Paula Sanchez: Pioneering Leader In Sustainable Agroforestry & Environmental Investment

Colombia has seen an inspiring rise of women leaders who have made remarkable contributions. As the country continues to evolve, more women are stepping into influential roles, helping shape the future of Colombia’s business and social landscape. Paula Sanchez is a prime example of the dynamic and impactful women leaders emerging from Colombia. As the Founding and Managing Partner of Campo Capital, Paula brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for nature and sustainable development. Her career began with a law degree from the Universidad Externado de Colombia, where she specialized in business law. However, her trajectory took a unique turn when she chose a career connected to nature, leaving behind the conventional path of a desk and courtroom.

Paula’s early career includes serving as a lawyer for a special program at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the National Federation of Coffee Growers. She later worked as a legal advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Over the years, her journey culminated in founding Campo Capital, where Paula applies her extensive experience to support sustainable agricultural and forestry investments. Her commitment to nature and her pioneering leadership in Colombia’s agribusiness sector continues to inspire future generations. Let’s read on.

What is your key area of expertise in terms of leading management of forestry, agroforestry and environmental projects?

My expertise in leading the management of forestry, agroforestry, and environmental projects lies in a combination of strategic planning, sustainability, and risk management, mainly in land engagement. Managing a project is like assembling a puzzle, where various pieces must come together to make it successful. This requires a clear strategic plan to guide the organization toward its long-term goals while remaining adaptable to changes in the business environment.

All of our projects are built around sustainability principles, driven not only by the growing focus of investors on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria but also by my personal commitment to doing things the right way, as outlined by Campo Capital.

Given the nature of the industry and my professional background, I’ve dedicated my efforts to developing robust and legally compliant structures for large-scale land engagement. This is particularly crucial in Colombia, where land management is one of the key challenges when implementing a project.

What led you to found Campo Capital? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise.

In 2010, after gaining valuable experience, Diego Lozano, my business partner, and I decided to create Campo Capital to capitalize on our expertise and fulfill our goal of mobilizing capital for agricultural, forestry, and environmental projects that generate value for investors, communities, and stakeholders. Campo Capital operates agroforestry and environmental projects, handling everything from structuring and financing to implementation and operation. We are involved in identifying species, acquiring land, attracting investors, planting, maintaining, and harvesting.

Campo Capital focuses on two main areas, namely operating forestry and agroforestry projects and providing consultancy in agriculture, forestry, and nature-based solutions. With 10,550 hectares of agroforestry projects, our projects have issued over 500,000 carbon credits under the Verra standard and are working on additional credits and carbon projects.

"Sustainability is at the heart of our mission & I ensure that our projects generate measurable social, environmental, and economic value"

Campo Capital has earned recognition, including being named the Best Boutique Investment Manager of the Americas in 2022 by Environmental Finance and the Most Sustainable Company in Impact Investment in 2024 by World Finance. Our work extends beyond Colombia to carbon projects in Peru, Guinea Bissau, Uganda, and Zanzibar.

Currently, we are focused on fundraising for the Campo Impact Fund, a $100M private equity fund aimed at investing in agroforestry projects in the Amazon Region to combat climate change.

What are your primary roles and responsibilities at Campo Capital? Could you also share your current focus areas in driving the company's growth?

As the Managing Partner of Campo Capital, my role involves overseeing both the strategic direction and the day-to-day operations of our projects and the business. I am responsible for setting the long-term vision and ensuring the company's strategy aligns with sustainable agroforestry goals and market trends. Sustainability is at the heart of our mission, and I ensure that our projects generate measurable social, environmental, and economic value.

Additionally, I oversee the reporting of project progress, financial performance, and sustainability impacts to investors, government bodies, and other stakeholders. Transparency in reporting is crucial for maintaining trust and securing future investments. Currently, I am focused on driving growth through expanding our project portfolio, securing investments, and advancing our impact in the agroforestry, environmental, and biodiversity sectors.

Besides, innovation is one of the characteristics that must be present in Campo Capital, and that’s why we also decided to be pioneers in the biodiversity market, developing a biodiversity project in Zanzibar for coral reef conservation and a biodiversity project to protect native forests in the Colombian Andes.

In your view, what have been the biggest ‘wins’ in your professional journey? What is your ‘success mantra’ as a leader?

My greatest professional achievement has been the founding of Campo Capital. Turning a vision into reality is a significant accomplishment, and building a company from the ground up has allowed me to see an opportunity, plan for it, and work relentlessly to make it happen. To date, we've successfully managed $71 million, operated 10,550 hectares of agroforestry, issued over 500,000 carbon credits (with more in the pipeline), created over 250 jobs, and are now launching a $100M private equity fund to further invest in agroforestry projects.

Adapting to a constantly evolving business environ­ment has been crucial. The growth and sustainability of Campo Capital are a testament to our ability to navigate change and overcome challenges.

My success mantra is straightforward, which is ‘Do things the right way, with passion and dedication’.

How do you foresee the business landscape evolving in Colombia in 2025? What role are women playing in the country’s economic growth?

Colombia stands at a pivotal moment, attracting global attention for its potential in food production, conservation, reforestation, and biodiversity projects. However, political instability poses challenges for companies like Campo Capital to instill investor confidence. By leveraging experience and showcasing successful projects, we aim to provide stability and assurance.

Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate forestry investments taking shape, with women playing a central role. Women are already driving Colombia’s economic growth through entrepreneurship, workforce participation, political leadership, and sustainability efforts. Their contributions are vital for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy. By investing in gender equality and empowering women with resources, education, and leadership opportunities, Colombia can unlock its full growth potential.

Paula Sanchez, Managing Partner, Campo Capital

Paula Sanchez is the Founding and Managing Partner of Campo Capital, a company focused on sustainable agroforestry and environmental projects. With expertise in law, business, and sustainability, she has successfully led projects managing $71 million and over 10,000 hectares, while promoting environmental impact and job creation.