Media Update | Português | Main Project Page
Washington, D.C., January 16, 2008—IFC is committed to sustainable development of the Brazilian Amazon. We are working with the Bertin Group, Brazil’s second-largest meat processor and leading exporter, because of its potential for a positive impact on the sector. IFC is helping Bertin structure a project that does not contribute to deforestation and that sets a standard for other companies operating in the region.
IFC is aware of the concerns associated with cattle ranching and deforestation in Brazil. We believe that a solution can be achieved only when industry players take an active role in engaging other stakeholders to address the concerns. We approach these issues with extensive due diligence, and we engage only where we believe we can make a positive contribution.
IFC’s loan to Bertin supports the company in establishing sustainable operations throughout its supply chain, especially with its cattle suppliers in the Amazon region, where ranching, along with timber extraction, has been identified as a leading cause of deforestation. The investment was approved by the IFC’s Board of Directors on March 8, 2007.
IFC believes our partnership with Bertin is a pioneering initiative, one that reinforces the World Bank Group’s commitment to preservation of the Amazon. It is also in line with the Amazon Partnership Framework and the recently created Carbon Forest Partnership Facility, which will pilot incentives to help communities reduce the emissions associated with deforestation.
For more information contact:
Karina Manasseh
IFC Communications Officer
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Phone: + (55) 11 5185-6881
E-mail: kmanasseh@ifc.org
