Supporting Communities for 30 years

For almost 20 years, Candela Peru has used Shared Interest finance to sustain a precious relationship in the Peruvian Amazon. Candela works with castañeros - brazil nut gatherers living along the Madre de Dios River in the Peruvian rainforest, which is known for having the greatest diversity of plant and animal species on earth. They are able to collect nuts from clearly defined locations; securing not only livelihoods but the vested interest of the farmers in managing and protecting the rainforest.

With the support of over 10,000 UK investors, Shared Interest has provided Candela with finance to enable them to grow and sustain their business.

Founder Guadalupe Lanao said: “Shared Interest has played a fundamental role in the growth of Candela.”

Shared Interest has been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category for the third time, as it marks 30 years of financing a fairer world. The ethical investment organisation has also been named Nat West Impact Management Champion of 2020 and listed as one of the top 100 social enterprises in the UK.

Managing Director, Patricia Alexander said: “As the world enters an extremely challenging time, we will continue to reach communities who are otherwise unable to access finance. Now more than ever, we need to help people provide for themselves and their families.”

Open a Share Account with £100 and your money will support fair trade farmers and handcraft producers across the globe.