Building skills and improving lives: Socially responsible investment drives positive change in Nicaragua
Ethical investments offer individuals the opportunity to place their money into projects that reflect their own personal ethics and morals. On this front, investors who have participated in EcoPlanet’s Bamboo plantations in Nicaragua will be pleased to know that the project is having an immensely positive impact on the local community.
Seeking to achieve sustainability by considering social, economic and environmental aspects, EcoPlanet Bamboo is committed to the development of a fully sustainable bamboo plantation. Now entering the second phase, the Rio Siquia bamboo plantation is flourishing, responding well to the use of organic fertilizers, using techniques such as vermiculture, the planting of nitrogen fixing plants and biogreen fertilizer. This has led to flourishing, healthy plants, nearing a year of age and without any detriment to the surrounding ecosystems or wildlife.
Of course, one of the biggest implications of the plantation is its positive effect on the local community. In addition to the 206 jobs that have been created, EcoPlanet Bamboo has begun offering training courses for their employees such as a 6 week bamboo workshop, where employees are trained in the art of bamboo construction, furniture and handicrafts. As well as this, reading and writing classes are also offered to all employees to help build skills and abilities among the local community.
Marcus Vassiliou Sales & Marketing Manager of EcoInvestments, the alternative investment company which sells investments in EcoPlanet Bamboo comments,
“Investing ethically can be extremely rewarding, both financially and for your conscience. It’s a great feeling to know that your money is being put to good use, improving lives in developing countries and having a beneficial impact on the environment. To push our social responsibility further, EcoPlanet Bamboo has been preparing the plantations for certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) where activities include: educating workers on their rights and environmental consciousness; marking the boundaries of conservation zones; using organic alternatives to control pests and fertilization and creating equal employment opportunities for local communities.
“EcoPlanet Bamboo is committed to building skills and improving lives. Not only have they helped 48 people become computer literate but they have increased the average annual wage of the community by 31%. Opportunity and equality is also important, that is why 31% of the plantation employees are female. The idea behind our training is that the learned skills are transferred from employees into the surrounding areas to create a thriving bamboo community through locally owned and run small businesses, which will fuel stagnant local economies.”
EcoPlanet Bamboo’s ethical policies, sustainable business practices and training programs mean they can offer socially responsible investment opportunities and by investing in green investments, such as the 8 year Bamboo Investment, investors help to drive positive social change while receiving an impressive financial return.
Offering annualised forecast returns of over 18%, socially conscious investors wanting to turn £11,042 into £27,053* uncapped as well as make a difference through the 8 year Bamboo Investment should contact EcoInvestments today on +44 20 3012 0306 or visit www.ecoinvestments.co.uk.