Company was created with support from Fundo Vale with the aim of restoring habitat through sustainable systems and generating socioeconomic impacts for communities
Valmir Ortega, the founder of Belterra Agroflorestas, has been recognized as Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the Schwab Foundation, a partner organization of the World Economic Forum that brings together entrepreneurs who are driving systemic change for a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive world. The annual award recognizes people who have developed innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges, highlights projects with a global impact, and connects winners to a network of experts and investors to expand their reach and impact.
Belterra, supported by Fundo Vale since its creation in 2020, focuses on land recovery through agroforestry systems. The startup works in partnership with small and medium-sized producers, promoting sustainability and income generation while strengthening the Brazilian bioeconomy. Its business model seeks to guarantee a sustainable transition in land use by providing technical assistance and access to capital and markets.
“Receiving this award is recognition of the urgent need for innovative models that reconcile economic development and environmental preservation. Belterra seeks to demonstrate that it is possible to restore native ecosystems while promoting fair benefits for rural communities,” said Ortega.
“Our world is facing instability, polarization and exclusion, while dealing with extreme weather events and unpredictable disasters. Given these challenges, the need for bold and innovative solutions like these has never been more urgent,” said François Bonnici, director of the Schwab Foundation, in an interview with Folha de S.Paulo.
Belterra and Fundo Vale
With financial support from Fundo Vale, Belterra was created to contribute to Vale’s 2030 Forest Goal, which includes restoring 100,000 hectares of habitat in Brazil by 2030 through sustainable systems. Since its foundation in 2020, Fundo Vale has supported the company in making large-scale agroforestry systems viable. These systems are designed to regenerate soil health, restore the natural landscape and recover biodiversity. The partnership also involves participating in innovative financial solutions to make the company’s operations viable, raise more funds and enhance the initiative’s sustainability.
“Our role is to accelerate businesses that can scale up initiatives aimed at recovering forest areas, causing a positive environmental impact and generating income for communities. Belterra is a very successful example showing that this is economically feasible and beneficial for all parties involved. From the outset, we have sought to help structure the company as a sustainable business, capable of attracting investment and generating value for the forest economy. This important award shows that Belterra is fulfilling its purpose and serving as a global model for other similar initiatives to emerge,” said Gustavo Luz, Fundo Vale’s executive director.