The Inter-American Development Bank has launched its first Social Amazonia Bond worth $100 million under a new sustainable debt framework structured by Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank.
The bond will fund projects across Latin America and the Caribbean aimed at improving social and environmental outcomes.
The SDF was developed in line with the International Capital Market Association’s Sustainability Bond Guidelines, which integrate both the Green Bond Principles and the Social Bond Principles.
Crédit Agricole CIB acted as the sole sustainable structuring agent and bookrunner for the issuance.
The framework also follows the Amazonia Bond Issuance Guidelines and received a second party opinion from Sustainalytics, ensuring compliance with international sustainability benchmarks.
Funding to Support Social Development
Proceeds from the Social Amazonia Bond will finance or refinance projects in several social categories.
These include access to essential services, basic infrastructure, food security and sustainable food systems.
Funds will also support employment generation, socioeconomic empowerment, cultural heritage preservation and conflict resolution efforts across Latin America.
According to IDB, the framework will help channel capital toward programs that enhance resilience and promote equitable growth across the region’s economies.
Crédit Agricole CIB, Investors Back Initiative
Romina Reversi, head of Sustainable Investment Banking Americas at Crédit Agricole CIB, said the launch demonstrated IDB’s leadership in sustainable finance.
“IDB is showing leadership by leveraging this framework approach to accelerate sustainable development across the region,” she said.
Matt Lawton, head of Impact Investing at T. Rowe Price, said the Amazonia Bond offered investors the chance to earn returns while protecting biodiversity and promoting inclusive livelihoods.
“It exemplifies how capital markets can deliver measurable impact alongside long-term value,” he said.
Jake Harper, senior investment manager at Legal & General, added that the initiative aligned with the firm’s Nature & Social Outcomes strategy.
“It demonstrates the diverse range of assets pension capital can invest in, unlocking vital financing and delivering value for retirement members,” Harper said.
Strong Impact Reporting
Stephen M. Liberatore, head of ESG/Impact – Global Fixed Income at Nuveen, said the transaction stood out for its strong impact reporting and project relevance.
“The combination of attractive valuation and IDB’s robust reporting made this an exciting transaction,” he said.
The issuance marks a milestone in sustainable finance for Latin America, setting a precedent for future debt instruments that link financial performance with measurable social outcomes.
IDB said the framework and the bond reinforce its commitment to improving lives through responsible investment and development programs across Latin America and the Caribbean.
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