The Bamboo Bond

Corporate Bond
A Corporate Debenture Subscription issued by EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) Ltd Long-Term Fixed Annual Interest With Defined Exit Periods The Worlds first bamboo bond offering returns up to 503%

This offer of investment originates outside the United States of America and is not directed to Citizens or Residents of United States of America.

A unique offering to invest in a Bamboo Bond. Subscriptions are available from $16,500 with investors receiving a Bond interest return on investment up to 503%. Bonds are available for a fixed fifteen (15) year period.
This document has received input from the custodian trustee for the project, Citadel Trustees Ltd, who are authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority with permissions for the safeguarding and administration of assets and arranging safeguarding and administration of assets. Citadel is thereby permitted to hold financial instruments, including the type of alternative debentures used within this investment structure. No aspect of the project other than the holding of the alternative debentures requires an FSA permission or authorization or otherwise falls within the protection of the FSA regulatory framework.

Contents
1. 2.
2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5.

Investment Synopsis Investment Security

Trustee as Bond Holder Trustee holds first charge over all shares of EcoPlanet Bamboo II as Security Trust Receives All Income Generated by Rio Kama Plantation Trustee due diligence Trustee Company as Bond Holder

3.
3.1. 3.2.

Bond Interest Returns

Annual fixed interest return 15 Year bond redemption

Wild bamboo culms can grow to over 30 metres tall and reach that height in just one growing season.

4.
4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4.

How To Invest
Bond Subscription Procedure Trustee Fees Exit via Bond redemption Tax

5.
5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5.

The Bamboo Bond

Investing in Bamboo Forestry as an Asset Class Why Chose Bamboo Over Other Forestry Investments Ensuring Maximum Returns from the Bamboo Underlying Assumptions

6.
6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4.

Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment by Category Worst Case Model Scenario Land & Asset Security Change of Law

Annexe 1: ABOUT ECOPLANET GROUP

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

1. Investment Synopsis
Sustainable timber in all its forms represents arguably one of the most secure investments available and bamboo is perhaps the most exciting of any timber investment. Bamboo is the fastest growing land plant on Earth and can reach its full height in just one year rather than the 20 years required for traditional timber. As a result, bamboo can create 20 times more timber per hectare than other trees. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the global timber trade exceeds $600bn per year and growing. However, supply is dwindling as 30% is of timber is produced illegally and another 40% is from unsustainable sources. With its exceptional green credentials and high productivity, bamboo is set to become the sustainable timber source of the future. Bamboo, and particularly our species of bamboo, has some exceptional qualities. A higher tensile strength than steel yet it is able to be used in ultra-soft clothing. Bamboo has many uses, but probably the most important characteristic is that it can be used as a substitute for traditional timber in virtually any product at a lower cost, higher quality and greater positive environmental impact. As a result, bamboos demand around the world is well established and rapidly growing. The world market is expected to quadruple to $20bn within the next four years alone.(Minister of Agriculture, India). On top of its economic opportunity, bamboo is simply the best source of timber for the planet. It sequesters four times more carbon dioxide than other timber and produces substantially more oxygen. (Yipping et al 2010). As a result of its exceptional environmental and mechanical qualities, bamboo plantations can deliver exceptional returns to investors. In order for investors to benefit from these returns EcoPlanet Group has created the worlds first bamboo bond. To participate in these returns investors are invited to purchase a corporate debenture; an unquoted financial instrument possessing the characteristics of an Alternative Finance Investment Bond, generically referred to in this document as a Bond. The intention of issuing the bonds is to raise a total of $12,000,000 for the financing of around 1,800 hectares of Guadua Bamboo plantation across Central America. The bonds will be issued by EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) Ltd, a United Kingdom limited liability company which is a subsidiary of EcoPlanet Group which is a limited liability company registered in Delaware, USA. Information regarding EcoPlanet Group can be found in Appendix 1.

