The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) has issued its first Amazonia Bond, raising $100 million to fund high-impact projects across the Amazon region, according to a press release. The operation is a pioneering step in using capital markets to protect one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems while empowering local communities. Structured under the Amazonia Bond Issuance Guidelines—co-developed by the IDB and the World Bank—and the IDB’s Sustainable Debt Framework, the bond follows rigorous standards for use of proceeds, impact measurement, and transparency.
The fixed-rate bond, managed by Crédit Agricole CIB, is the first in a series of issuances under the IDB’s $1 billion Amazonia Bond Program. Proceeds will support projects that improve local livelihoods, strengthen economic resilience, promote sustainable forest management, and protect biodiversity. The five-year bond will pay an annual coupon of 3.802%.
“The issuance of our Amazonia Bonds represents a new chapter in sustainable finance, one that channels investments into nature-based solutions and community-driven progress,” said Ilan Goldfajn, President of the IDB Group. “As a first mover, our Amazonia Bond Program offers a blueprint for others to follow, mobilizing private capital to protect the Amazon and uplift its people.” Brazil’s National Treasury has expressed its support for the initiative and its intention to explore the possibility of issuing its own bonds under the Amazon Bonds Guidelines, with support from the IDB and the World Bank.
In July, the IDB and the World Bank announced a collaboration to support countries and institutions in launching their own Amazonia Bond Issuance Programs, with the IDB agreeing to be the first institution to establish such a program. The program is part of Amazonia Forever, the IDB Group’s regional coordination program for conservation and sustainable development of Amazonia. Spain, Germany and the Green Climate Fund provided key support for the development of the guidelines.
The IDB Group is hosting more than 80 events at COP30 to show solutions for closing gaps in resilient development financing through partnerships and a focus on measurable impact in Latin America and the Caribbean. At COP30, the IDB Group is acting as a bridge—connecting governments and investors, the public and private sectors, people and communities—to mobilize at least $6 billion in announcements to help close the gaps in resilient development financing and support national priorities.
