Profonanpe is one of the allies of PERUMIN Inspira 2024, contributing to the promotion of innovative entrepreneurial ideas related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 – Climate Action.

We spoke with Claudia Godfrey, Director of Innovation and Strategic Management at Profonanpe, who shared insights into their sustainable approach to nature conservation and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

What motivated you to join as a partner of PERUMIN Inspira, and how did you contribute to the 2024 edition?

Profonanpe is Peru’s Environmental Fund. With 32 years of experience, we recognize the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable development and social innovation in Peru. Our participation in PERUMIN Inspira provided the opportunity to learn about successful experiences while sharing our own, such as the Mala Sostenible project, which demonstrates how sustainable resource management and the promotion of bio-businesses can transform communities.

For the 2024 edition, we contributed by offering our expertise in evaluating projects with a sustainable focus and mentoring entrepreneurs, particularly in areas related to environmental conservation and empowering women in vulnerable situations.

What are Profonanpe’s main areas of work, and how do they align with SDG 13 – Climate Action?

Our key areas of work include the conservation and restoration of ecosystems, protecting critical habitats and promoting their sustainable use. We also develop sustainable bio-businesses, supporting economic activities that respect the environment while generating income for communities. This support is coupled with community empowerment, by strengthening local capacities, with a focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

These pillars align with SDG 13, as our initiatives contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation through sustainable and resilient practices.

What are some of your standout achievements this year?

This year, we reached several important milestones:

• Recognition: The Mala Sostenible project won the ProActivo 2024 Award for its innovative approach to sustainable resource management and the promotion of bio-businesses.
• Innovation in bio-businesses: The Biofertilizer Producers Association of Mala (PROBIMA), supported by Mala Sostenible, was a finalist in the UPC 2024 Business Creativity Awards for its biofertilizer solutions.
• Social impact: We improved living conditions for families in the Mala farming community by diversifying income sources and empowering women through bio-business initiatives.

How else does Profonanpe contribute to the country's sustainable development?

Profonanpe fosters collaboration among actors and sectors to generate synergies and complementary actions. We promote public-private partnerships, joining efforts with companies to drive sustainable development. Additionally, we promote social innovation by implementing sustainable businesses that can be replicated in other regions, thereby creating a multiplier effect on local economies and environmental conservation. We also work with communities, training them in sustainable practices and building their resilience to climate change.

What is your view on the efforts of formal mining to adequately address environmental issues? What improvements would you suggest?

Formal mining has made progress in adopting more sustainable practices and implementing rigorous environmental standards. However, it is essential to strengthen social responsibility by promoting projects that encourage sustainable development, the circular economy, and economic, environmental, and social profitability with active local participation.

On the other hand, effective communication with all stakeholders is also crucial to ensure that information about the impacts and benefits of mining operations is clear and understandable to all.

Another important point to consider is the promotion of environmental innovation through investment in technologies that minimize environmental impact and promote the restoration of affected areas.

Collaboration between the mining sector, organizations like Profonanpe, and local communities is essential to achieve truly sustainable development. At Profonanpe, we are committed by nature and ready to continue collaborating and creating spaces and models to build a country that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable.