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The project with CAS has been put forward by the World Wide Fund for Nature Netherlands (WWF-NL) as a new project within the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development. WWF-NL manages the DFCD’s Origination Facility, together with SNV, a global development partner, to develop new projects for the climate investment fund. WWF-NL intends to sign a €350,000 grant funding agreement with CAS. Together with WWF’s DFCD Regional team and WWF Colombia, they will carry out a 20-month workplan focused on climate adaptation, biodiversity restoration, and FSC certification readiness.

The Challenge

Colombia’s Andean foothills face severe climate pressures: irregular rainfall, extended droughts, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Decades of extensive cattle ranching have degraded landscapes, reducing water regulation and ecosystem resilience. These vulnerabilities threaten both ecological integrity and rural livelihoods.

The Opportunity

CAS manages 23,000 hectares in Northeast Antioquia, including 7,000 hectares of conservation forest. Its integrated model combines sustainable plantations, industrial processing, and biomass production. With DFCD support, CAS will strengthen environmental governance, restore degraded areas, and implement climate-smart forestry practices that safeguard ecosystems and communities.

“CAS has demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and professionalism so far, and we are excited to support a project that raises the bar for climate resilience, biodiversity outcomes, and high-integrity forest management. This effort will not only strengthen CAS as a climate-smart forestry leader but will also contribute to building a more resilient and nature-positive future for Colombia.”

– Tania I. Evia Salas – DFCD Regional Lead OF LAC

Origination Facility Support

The DFCD grant of €350,000 will fund:

• Institutional Strengthening: Training on IFC Performance Standards, climate risk management, and ESG governance.

• Biodiversity Baselines & Restoration: Mapping High Conservation Value areas, restoring degraded zones, and creating ecological corridors.

• Water & Soil Resilience: Installing watershed monitoring stations and piloting regenerative soil practices.

• Zero-Deforestation & Traceability: Implementing FSC-aligned policies and digital systems for EUDR compliance.

• Community Engagement: Applying a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) lens and strengthening grievance mechanisms.

Forecasted Impact

The above activities aim to de-risk a larger investment from FMO and an equity investment, which is expected to unlock the following impact:

• 18,000 ha of sustainably managed forest

• 7,000 ha of forests dedicated to conservation and restoration

• 20,000t CO2E sequestered and 3,000t CO2E avoided

“For CAS, DFCD’s support is a decisive boost to accelerate a climate-smart forestry model that creates formal employment, restores biodiversity, and expands low-carbon wood solutions from Northeast Antioquia. We value this partnership and reaffirm our commitment to the highest social and environmental standards.”

– Juan Pablo Orozco Salazar, GM – Compañía Agrícola de la Sierra (CAS)

Looking Ahead

This initiative positions CAS as a model for climate-smart forestry in Colombia, demonstrating how integrated production and conservation can drive resilience, biodiversity, and inclusive growth.

About CAS

Compañía Agrícola de la Sierra (CAS) is one of Colombia’s leading integrated forestry enterprises, managing over 23,000 hectares of plantations and conservation areas in Northeast Antioquia. Established in 2006, CAS operates under a vertically integrated model that spans nurseries, sustainable plantation management, harvesting, and industrial processing.