The challenge

Colombia’s Pacific region has two million hectares of protected areas, forest reserve zones and natural parks. This territory is also home to strategic ecoregions such as the Maziso Colombiano, where the rivers that supply 70 % of the country’s water supply are located (DNP, 2012) [1] . The forest of this area is among the most biodiverse on the planet: it contains at least 2000 species of endemic fauna and flora, has more than 5,400 species of plants, as well as 192 species of mammals, 778 birds, 188 reptiles, 139 amphibians and 196 species of fish, among others [2] . According to Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales (IDEAM), this region represents 8.9% of the area covered by forest in the country. Nevertheless, the landscape faces deforestation threats like illegal logging (mostly by communities for subsistence use and commercialization through intermediaries), illegal mining, and illegal crops. The Pacific is one of the country’s least developed regions, with the lowest income per capita.

Consultancy AMPLO sought to address key information gaps that exist currently preventing the açaí sector from flourishing and being able to compete with alternative economic activities in the Pacific region of Colombia. The aim of this TA was for former P4F grantees that harvest, and process açaí like Corpocampo, Planeta and Naidiseros, have relevant information on the potential of fruit in the area, and where it is grown. In addition,  other local organizations and other actors could use this information to harvest the fruit and conserve the forest.

 [1]  Source: https://colaboracion.dnp.gov.co/CDT/Desarrollo%20Territorial/D.%20Pac%C3%ADfico_Desarrollo%20socioecon%C3%B3mico%20con%20equidad,%20integraci%C3%B3n%20y%20sostenibilidad%20ambiental.

 [2]  Source: https://www.wwf.org.co/_donde_trabajamos_/pacifico/

The project

P4F financed AMPLO impact investment consulting firm to address key information gaps preventing the açaí sector from flourishing, and helping them compete with alternative economic activities in the Pacific region of Colombia. The project also investigated complementary NTFPs that can be also harvested and processed by the local companies. P4F seeks to strengthen various entrepreneurship initiatives that harvest açaí and NTFPs, including former grantees that had received P4F support in the past: Amapuri, Planeta and Naidiseros.

The main TA activities were:

  • Identifying market opportunities for açaí products at the national and international level.
  • Detecting current and potential supplies of açaí and providing relevant data about the value chain.
  • Mapping the journey of a successful bio-business by identifying the lessons learned by Naidiseros, Corpocampo and Planeta.
  • Identifying competitiveness factors that constrains local companies of the Pacific region from scaling up.
  • Disincentivising deforestation in the Pacific region by complementing açaí income with other NTFPs.
  • Providing recommendations for public policy on NTFPs in Colombia.

Expected impact

Economic and social value: The key figures determined by the consultancy are:

  • The Pacific region currently produces 218 tons of açaí fruit per year.  
  • The TA determined six clusters of where açaí harvesting could potentially focus on, in the municipalities of Vigia del Fuerte, Bahia Solano, Buenaventura, Bajo Baudo, Guapi, and Tumaco. These clusters have a total of 539,515 hectares where açaí can be harvested.
  • For the whole Pacific region, it was identified that the total potential area for harvest is 2.3 million hectares. The potential tons of fruit that could be harvested if in this area is of up to 330,000 tons of açaí fruit per year.
  • Açaí demand focuses on three main market sections: foods and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Colombia has a small market, and international markets are more promising, specially the US, Japan, Austria and Germany.
  • The potential of açaí in terms of local development can generate in the first years up to £2.3m in earnings and 193 local jobs.
  • Two other NTFPs – corozo and achiote – can complement açaí production were identified due to their volumes, processing requirements and market.

Environmental value:

Six clusters were identified with the potential of açaí harvesting. Sustainable production and non-deforestation agreements would allow for the conservation of wetlands, including forests and swamp areas, which are the natural environments where the palm grows.

P4F support

Partnership for Forests has a strong experience working in the Pacific, having previously supported three açaí companies in this region. P4F's support enabled data to be compiled and interviews to be conducted. It also supported the consultancy to deep dive in how açaí harvesting could generate local opportunities to this region. P4F also supported the dissemination of the results of the research to key stakeholders from the private and public sector and other donors.

Future potential

Açaí harvesting and pulp production has a significant potential in the Pacific region, which can generate in the mid-term (10 years) up to £78 million in earnings and around 270 local jobs. For this, processing companies must focus on the international market, and it is key that they comply with international certifications to be able to export.