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Interforest, Ltd. 

One of the leading forestry companies in Guatemala, Interforest is dedicated to the reforestation of native conifers and broad-leaf trees.  Interforest has earned Forest Stewardship Council certification for its reforestation activities, which guarantees that its plantations are managed according to agreed social and environmental standards.  In late 2005, Interforest merged with Ameriteak Group, a leading forestry company in Costa Rica.  

Guatemala has been suffering from rampant and widespread environmental degradation.  Experts estimate that since the early 1990’s, the country has lost approximately one-third of its forests.  Road building and slash-and-burn agriculture have contributed to large-scale erosion and soil loss, leaving many areas vulnerable to flash floods and mudslides.  

Interforest’s environmentally and socially responsible business model is helping to stem this tide of destruction.  The company plans to work closely with NGO partner Fundaeco on its strategy of creating corridors for wildlife movement between natural areas and connecting its tree farms to the broader landscape.  It is also collaborating with other farms to guarantee a sustainable forest corridor on top of the sierra where it operates.

Interforest, together with Fundaeco, will engage local communities on social development projects.  The company currently provides environmental education, jobs, access to firewood, and technical assistance for subsistence and commercial crops.  It has also built much-needed schools, clinics, and bridges.  This commitment to both environmental and social concerns has made Interforest a model for the forestry industry throughout Central America. 

EcoEnterprises Fund co-financed this investment with the Banco Industrial de Guatemala and the project principals.

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