Paris, France – The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) solidified its position as a leader in sustainable finance and transparency during a recent presentation in Paris. Gisela Sánchez, a key representative of the BCIE, unveiled the bank’s ambitious 2025-2029 strategy, outlining a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and the protection of biodiversity across Central America.

The presentation, held in the heart of Paris, served as a platform to showcase the BCIE’s dedication to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations and project financing. The strategy emphasizes a proactive approach to addressing the region’s most pressing environmental challenges, while simultaneously fostering economic growth and social development. Sánchez highlighted the bank's unique role in catalyzing sustainable development across Central America, noting its commitment to partnering with governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to achieve shared goals.

Key Pillars of the 2025-2029 Strategy:

• Sustainability at the Core: The BCIE aims to ensure that all projects funded align with rigorous sustainability standards, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing positive social outcomes. This includes a focus on resource efficiency, pollution reduction, and responsible land management.
• Combating Climate Change: Recognizing the severe threat of climate change to Central America, the strategy prioritizes investments in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities. This includes supporting projects related to solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
• Biodiversity Protection: Central America is a biodiversity hotspot, and the BCIE is committed to safeguarding its rich natural heritage. The strategy includes initiatives to protect ecosystems, conserve endangered species, and promote sustainable tourism. This will involve supporting conservation areas, combating deforestation, and promoting responsible fishing practices.
• Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: The BCIE is committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in all its operations. The strategy outlines measures to improve data disclosure, stakeholder engagement, and independent evaluations.

Why This Matters:

The BCIE’s commitment to sustainable finance is particularly significant given the vulnerability of Central America to climate change and environmental degradation. By prioritizing ESG principles and investing in green projects, the bank is playing a crucial role in building a more resilient and sustainable future for the region. The emphasis on transparency and accountability further strengthens the bank’s credibility and reinforces its commitment to responsible development.

The unveiling of the 2025-2029 strategy in Paris underscores the BCIE’s growing international recognition as a leader in sustainable finance. The bank’s efforts are not only contributing to environmental protection but also driving economic growth and social progress across Central America. As the region faces increasingly complex challenges, the BCIE’s commitment to sustainability and transparency will be essential for achieving a prosperous and sustainable future.

Looking ahead, the BCIE aims to further strengthen its partnerships and expand its impact across Central America. The bank intends to actively seek out innovative solutions and collaborate with stakeholders to address emerging environmental challenges and capitalize on new opportunities for sustainable development.