Author : Rose Kobusinge, iNovaland®  

Picture this: a vibrant virtual gathering, buzzing with energy, a room (albeit digital) filled with over 50 experienced and passionate participants including investors, business leaders, project developers, industry experts and NGOs, all rallying around two incredible Brazilian projects. But this wasn’t just another Zoom call; it was an opportunity to reflect on successes of participating projects, ackle emerging challenges, and set the stage for their next phase of acceleration. 

The event marked the fourth session of our Project Acceleration Series (PAS) and the conclusion of its first cycle. Launched in March 2024 on the International Day of Forests by iNovaland and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)’s Bankable Nature Solutions (BNS) Network, PAS was designed to do more than just connect stakeholders—it’s a catalyst for action. The initiative brings together project developers, experts, and funders, to fuel the development and growth of financially viable forest restoration and climate-smart agriculture initiatives, ensuring lasting environmental and social impact. 

The presentation featured two acceleration sessions, each focused on a specific project. These sessions followed a dynamic format: project presentations, expert insights, and an open discussion where participants exchanged experiences, shared strategic advice, and offered concrete recommendations. Our expert panel included David Boyd (Environmental Impact Advisor, WWF Netherlands), Shauna Matkovich (Founder, The Forest Link), Mike Bekin (Co-founder, Radicle), and Lydia Müller (Co-founder, Trade Link). Additionally, a presentation from WWF’s Bankable Nature Solutions Network provided key takeaways from their annual investor workshops, offering valuable perspectives on unlocking funding and scaling impact. 

Meet the Trailblazers

NOSSA Fruits: Fighting Deforestation with Açaí Berries

NOSSA is more than just an açaí company – it’s a movement to redefine açaí production in the Amazon. Damien Binois, its founder, took us on a journey through their bold vision, explaining how NOSSA is setting a new standard in ethical and environmentally friendly business.

It all started with a simple idea: what if the business of açaí could actively protect the rainforest rather than contribute to its destruction?

NOSSA has worked to transform this vision into reality by working directly with smallholder farmers, ensuring ethical operation and sustainable farming practices for climate change adaptation. Damien noted that their approach is holistic, addressing not just economic growth but also on a mission to combat deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of local communities through sustainable agroforestry.

Key Highlights from NOSSA’s Presentation:

• Sustainability Impact Goals: NOSSA aims to impact 3,000 hectares of forest by 2030, working with 600 smallholders families trained to low impact agroforestry. They also plan to create 280 jobs through their processing factory.
• Financials: The company has raised €1.5 million in equity and €4 million in debt, with a turnover of €2.2 million in 2024.
• Ongoing Challenges: Despite their successes, they face significant hurdles—scaling sustainably initiatives relevant to smallholder farmers, securing funding, ensuring farmers embrace their model and navigating complex logistics in the Amazon region.

Damien’s presentation was met with admiration and valuable feedback from industry experts, who homed in on key areas where NOSSA could refine and expand its approach.

Expert Insights and Recommendations for NOSSA.

One of the participants, Luisa Dickenmann proposed exploring biochar production as a potential revenue stream, using açaí seeds to create a sustainable byproduct that could also generate carbon credits.

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Smells and Knowledge of the Atlantic: “Cheiros e Saberes da Mata Atlântica”.

The second project transported us to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, where the Quilombola community of Ribeirão is harnessing centuries-old knowledge to create something extraordinary. From the event, we learnt that Quilombola communities are Afro-Brazilian descendants of enslaved Africans in Brazil. They have a history of resistance and are crucial for preserving the Atlantic Forest.

Their project, Smells and Knowledge of the Atlantic Forest, is an initiative involving 20 families focused on extracting essential oils from native plants. To reduce pressure on natural forests, in 2023, they planted 25 hectares of land with relevant species in agroforestry systems.

Key Highlights from the Presentation:

• Community Vision: The Quilombola community aims to create a sustainable business that generates income while preserving their cultural heritage and the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.
• Current Stage: The project is in its early stages, producing small batches of essential oils, soaps, and seedlings. Their goal is to scale production significantly, from 20 bars of soap per week to 50 bars per day. In 2025 iNovaland will provide the Ribeirão community with technical assistance to develop its business model of essential oils and artisanal soaps.
• Ongoing Challenges: Securing funding and partnerships for a small enterprise as such, improving product quality, and gaining market access beyond local fairs are the main challenges.

Expert Insights and Recommendations:

The experts panel and the audience were very excited and inspired, and the project team received immense admiration.   The panel of experts offered thoughtful and strategic guidance:

Shauna highlighted the importance of sustainable packaging and clever income-generating strategies, such as subscription boxes. Sussane Lucas, one of the participants, suggested exploring partnerships with hotels.

Investor Perspectives: What’s the Secret Sauce?

A lot of the challenges sustainability and forest restoration projects face is to do with funding and investments. WWF’s Natalia and iNovaland’s Andrew Heald shared broader insights into what makes investors take notice and offered 5 key tips for project developers seeking funding:

1. Clear Business Models: Investors want structured, well-thought-out plans with defined financial projections and risk assessments. Projects should demonstrate how they will achieve profitability and scalability.
2. Impact is a Must: Profitability is essential. But beyond financials, investors are increasingly interested in measurable impacts, such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and community benefits.
3. Scalability Matters: Investors need to see a roadmap that outlines how projects will expand, reach new markets, and sustain long-term growth.
4. Strategic Partnerships: Co-investors and partnerships with established companies can de-risk projects and make them more attractive to investors.
5. Innovative Revenue Streams: Exploring additional revenue streams, such as carbon credits or biochar production, can enhance a project’s financial sustainability.

Conclusion

The event concluded with a sense of optimism and determination. Both NOSSA and Cheiros e Saberes da Mata Atlântica are on a promising path. As they continue to grow, they will  face new challenges, but with the support of their communities, partners, and the broader network of sustainable development advocates, they are well-positioned to make a lasting impact. The key take ways were:

• Tap into new funding sources, including biodiversity and carbon credits as well as grants.
• Maintain strong community relationships, ensuring continuous engagement and participation.
• Leverage success stories as powerful tools for marketing, investor relations, and community buy-in.

The event was a platform for idea exchange, a testament to collaboration, and a reminder that sustainable development thrives when passion meets strategy. We left with this unshakable belief that business can (and should) be a force for good. And that? That’s something worth celebrating. And thus, the event was also a call to action for all of us to support these and such initiatives, whether through investment, collaboration, or simply spreading the word about their work.  

If you are interested in learning more about NOSSA or Smells and Knowledge of the Atlantic Forest, or if you would like to get involved, feel free to reach out.