2. Investment Security
2.1. Trustee As Bond Holder
UK Trustee, Citadel acts as Bond Holder for all Investors. Investors are provided with bond certificates of beneficial interest, whilst all Bonds are held in Trust and the Trustee holds a first charge over 100% of the shares of EcoPlanet Bamboo II which in turn owns the entire freehold of the 900 hectare Rio Kama Plantation in Rama, Nicaragua. For the added protection of the investors, EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) warrants that all revenue generated from the Rio Kama plantation will be paid into a bank account held by Citadel who are instructed to make payments there from, direct to the investors. The Trustee shall only release 25% of the revenue back to EcoPlanet Bamboo II in order for it to meet core operating expenses incurred prior to the annual interest payment date. The remaining 75% shall be retained by Citadel to first cover bond holder interest before any excess proceeds are released to EcoPlanet Bamboo II. Part of the proceeds from the bond issue will also be used to finance the establishment of a plantation outside of Nicaragua. The proceeds of harvest from this plantation shall go direct to the Company. However, this additional revenue to the company shall be utilised to pay the bond interest in the event that revenue from bamboo harvests on Rio Kama is not sufficient. This secondary plantation plays a key role in mitigating the specific risks which are detailed in section 6 of this document.

2.2. Trustee Holds First Charge Over All Shares Of Ecoplanet Bamboo II As Security
EcoPlanet Group has established the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) EcoPlanet Bamboo II (EPB II) to own the freehold of the 900 hectare Rio Kama plantation. EPB II is a 100% owned subsidiary of EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK). The acquisition of the Rio Kama plantation was finalised by EPB II on the 8th July 2011. The Rio Kama plantation provides excellent security to investors. The property has a high planting capacity with around 730 hectares plantable. The property is also home to naturally growing Guadua bamboo which demonstrates the propertys prime capacity to grow this species. It is crossed by a number of rivers and has a constant supply of water. It is anticipated that around 500 hectares of bamboo will be planted on the property by October 2011 with the remainder to be planted in May and June 2012. The value of the property is forecast to increase substantially over time as the bamboo matures. A substantial element of value will be added in the first six months through the completion of infrastructure and the planting of the young bamboo seedlings. An independant valuation of EPBII was undertaken in June 2011. It concluded that once all 730 hectares of Rio Kama are planted, the valuation would be $38,927,103, rising to $105,517,850 by 2016.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

2.3. Trustee Receives Income Generated

The Rio Kama plantation will generate three major sources of revenue. Between 2012 and 2015 much of the revenue will come from the sale of bamboo off-cuts and seedlings which can be used by other plantation companies to grow their own bamboo. The rarity of naturally available seed sources makes this an attractive market. It is also anticipated that carbon credits will be available and contribute to cash flow. From 2015 mature bamboo will be harvested from the Rio Kama plantation and sold. The revenue from the sale of this bamboo is the primary contributor to EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK)s capacity to pay interest to bond holders. All the revenue generated from the Rio Kama Plantation shall be paid directly into a bank account held by Citadel Trustees who are instructed to make payments there from, direct to the investors. Only 25% of the funds shall be accessible by EcoPlanet Bamboo II to help cover core operating expenses. The remainder shall be retained by Citadel to pay bond interest as priority.

3. Bond Returns
3.1. Annual Fixed Interest Return
Bond subscriptions are for a fixed period of 15 years with three denominations available as shown below. Upon subscription there are legal fees to be paid to the UK Trustee as outlined below. Interest returns are fixed at the interest rate levels shown: Investment $16,500 $27,500 Total Return % 381% 457% 503% Total Return (including Principal) $79,375 $153,250 $301,500

2.4. Trustee Due Diligence

The UK Trustee has liaised with English, United States and Nicaraguan lawyers and received thorough due diligence on the project on behalf of investors. This due diligence covers the following factors; Legal structure of the Bonds issue Land usage rights Licenses and authorizations

$50,000

The amount of interest payable in each year varies over time as can be seen in the detailed tables below; $50,000 Bond Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 Interest (%) 5% 6% 7% 10% 20% 30% 40% 40% 40% 45% 45% 50% 55% 55% 55% 503% Interest ($) $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $22,500 $22,500 $25,000 $27,500 $27,500 $27,500 $251,500 Principal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $50,000 $50,000 Total Returned $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $22,500 $22,500 $25,000 $27,500 $27,500 $77,500 $301,500

