Programme components

In its development, AL-INVEST Verde is divided into three components working respectively with Latin American small and medium-sized enterprises, public institutions and entities in charge of the management of intellectual property rights.

The AL-INVEST Verde programme, as a part of the Component 1 -led by sequaThe German development organisation - a German development organisation - manages funds for the implementation of partnership projects between organisations on both continents. It is planned to allocate up to EUR 25 million to support green economy initiatives for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises in Latin America. There are currently 24 projects under implementation, corresponding to two thematic batches. The first is focused on deforestation-free agri-food systems and value chains, and the second on the transition to low-carbon, resource-efficient and circular business models. 

"The efficiency, reuse and resource optimisation mechanisms that drive our projects give SMEs an advantage, as they open up opportunities for growth by meeting EU sustainability requirements," says Frank Summa, director of Component 1.

For its part, the Component 2 -led by the Spanish Cooperation system entity FIIAPP and the International Italo-Latin American Organisation, IILA- promotes the public policy development to enable Latin American countries to meet EU-recognised environmental and labour standards for the sustainability of value chains. Cooperate with public institutions to promote a sustainable trade and economic policy, consistent with the commitments adopted in the Trade and Association Agreements with the European Union.

Since the launch of AL-INVEST Verde, the programme has been working with the MERCOSUR countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.. "Activities focus on promoting sustainability in the value chains of coffee, cocoa, meat and leather, timber, soya and derivatives, among others. We cooperate with countries in complying with regulations such as the European Green Pact and the Deforestation and forest degradation free supply chains regulation of the European Union," explains Emilio Calvo, director of Component 2..

The AL-INVEST Verde programme, as a part of the Component 3by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), seeks to achieve greater use and effectiveness of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Latin America, particularly in the MERCOSUR countries and Chile. Its purpose is to expand and improve the use of IPRs to boost opportunities for research cooperation and stimulate competitiveness and sustainable innovation.

"Our actions so far are focused on improving IPR management and their application to promote sustainable development. Working together with reference offices in the region, such as the National Institute of Intellectual Property, INPI, in Brazil, we promote good practices and the exchange of experiences. One area of particular importance is training and mentoring in intellectual property for producers, as a means to promote regional sustainable development. We also highlight our work in the formation of IP networks, such as the network of judges to improve their knowledge on trademark infringement and align them with international practices," says Mariano Riccheri, director of Component 3.