The Pilon Lajas Nature Reserve, part of the foothills of the Andeans, is an ecological hotspot, due to its high biodiversity. The region is intervened by colonizing settlers coming from the highlands, since the 70ties, which left their small mining activities.

Land claiming and agricultural practices resulted in scattered deforestation. Grain production was unsuccessful, due to high rainfall pattern and soil problems. In the 90ties agroforestry schemes where introduced, which showed good results, but did not generate enough income for small landholders.

Bolivia needs to invest urgently into sustainable land-use practice, as gas reserves are depleting and diesel fuel is imported. Bio diesel from soy bean production would lead to more deforestation.

The project's aim is to implement a sustainable agro-forest industrial model of landuse, including restauration and captation of carbon. Main direct goal is sustainable income generation and to stop deforestation in the border zone of the Nature Reserve.

The land is best suitable for agroforestry systems and plantation of cacao, tree crops, fine wood and oilpalm (biofuel). The recently built modern infrastructure allows a mechanized approach of modern farming technology and related processing industry.

It is planned to install up to 30.000 hectares of modern plantations in the next 10 years. The estimated investment is about 200 million USD, generating over 6.000 permanent jobs and new income opportunities.