2.5. Trustee Company As Bond Holder

Citadel Trustees holds the bond on behalf of all investors. Citadel Trustees Ltd was created in 2007 to provide bespoke trustee and stakeholder services to developers and investor funds. With a UK office in Surrey and branches in Spain, India, Thailand and China, Citadel currently deals with projects with an estimated asset value of over $2.5 billion. Citadel are also authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority with the following permissions: Safeguarding and Administration of Assets and Arranging Safeguarding and Administration of Assets. Citadel is thereby permitted to hold financial instruments, including the type and alternative debentures used within this investment structure. http://www.citadeltrustees.com

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Totals

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

$27,500 Bond Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Totals Interest (%) 4.55% 5.45% 6.36% 9.09% 18.18% 27.27% 36.36% 36.36% 36.36% 40.91% 40.91% 45.45% 50% 50% 50% 457% Interest ($) $1,250 $1,500 $1,750 $2,500 $5,000 $7,500 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $11,250 $11,250 $12,500 $13,750 $13,750 $13,750 $125,750 Principal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $27,500 $27,500 Total Returned $1,250 $1,500 $1,750 $2,500 $5,000 $7,500 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $11,250 $11,250 $12,500 $13,750 $13,750 $41,250 $153,250

$16,500 Bond Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Totals Interest (%) 3.79% 4.55% 5.3% 7.58% 15.15% 22.73% 30.3% 30.3% 30.3% 34.09% 34.09% 37.88% 41.67% 41.67% 41.67% 381% Interest ($) $625 $750 $875 $1,250 $2,500 $3,750 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,625 $5,625 $6,250 $6,875 $6,875 $6,875 $62,875 Principal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $16,500 $16,500 Total Returned $625 $750 $875 $1,250 $2,500 $3,750 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,625 $5,625 $6,250 $6,875 $6,875 $23,375 $79,375

Interest is paid annually by the Bond Holder (UK Trustee) to the Investor, and the income shown above Young bamboo plants in the EcoPlanet Nursery. is the gross income to the Investor as the calculations do not take into account fees payable to the UK Trustee as detailed in 4.2 below or any personal tax that the investor may be required to pay. However, for UK tax payers the company is obligated to deduct the basic tax rate of 20% from the interest payments. Non UK tax payers can obtain a form from HMRC to exempt them from such a deduction.

3.2. 15 Year Bond Redemption

The commencement date of the bond is 1st October 2011 with interest accruing from that date onwards. Upon bond redemption on October 1st 2026 the Bond Issuer will be required to repay the Principal Sum loaned i.e. 100% of the original investment. Investors can sell their beneficial interest to a third party at any time during the term.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

4. How To Invest
4.1. Bond Subscription Procedure
You may choose between the $16,500, the $27,500 or the $50,000 bond, or any multiples thereof and then complete, sign and return the Reservation Application Form to your sales consultant and make the agreed Reservation Payment to the Trustee. You will then be required to sign a Bond Purchase Agreement. Once you have signed and completed the necessary financial transfer of the remainder of your investment and Trustee fees (along with a certified copy of the passport photo page and utility bill as per standard International Money Laundering regulations) and the Trustee is in receipt of your funds and paperwork, the Trustee will issue a Bond Certificate of Beneficial Interest for the Bond including a Declaration of Trust to confirm that it is holding a Bond in trust for your benefit. You will then receive your first Bond interest payment on 1st October 2012 and following interest payments on the anniversary of this date. In the event of a late subscription after the 1st October 2011, the first years interest shall be pro-rated downwards according to the number of days delay.

These fees are payable in consideration of Citadel undertaking various responsibilities including: Liaising with the United States and Nicaraguan lawyers to receive due diligence on the land and licenses; Preparation of documentation in relation to the Bonds; Holding the monies received from all Bond Investors in the client account; Evidencing the Investment by issuing a Bond Certificate of Beneficial Interest to investors; Holding the first charge over the shares in EcoPlanet Bamboo II in Trust; Receiving funds (less any applicable taxes) derived from the bamboo harvests on the Rio Kama farm. Receipt and distribution of Bond Interest due to Investors as per their Bond Purchase Agreement; Releasing the charge over the shares in EcoPlanet Bamboo II back to the developer once the Bond Purchase Agreements are concluded (subject to the terms of the Bond Purchase Agreement); Transferring bond Certificates of Beneficial Interest as requested from time to time by the Investor

4.3. Exit Via Bond Redemption

The Bond has a fixed redemption date of 1st October 2026 and can not be redeemed before that time. However, investors are free to sell on or transfer their interest to a third party and whatever price may be mutually determined and at the investors own discretion.

