That is why La Constancia, with its purpose of uniting people for a better world, a world in balance, where resources are cared for and where people act thinking about tomorrow, announced its Iskali project, an ambitious initiative of integral intervention in the area of the volcano of San Salvador, which seeks to achieve environmental balance and the development of natural ecosystems, agro-ecosystems and local people.

In an interview with the Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs of La Constancia, Carol Colorado, it was reported that this project is an initiative of La Constancia, with the support of Coca-Cola and executed by TNC (The Nature Conservancy Fund) through Biosistemas. It consists of a 5-year plan focused on restoring 15,905 hectares of ecosystems and productive landscapes with an estimated final investment of US$13.5 million.

The project has been baptized with the name Iskali, which in the Nahuatl language means to heal, to recover, to resurface. With an initial investment of $285,000 in 2021, the project will benefit 160 families (800 people) through demonstration plots, rainwater harvesting systems and family gardens, stabilize 30 hectares of streams, cultivate 320 hectares under improved agroecological practices, and intervene in 2,140 hectares of protected areas (evaluating existing areas and identifying new ones).

"We know that the decisions we make today will be the reality of tomorrow, which is why we are betting on the future through Iskali. The land has given us everything without limits, but it is our responsibility as a company that promotes sustainable development, its protection and conservation, ensuring that more actors join these efforts to leave a better world for future generations", said Paola Bondy, president of La Constancia and Cervecería Hondureña.

Betting on the Volcano

For La Constancia, sustainability is not part of its business, it is its business, and through Iskali it hopes to contribute to the recovery of the environment.

Carol Colorado, explained that the volcano of San Salvador has a total of 15,915 hectares and about 14 thousand people depend on agriculture in the area. The green heart of San Salvador has one of the highest water recharge rates in the area, contributes to climate regulation, CO2 sequestration, oxygen production and is a habitat for the area's biodiversity.

"We know that Iskali has great potential, not only in soil recovery and ecosystem renewal. The impact on people's lives is very significant because caring for the land with better agricultural practices also improves the quality of life of those who depend directly on what they grow and harvest. It is impossible not to get excited and fall in love with Iskali because of what it will represent in the lives of thousands of salvadorans", said Paola Bondy.

The project began with a diagnostic study of priority areas in 2019. In 2021 it began its implementation and to date has 42% of the goals for the year under 3 main lines of action: sustainable agriculture, restoration and conservation of ecosystems and impact on protected areas.

To date, more than 928 hectares are being cultivated under better practices following technical training for agricultural producers. Through social projects and training in two demonstration plots, 158 people have benefited from organic vegetable gardens for family consumption in their homes. And 162 thousand m3 of water have already been recharged to the aquifer.

"We need to work to achieve a better country that seeks the development of people and industries in harmony with the environment, so we invite more institutions to join these efforts. I am sure that together we will achieve a better country", concluded Paola Bondy.

In this way Iskali joins the actions implemented by La Constancia from its sustainability platform. Previously they announced their circular economy project "Hagámosla Circular", through which they already incorporate 50% of local recycled plastic resin in all their packaging. They also made a change in their energy consumption model to ensure that all products in their portfolio are made with renewable energy by the end of 2021.