Immersed in the Andean Amazon, Leaders Shape Impact Investment
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- 2 min read
Tuesday, 2nd December 2025
By Paula Perrelli dos Anjos
There is no better way to understand the Amazon’s sustainability than by being immersed in the forest itself, surrounded by its vastness. That was the experience for all who took part in the event organised by Aliados de Impacto in Peru.
Aldo Soto, co-founder and managing director of Amazonia Impact Ventures, participated in two panels to share the investing experience in the region through models that integrate social impact, conservation, and financial returns.
To reach the host venue (InkaTerra Reserva Amazónica in Tambopata), participants travelled by boat along the Madre de Dios River for about an hour. National Geographic Traveller ranks it among the world’s 25 best ecolodges. It lies within 15,000 hectares of protected virgin rainforest. The reserve shelters extraordinary biodiversity and maintains ongoing collaborations with leading scientific institutions dedicated to protecting the Amazon.
Inkaterra reflects the vision of Joe Koechlin, a pioneer of ecotourism in Peru, who championed private‑sector‑led conservation in the region. Under his leadership, the organisation has invested millions of dollars in research and local development, demonstrating how business can align with biodiversity protection.
The event played a vital role in connecting and strengthening Peru’s impact investment ecosystem.
Aldo observed that the sector had an excellent opportunity to reinforce collaborative spaces that “allow conservation, the bioeconomy, and impact investment to progress together for the benefit of the Andean Amazon, coinciding with COP30 in Brazil.”
Key takeaways:
Mariana Escobar (FAO Representative in Peru) emphasised the importance of directing investment towards initiatives that protect the forest while generating sustainable local economies.
“The Madre de Dios Sustainable Landscape Initiative”, presented by Felipe Koechlin, explored how long-term private commitments can drive conservation, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable production models that benefit local communities.
Heiner Skalix (Convergence) illustrated how blended finance and catalytic instruments—such as guarantees, first-loss layers, and technical assistance— can reduce risk and attract private investment to projects that otherwise struggle to secure financing.
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