4.2. Trustee Fees 4.4. Tax

All investor funds will be held in a client account and not released until the release criteria outlined in the Bond Purchase Agreement are met and you are issued with a Bond certificate of beneficial interest. For their full Trust Management Service the Investor pays the initial Trustee Fee of 1.5% and each year thereafter trustee fees are payable from returns on the following basis; Year 1: 1% of the invested amount Year 2: 1.25% of the invested amount Year 3: 1.5% of the invested amount Year 4: 1.75% of the invested amount Years 5-15: 2.2% of the invested amount. Investors have the responsibility for their own personal tax liabilities. The developer is using the services of an international tax consultant to ensure that the tax liabilities of the companies involved in the structure of this project are as efficient as possible, with the aim of ensuring that income into EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) Ltd is sufficient to meet Bond interest and redemptions payments. Basic rate UK tax at the prevailing rate (currently 20%) shall be deducted at source. However, non-UK tax payers may requests a certificate of exemption which will allow the payment of interest gross. All tax filings and personal tax payments beyond this shall be the responsibility of the investor.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

5. The Bamboo Bond

5.1. Investing In Bamboo
In times of growing awareness of decreasing natural resources Bamboo has received increased attention. The fastest growing land plant in the world with good mechanical properties, it is considered as a promising resource for sustainable development. In fact Guadua bamboo has a higher tensile strength than steel, hence the nick name vegetable steel. Bamboo is an extremely fast growing plant, with some species obtaining growth surges of 100cm per day. Most bamboo species grow to their full height within a single growing season. Over the following seasons the walls of each culm (or stem) dry and harden, reaching maturity within 3 to 5 years. Another peculiarity of bamboo is that most species flower only very infrequently, with intervals as long as 60 to 120 years. These species exhibit what is called mass flowering where all plants in the population flower at the same time. Bamboo is almost unique in many other ways too; It grows rapidly and this rapid replacement makes it the most sustainable form of hard wood on the planet It tolerates a poor soil which makes it perfect as a plant for reforestation of degraded areas. It releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent areas of trees It is one of the best plants for carbon sequestration, removing over 500 tons of CO2 from the air per hectare over 15 years It has 5,000 recognised uses from food to clothing to engineering, making it one of the most versatile materials known to man (Sources: CATiE 2001 / 2004, Montagnini 2011 and Camargo Garcia 2006) Guadua bamboo was chosen as it is quite simply, one of the strongest, most versatile and valuable forms of Bamboo in the world. The reason for that is simple: no other natural resource possesses its unique array of characteristics.

Bamboos demand around the World is well established and rapidly growing. It can be used in myriad ways ranging from little processed culm based products to newly developed industrial products. Increasingly it is also rapidly becoming a replacement material for traditional tropical hardwoods due to its greener credentials and rapid growth rate. Modern uses include: Unprocessed use in building materials from canes to reinforced concrete Engineered construction uses such as veneer and flooring Pulp and paper Furniture Textiles Cosmetics Biomass and fuel Medicine Bamboo charcoal as air purifier and other anti-pollution uses With this unique blend of desirable properties and environmental value, it is no exaggeration to say that bamboo is the material of the future!

5.2. Forestry As An Asset Class

A Hedge Against Inflation and a Long Term Store of Value The global timber trade has been around for hundreds of years and there is a long history of increasing demand and rising prices. Trees grow, unlike other commodities, and so their volume increases over time. This means that the opportunity for growth is two pronged. There is the opportunity that value per unit of timber will increase over time, but there is always the certainty that the asset will grow biologically. As a primary commodity, the value of timber rises with inflation and so it can be a particularly good store of value in inflationary times. Widespread and growing demand also means that timber has a long history of price growth. According to Smart Money Magazine (Nov 2001) ...real prices for timber have steadily risen for more than 100 years - better performance than any other commodity... and Moneyweek (July 7th 2006) Over the past century the price of wood has averaged an annual increase of 6%.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

