{"id":35287,"date":"2025-06-04T14:34:34","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T20:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/?p=35287"},"modified":"2025-06-05T10:58:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T16:58:09","slug":"fomentando-en-latinoamerica-el-espiritu-emprendedor-y-de-negocios-sostenibles-vinculados-con-la-naturaleza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catie.ac.cr\/en\/2025\/06\/04\/fomentando-en-latinoamerica-el-espiritu-emprendedor-y-de-negocios-sostenibles-vinculados-con-la-naturaleza\/","title":{"rendered":"Fostering an Entrepreneurial Spirit and Sustainable Nature-Based Businesses in Latin America"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada and the Latin American Model Forest Network (RLABM), 174 people from 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean received training from professionals at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab: ACTIVA-CATIE<\/em><\/p>

With the aim of strengthening entrepreneurial technical skills and capabilities to develop innovative and sustainable nature-based initiatives, the virtual course Innovative Tools for Sustainable Nature-Based Businesses was held over an eight-week period.<\/p>

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During this time, 174 participants from 19 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean successfully completed the 16 virtual sessions delivered by specialists from ACTIVA-CATIE, part of the Forests and Biodiversity in Productive Landscapes Unit at CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center).<\/p>

One of the most notable aspects was the participation of women, who made up 57% of the total attendees. Overall, the countries with the largest number of participants were: Peru with 63, Guatemala with 29, Honduras with 26, Costa Rica with 20, and Ecuador with 16\u2014showcasing a rich diversity of origins and experiences.<\/p>

\u201cThese teaching-learning spaces allow us, as a team, not only to share our knowledge, tools, and ideas, but also to grow alongside the participants, encouraging exchange and active engagement in each session,\u201d said Vladimir Valera, director of ACTIVA-CATIE.<\/p>

The Teaching Team and Methodology<\/strong><\/p>

In addition to Vladimir Valera, the course was taught by Ricardo Padr\u00f3n, Juan Jos\u00e9 Serrano, and Marianela Arg\u00fcello, with support from consultant Karen Aguilar. They used an andragogical methodology involving case studies, online surveys, videos, and other tools that enabled participants to gain knowledge on customer-centered design, value proposition canvas, cash flow, business valuation methods, the sustainable value canvas, the ACTIVA-CATIE sustainable business model canvas, and digital marketing, among other topics.<\/p>

Together, they developed the following four thematic modules:<\/p>