Sustainable Capital Group Motmot Found in Greenhouse

Sustainable Capital Group's plantations and seedling production facilities are based in Panama, a known biodiversity hotspot.  We regularly hear and see howler monkeys in the trees near the river on the main plantation, and are aware of the thousands of animal species residing in the patches of natural rainforest that we conserve.  But it is not often that a rare tropical bird flies into one of greenhouses and perches there, refusing to move.

A beautiful multi-coloured bird, identified as a Blue Crowned Motmot by Sustainable Capital Group's Nursery Manager, Carlos, was found perching on the irrigation system in one of the Sustainable Capital Group greenhouses last week, presumably seeking shelter, shade or rest.  It is usually found in the Tropical forest of Central America, so is assumed to have emerged from the rainforest within the Sustainable Capital Group plantation area.

Sustainable Capital Group has a variety of timber and renewable energy plantations in Panama, all of which were deforested at least 50 years ago.  In line with Sustainable Capital Group company policy, as well as VCS guidlines, any existing rainforest that escaped deforestation and remains, is left completely untouched.  We do not even enter the area for fear of disturbing the balance of the ancient natural ecosystem.

The Motmot eventually wanted to leave the greenhouse and, due to the semi transparent coverings, became disorientated and tired.  It was caught by one of the nursery workers and taken outside to be released.  However, tired from its struggle to leave the greenhouse, it flew very low to the ground and was nearly caught by a cat.  This did not go unnoticed by Sustainable Capital Group staff who quickly chased away the hopeful cat and saved the Motmot once again.

The lovely creature finally regained its strength and flew away happily.  Sustainable Capital Group's nursery team managed to grab a photo before releasing the bird.

Wood Pellet Test Results

The Sustainable Capital Group has obtained various Paulownia wood pellet test results for the commercialisation of its biomass production. These results can be accessed by following these links.

SCG Paulownia wood pellets Pdf (Eng): Paulownia pellets lab analysis English Sustainable Capital Group Ltd.

SCG Paulownia wood pellets Pdf (Ger): Paulownia pellets lab analysis German Sustainable Capital Group Ltd.

Sustainable Capital Group Panama is the only commercial Paulownia manufacturer in Panama, producing lumber and using waste timber for the production of wood pellets, a sustainable energy source.

Source: SCG Panama

Co-Operatives Proposal Accepted

Sustainable Capital Group Panama has presented a proposal to Panama's co-operative governing body, IPACOOP, and it has been accepted. IPACOOP is a governmental body that represents all of Panama's co-operatives.

Sustainable Capital Group Panama met with IPCOOP this week and a proposal for the sale of seedlings to Panama's farming co-operatives was accepted. The acceptance of the proposal allows Sustainable Capital Group Panama to approach the presidents of co-operatives and present its products. IPACOOP will also make a presentation to the co-operatives' representatives and will offer support and assistance.

Sustainable Capital Group Panama's proposed project will enable members of the co-operatives to purchase seedlings and receive technical support from Sustainable Capital Group Panama. They will also be able to sell back their produce to Sustainable Capital Group Panama, providing some basic conditions are met. The first group of landowners/farmers is expected at the plantation at the end of this week, to inspect the seedling production operation and to submit its first seedling orders.

Most of the farming co-operative members are based in the provinces of Cocle and Chiriqui and the intended use of the trees is for animal fodder and timber production.

The acceptance of the proposal by IPACOOP represents access to tens of thousands of farmers and landowners and is a major achievement for Sustainable Capital Group Panama.

Source: Sustainable Capital Group Panama

Sustainable Capital Group Presents at Agricultural Fair

Sustainable Capital Group was requested by Panama's agricultural development bank (BDA) to present its latest project at a local agricultural fair. The purpose of the fair is to showcase advancements, technologies and opportunities in the agricultural field and features products ranging from tools to finance options.

The Banco de Desarrollo Agropecuario Panama (BDA) has a permanent stand at the annual agricultural fair in Chepo, and asked SCG to present its latest project to potential participants. Sustainable Capital Group's most recent project, the Community Collaboration Project, is being implemented on a national scale, in co-operation with BDA.

Landowners across Panama looking to increase their land productivity are invited to participate in the program, with financial assistance being offered by the development bank. Landowners can apply for a low rate loan with excellent conditions (2.5% interest, 3 years no repayment period, 25 year loan term) which will allow them to prepare and plant their land with tree seedlings provided by Sustainable Capital Group. The seedling price includes soil suitability tests prior to purchase as well as technical assistance during planting and throughout the lifetime of the project.

Sustainable Capital Group guarantees the purchase the landowners' harvest, thereby securing the repayment of the loan from BDA. SCG is currently investing in the facilities required for the refinement of the harvested materials, which will produce high quality renewable energy and timber products for sale in local and international markets.

The presentation in the agricultural fair was led by Patrick Visser who has recently returned to Sustainable Capital Group's board of Directors. The presentation was attended by farmers and land owners from across Panama as well as from the Chepo area, where SCG's own plantations and seedling propagation centre are located. The attendees represented approximately 2000 hectares of land that could be included in the program.

The project allows landowners to maximise their yield potential without having to make a cash investment. In many cases, the land in question is standing idle and forms a part of a greater estate, such that borrowing against it does not present a significant risk to the owner's livelihood, lifestyle or financial security. The program was received with a great deal of enthusiasm at the fair and most land owners present showed interest in participating.

The project will help BDA to achieve its lending quota, which is seldom met. Last year, less than half of the funding capabilities of the bank were utilised due to a lack of credible projects. In turn, SCG will receive n immediate income from seedling sales, and a future income from the sale of refined timber and renewable energy products, for which there is a proven market.

SCG will be presenting its latest project in fairs and exhibitions across the country during 2013.

SCG Contest Participation Featured in National Newspaper

CTI PFAN, an agency dedicated to connecting carbon reducing project developers with investors, has chosen Latin America and the Caribbean for its project contest this year. Panama is amongst the countries being focused on, and several projects were submitted to the competition.

Developers that reached the second round of the competition were notified in December 2012 and were given the opportunity to present their projects with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation to other competitors and a panel of judges for constructive criticism and comments.

Also at the project workshop was a team of journalists and photographers from La Estrella, a national newspaper, and all the projects were included in a 2 page spread printed on the 6th January 2013.

Each project developer, including Patrick Visser of Sustainable Capital Group, was given fifteen minutes to present their project to the room. The day ended with a comprehensive tutorial on writing a successful business plan.

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The next stage of the contest required participants to submit a full business plan and executive summary to the panel of judges. SCG's submission was made on 11th January. Finalists will be given the opportunity to meet investors and present their projects directly at a conference in Honduras later this year.

Source: www.scgpanama.com

Sustainable Capital Group Panama, New Office Opening

Sustainable Capital Group (SCG) is opening a new office in Panama city on the 1st February 2013.  This is to be SCG' Panama headquarters where all administration, accounts and communications will take place.

Following the closure of SCG's UK office, most activities have been taking place from the main plantation in Tres Quebradas, near Chepo.  However, the rural location of the office as well as the growth of the company's business activities have led to the decision that an office in the city is required.

Sustainable Capital Group has identified a suitable property and will be moving in from the beginning of February, in just a few days' time.  Contact details for the new office will be provided to all in due course.