This steady historical growth in value has meant that investment returns from timber have typically outperformed many other forms of investment. Indeed, according to the Economist (Feb 5th 2008) Average returns on timber....have outstripped those from leading global stock indices, property, oil and gold for the past decade. Whilst forestry as an investment is fairly new to many people, it has long been a core component of institutional portfolios. The fact that you read a lot about forestry today is nothing to do with trees suddenly becoming a good investment, rather it is due to innovation in forestry financing making the asset accessible for ordinary investors. Indeed, this is part of EcoPlanets mission; to utilise innovative structures to make forestry investment accessible to retail investors. Increasing Global Demand Set Against Dwindling Supply Global demand for timber has multiplied around 25 times in the last 40 years and this trend of growing demand continues (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization UNFAO). The UNFAO also predicts that world consumption of industrial wood will rise by 60% over the next 25 years. Set against this increasing demand the supply of timber sources is dwindling. Today, around 30% of the global timber trade is thought to be illegal with another 40% coming from unsustainable sources (UN FAO). As the world brings an end to illegal logging, and the protection of natural forests becomes greater, the price of timber from sustainable sources will rise. Environmentally Sustainable Sustainable forestry can help slow the rate of deforestation around the world by providing a stable source of timber and therefore reducing the pressure on natural forests. Furthermore, growing new plantations on degraded or deforested land actively sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Sustainable forestry, done properly, can therefore help reverse the potentially devastating effects of global climate change.

5.3. Why Chose Bamboo Over Other Forestry Investments?

Highest Productivity Bamboo is the fastest growing land plant in the world. Whereas a hardwood tree might take 20 years to grow to a harvestable size, bamboo can grow to its full height within a year. Cutting a tree for timber kills the tree, but as bamboo is a grass, cutting it down simply stimulates further growth. The high growth rate of bamboo means that during its lifetime it produces a far greater volume of usable timber than traditional hardwoods. Unique, Desirable Qualities Guadua bamboo in particular offers some unique qualities. It has a higher tensile strength than steel and so is particularly useful in construction. In some places the steel in reinforced concrete is replaced with bamboo because of its strength and seismic resistance. The unique linear fibre patterns in bamboo also mean that bamboo paper can be of a higher quality with a higher tear resistance than traditionally manufactured paper. These fibres also mean soft, comfortable clothing can be woven from bamboo. Particularly for uses associated with aesthetic finishes, bamboo offers greater strength, resistance, thermal tolerance and sheen than other timber options. Despite its strength, bamboo, in its raw form, is extremely light and far easier, cheaper and fuel efficient to transport than other timbers. Increasing Global Demand Demand for timber in general is growing, but demand for certified sustainable timber is growing faster. As the most sustainable form of timber available, bamboo is set to see a surge in demand. Equally, virtually anything that can be made with a traditional hardwood can be made with bamboo, and usually to a higher quality. Relatively recent technologies mean that bamboo can be used for everything from raw culms, to flooring (e.g. Ikea), veneer (e.g. Pli Design), clothing (e.g. Jonano), medicine (Chinese and increasingly Western), food (shoots) and cosmetics (e.g. Nivea). This combination of material quality, diversity of applications and sustainability make bamboo uniquely positioned to supply the

Wild Guadua Bamboo on the Rio Kama plantation. This plant has over 50 culms; three times more than the volume of production assumed by EcoPlanet.

Worlds sustainable timber needs. The Greatest Positive Environmental Impact When used for long term wood products, due to the extremely fast rate of growth, a bamboo plantation can sequester multiple times the carbon dioxide of a traditional fast plantation, as well as having numerous other ecosystem benefits. The fact that it produces so much wood also means that less land is required under plantation to satisfy the same market demands. On a local basis, bamboos dense network of roots provides exceptional soil stability as well as helping to re-establish depleted water tables. It can grow on degraded land that would be un-viable for other uses and actively rehabilitate the local environment and ecosystem. As a result it is likely that, over time, bamboo will continue to take market share from other forms of timber.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

