“The training we received has given us what we need to begin to plant, maintain and harvest our cacao more productively. It’s early in the process, but I’m already implementing the new techniques and I’m confident they will be beneficial.”
“Hilos de la Tierra has changed my life. It has given me the opportunity to teach artisans and helped us support each other. My vision is to teach more people—including our children and anyone who wants to learn.”
“No project can be successful if it comes from the top down. You have to start by understanding the local potential and supporting what already exists. That’s how long-term success is achieved in the community. And GTE, in its short time here, has already achieved more than others.”
“Prioritizing local hiring is not just a legal obligation but a commitment to strengthening communities and supporting local economic growth. We look for talent with the right technical skillset and prioritize individuals who meet our ethical standards, work safely, and are enthusiastic about our way of doing business.”
“GTE has been a strategic ally to the government of Putumayo in its efforts to support our producers. Successful projects like AgroEmprende are important models that help us attract additional public-private initiatives. The Company’s efforts to help develop local infrastructure like roads is connected with its entrepreneurial and agricultural projects, which taken together are very important in territories where development is lagging.”
“This effort shows that if the private and public sectors join forces to look for solutions to meet the needs of the communities, we can have success, and GTE has been an important teammate in this journey to build a sustainable and lasting economy.”
“A company like GTE plays such an important role for communities like ours by filling that void which other institutions have left. We knew GTE would answer our call, and the water filters have fundamentally changed the quality of life here.”
“When we started, we were just a small company knocking on doors, and many turned us down. When we were given a chance with Gran Tierra it was transformative. Now, because of our track record of meeting GTE’s high standards, we are often first in line for projects with other companies. We see our relationship as a partnership, and when GTE succeeds, we succeed.”
“Thanks to GTE’s support, we’ve been able to create many job opportunities for people who are the primary earners in their households. After we joined Key Partners two years ago, the difference has been remarkable and our company has grown significantly.”
“People often simply throw their used cooking oil away which can pollute the water and soil. We wanted to do something that would make a difference, environmentally, socially and healthwise, and that’s where the idea for this business came from. The people at Emprender+[(GTE’s popular entrepreneurship-centred social investment program] really took me by the hand and dedicated their time to help me understand all the factors that go into the business which was a big reason for our success.”