As the company’s operations expand, it will be possible to sequester around 850,000 metric tons of carbon by 2027 

Belterra, a global leader in the implementation of agroforestry systems, has achieved another major milestone: the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has announced the approval of R$100 million in financing through the Brazilian Climate Fund to support the rollout of the company’s plans to restore 2,750 hectares of degraded pastureland in Mato Grosso, Bahia, Pará and Rondônia. This project, involving a total estimated investment of R$135 million, will sequester approximately 850,000 metric tons of carbon by 2027. Fundo Vale contributed R$20 million to structure guarantee mechanisms, facilitating the operation with BNDES. 

Fundo Vale has played an essential part in Belterra’s journey through their strategic partnership. Since 2020, it has supported Belterra as part of Vale’s 2030 Forest Goal – an initiative that aims to protect and restore 500,000 hectares of habitat by the end of the decade. Fundo Vale was one of Belterra’s co-creators and seed investors, playing a decisive role in its financial structuring and the development of its blended finance instruments (a strategy that combines different sources of funds, including impact capital and traditional credit, to enable projects with major social and environmental impacts).  

According to Fundo Vale director Gustavo Luz, the partnership with Belterra reflects the institution’s commitment to supporting impact businesses. “We are proud to see the use of catalytic capital to provide guarantees and attract new investments in a project that perfectly symbolizes the transition to a low-carbon economy,” he said. 

BNDES’ president, Aloizio Mercadante, stressed the partners’ shared goals. “In this operation with the Belterra Group, the bank has combined credit, innovation and inclusion to transform degraded areas into forest and food hubs, boosting income while combating climate change,” he said. 

This new stage of Belterra’s expansion has gained momentum after a successful initial phase involving 550 hectares, supported by the Amazon Biodiversity Fund (ABF), an investment fund led by international fund manager Impact Earth. ABF’s investment manager, Andrea Resende, said that the fund’s backing for Belterra is aligned with the purpose of promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening the value chain of small producers. “This is a pioneering, scalable model capable of generating a positive impact for both biodiversity and local communities,” she said. 

In addition to its environmental impact, Belterra’s expansion is also yielding concrete social benefits. It is estimated that the rollout of agroforestry systems will directly create around 400 jobs, benefiting small and medium-sized producers who adopt regenerative practices with the potential to increase their income. 

According to Belterra’s founder and CEO, Valmir Ortega, this new phase marks a turning point for the sector. “With the support of BNDES and partners such as Fundo Vale and Impact Earth, we will be able to accelerate the transition to large-scale regenerative agriculture, demonstrating that keeping the forest standing is also excellent business,” he said.