5.4. Ensuring The Maximum Returns From The Bamboo

Maintaining the Plantation Proper maintenance of our plantation is an important aspect. This includes planting regimes, monitoring survival rates and replanting, weeding and general care and maintenance. Our plantation management plan and operating procedures are available for investors to view at the plantation office, whilst the below provides an overview. Upon transplanting from our nursery, mulching around seedlings minimizes stress by reducing evaporation from the soil. Spot weeding around each seedling occurs within the early years to avoid competition and maximize survival and subsequent growth rates. Within the first year, survival is assessed regularly, and seedlings replaced where needed. Such replanting is done simultaneously with the weeding schedule, ensuring full capacity per hectare within the first year. Young bamboo shoots are palatable to many animals, and so our plantations are actively protected. Fences are in place around the perimeters and access to the plantation controlled by security gates, ensuring the absence of cattle or other grazing animals. Once the clump is established, annual weeding and hoeing occurs in line with the seasons, with the soil being heaped around the base of the clump to facilitate shoot production. Clearing of overhanging, thin or broken culms occurs to maximize growth of those culms that are commercially viable and to create a clump consisting of clean, free standing culms. Due to the wet, tropical climate fire is an unlikely threat. However, in line with our fire management plan, precautions are in place. These include firebreaks at regular intervals within the sections of the plantation, and the regular clearing of all dead scrub. Harvesting and Processing Although Guadua can grow to its maximum height within the first year, a further 3-4 years are necessary for it to mature and reach a density suitable for harvesting and commercial use. The age of the bamboo at harvesting is important. If cut too young the culms do not have the necessary density and therefore structural properties to be used in the high value markets for which they are grown. However, during the early years, shoots taken from the growing culms can be propagated and sold through our nursery, enabling us to generate revenue and meet bond interest payments during the first 3 yrs after planting.

Once mature and ready for harvest, the use of selective harvesting of culms within each clump is critical to ensure the process drives the continuous promulgation of further culms. The timing of harvesting is critical to ensure maximum value of the culms. We harvest mature culms during the dry season when moisture and sugar content is at its lowest. This reduces the likelihood of insect attack and reduces the need for chemical pesticides, as well as reducing the propensity to split during the drying process. Once harvested, drying of the bamboo occurs. Depending on the age and season, each culm may contain water up to 150% of its dry mass. Drying the bamboo is therefore critical and takes longer than it would for other woods of similar density. To avoid cracking and maintain the structural properties of the bamboo, the drying process first cures the bamboo by infusing it with preservatives and removing the sap. This aids the drying process and protects the bamboo from future attack by insects before it is processed. The bamboo then enters a protected air drying environment where it remains for a 6-12 week period. The final step in the process is nontoxic fumigation, which is required prior to export. At this point the bamboo poles are ready for transportation to their final market; typically the USA where they are processed and used in a wide variety of end products.

5.5. Underlying Assumptions

The company has calculated the amount of interest it is able to pay bond holders on the basis of conservative assumptions about the value of the bamboo it can grow. Calculating this value is a simple function of the volume of bamboo that can be grown on a per unit basis (per hectare in this case) and the value of that bamboo in the market place. In considering the volume of bamboo that can be grown and harvested, EcoPlanet Group has relied upon the experience of its in house agronomists and an independent analysis undertaken by Dr. F. Montagnini, Professor in the Practice of Tropical Forestry at Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. This report is available separately for review. Separately the company has examined the value of Guadua bamboo in the market place in order to determine its likely value post harvest. The market price assumptions contained within EcoPlanet Groups business model are based upon a discounting approach from prices readily available in the market today. This Bamboo Market Analysis is also available separately. This data for both volume of productivity and bamboo market value is also shown in summary below.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

5.5.1. Calculating The Volume Of Production

The formula for calculating the volume of production is as follows; Number of bamboo plants per hectare: Number of mature culms per plant per year: Harvested culms (average) per year: Length of culm (metres): Total quantity of production per h.a per year in metres: 400 13 6.5 15 39,000

