbon emissions and promote ecological health. Additionally, the preservation of biodiversity is a key focus, providing diverse habitats for wildlife. This commitment to maintaining and enhancing local ecosystems aligns with the broader goal of fostering ecological resilience and harmony within the project.
Tree species (planted and/or existing)
The project includes 25 tree species, with key ones being Rosewood, Brazil Nut, Cupuacu, Shihuahuaco, and Huicungo. These species are crucial for the project's ecological and conservation goals, aiding in environmental restoration.