Through this mentorship, FONDAM aims to develop a short – term strategy to publicize its services and experiences through social media (Facebook and LinkedIN) and its website. In the long-term, this strategy will promote fundraising from the private sector in order to implement climate change adaptation projects through a financial mechanism.
When FONDAM applied for the funding (Proyecto K – Mentorship) we expected to develop the financial mechanism with a peruvian bank; that means that we have expected to develop the financial mechanism itself is now a long-term strategy. In this context FONDAM looked forward to develop this mechanism profiting from the experience and lessons learned of another Latin American Environmental Fund, Fundación Natura of Panama (NATURA). This fund its partner, BANISTMO BANK, launched in march 2015 a visa credit card by which over 6,000 clients the bank made voluntarily donations for NATURA’s reforestation programs in the Panama Channel Watershed. The contributions consist of an annual donation of US$ 55, recurring donations of US$ 1, US$3 and US$5, and even “gotitas”. The Clients who have the NATURA BANISTMO card, not only contribute to the conservation of their environment, but also receive discounts to buy ecological products.
However, during the implementation of the Mentorship Experience, we have faced constraints because of the instability of the Peruvian government and, as consequence, the decline of investments in new and innovative endeavours. After several meetings with different Banks working in Peru (BANCOLOMBIA, Scotiabank, BBVA Banco Continental Perú and Banco de Crédito del Perú – BCP) and relevant organizations (National Association of Peruvian Banks – ASBANC and the enterprises’ platform “Líderes +1”), plus the results of the market research, we concluded that the original goal of the mentorship could not be achieved in the provided timeframe. Despite this fact, we have identified a viable objective, which is the setting of the foundations for the establishment of “Green Debit and Credit Cards” in Peru with social media management (Facebook and LinkedIn) and website. This was the goal of the new planned discussed and approved by NATURA and FUNBIO.
