Rainforest Exquisite Products S.A.

www.rainforest-products.com

The Project: Rainforest Exquisite Products S.A. (REPSA) is a Bolivian company established in 1997 that focuses on the production and export of sustainable nontimber forest products from northeast Bolivia. REPSA products include wild harvest Brazil nuts and criollo cacao, organic chocolate-covered brazil nuts and roasted coffee, and specialty organic and shade-grown coffees from the high Yungas valleys. REPSA exports to Europe, Japan, and the United States.

The Deal: In December 2004, Verde Ventures provided a loan of $121,200 to finance REPSA’s purchase and export of wild criollo cocoa and Brazil nuts from local producer associations.

The Benefit to Conservation: This investment will support REPSA’s sustainably harvested cocoa and Brazil nuts purchased from 550 association members, providing a direct economic incentive for the local population to conserve 40,000 hectares of important woodlands between Noel Kempff Mercado National Park and Isiboro Sécure National Park of the Amazonia High-biodiversity Wilderness Area.

Related links:

Voices from the Field: Project Highlight - REPSA