This Friday, May 17, the financial institution Caja Municipal Ica made the first official contribution to Profonanpe, within the framework of the financial mechanism “Mega Ahorro Verde”, for more than 16,000 soles. This fund will be used for the campaign «1 Million Trees for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu», an initiative that will be managed by Sernanp to preserve the biodiversity of the protected natural area.
Mega Ahorro Verde is the first savings account in Peru that generates a real impact on nature conservation. The mechanism consists of the Caja Municipal Ica allocating a percentage of the accumulated annual balance of the accounts that are opened in this modality, as a contribution to our nature.
Walter Leyva, Central Operations and Finance Manager of Caja Ica, highlighted: «Today we have more than 5 thousand customers who are affiliated to the Mega Ahorro Verde account, which has allowed us to provide a donation of more than 16 thousand soles. We can safely say that these people believe in protecting the natural areas of the country and the world.»
The donation provided by Caja Ica will go to the campaign “One million trees for the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu and its buffer zone” promoted by Sernanp since 2018 and consists of the development of reforestation activities in areas impacted by forest fires in the protected natural area. The donation will contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the maintenance of local ecosystems, recovering habitats of representative species such as the Andean Bear and the Cock of the Rock.
«This will be the beginning of a series of relationships and financial operations that we consider important. We believe Caja Ica has the necessary conditions to support micro-entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs.» Marcos Luis Pastor, Sernanp's Director of Strategic Development, pointed out.
Profonanpe, Peru's environmental fund, acted as technical advisor for the design of the “Mega Ahorro Verde” product, providing support and advice in the development of the mechanism, applying agile methodologies and connecting the private sector with conservation stakeholders.
«From Profonananpe we are always looking for new alliances so that we can all commit to our natural home, our heritage. We knocked on Caja Ica's door and I must recognize that not only were they the first, but they are ambitious and committed to nature.» Anton Willems, CEO of the organization, pointed out.
Monsignor Edmundo Hernández, Chairman of Caja Ica's Board of Directors, highlighted Caja Ica's value to the community: «Caja Municipal de Ica is not only dedicated to granting loans or generating profits, but also to serving the community and protecting the environment. That is part of our social responsibility.»
In its first year of operation, “Mega Ahorro Verde” has generated positive results. The product is currently available at all Caja Ica branches and through its digital channels. It is hoped that this action will inspire other financial entities to develop similar products given that collaboration between the financial sector and organizations dedicated to conservation is fundamental to address the environmental challenges we face today.