5.5.3. Operating Costs

Multiplying the $1.35 per linear metre farm gate (before transport cost) price of the bamboo by total productivity gives the gross annual forecast revenue. For the Rio Kama farm this totals to a forecast $52,650 per hectare at peak productivity. The model allows for a substantial deduction to cover harvest costs from this revenue. Harvest cost per culm (each 15m of bamboo) is forecast at $1.46 in year four rising to $4.18 by year 15 to allow for inflation. This harvest cost is made up from the cost of extraction (cutting the culms and moving to the processing facility) and simple processing (removing sap and drying). Both processes are simple and the costs are easy to forecast. The Company feels that these allowances are generous and more than sufficient to cover the actual costs. In addition the company will incur ongoing plantation management costs as well as overhead administration costs. The largest costs are incurred in the planting and start up phase where there is substantial investment in the acquisition of bamboo seeds, nursery care, outplanting, infrastructure development and capital equipment. Seedlings, nursery costs and outplanting costs add to $602.42 per hectare. The company can be confident in these numbers from its experience of planting the nearby Rio Sequia Plantation in early 2011. The company has prepared a full and detailed business plan for the 15 year term of the bonds which

Maximum productivity occurs at a plantation spacing of 400 plants per hectare. At this spacing, it is possible based upon observations of wild Guadua that, with the right management, each plant could yield as many as 62 culms per year. However, our figures are based upon a conservative 13 culms per plant. For the purpose of sustainability, it is assumed that only 50% of the culms are harvested each year, giving an annual harvest of 6.5 culms per plant. The final part of the assumption is that each culm produces 15 metres of harvestable bamboo. However, Guadua bamboo can regularly be seen growing up to 25 or 30m tall.

5.5.2. The Market Price Of Bamboo

The company financials are based upon an assumed sales price of $1.35 per linear metre of bamboo. This figure has been derived from market research of the main Guadua bamboo producers in Central America, but with a major discount applied for the sake of conservatism and the long term nature of the price forecasts. The table below shows how Guadua Bamboo is currently priced by the main local providers; Diameter (inches)
Source: email quote bambuver.com

has been reviewed by Citadel Trustees and an independent forestry valuer and financial expert. The plan takes accounts of all the cost factors referred to above. In summary, the plan is based upon conservative figures derived from independent sources and factual information and provides the company with a substantial profit margin over and above the cost of bond interest and the repayment of principal.

Planting bamboo seedlings at the nursery where they will stay for around three months

Bambuver

Kool Bamboo
Source: koolbamboo.com

Bamboo Costa Rica

Source: email quote bamboocostarica.com

Ecobamboo

Market Average

Source: email quote ecobamboo.com.ar

2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7 Average

$2.44 $2.88

$3.81 $4.06 $4.44

$1.84 $2.59 $3.25 $4.50 $6.33 $8.14

$1.60 $2.40 $3.20 $4.00 $4.80 $5.60 $3.60

$2.42 $2.98 $3.63 $4.25 $5.57 $6.87 $4.29

before out-planting.

$2.66

$4.10

$4.44

As the above table shows, the price per metre of bamboo currently ranges from $1.60 per metre for the very thinnest culms to $8.14 to the very thickest culms with and whole market average being $4.29 per metre. This is set against an assumed price of $1.35 per metre as a basis of EcoPlanet Groups business model.
EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

6. Risk Assessment
6.1. Risk Assement By Category
Investors in this bond face a number of underlying risks which could affect the companys income and therefore its capacity to pay the interest and principal. These risks fit broadly into five categories, each of which is discussed below.

Bamboo is also highly resilient and in fact tolerant to flooding. In the wild Guadua often grows directly on river banks due to the abundant water and survives within flood zones. Rio Kama itself has examples of wild Guadua growing both along the banks of the rivers that cross the plantation as well as in sporadic clumps within the more inland areas of the farm. As an ultimate back up however, and as discussed in 6.1.1 above, the company intends to plant an equivalent area in another country, remote to Rio Kama, such that sufficient bamboo remains available to meet commitments even in the unlikely event of the destruction of Rio Kama through flooding.

6.1.1.3. Disease And Pests

Bamboo is most susceptible to disease in the first six months of its life; however such risks are easily managed through simple monitoring, treatment and rapid extraction of affected plants. The company maintains an ample stock of seedlings in order to replace diseased plants. As the bamboo plants reach maturity, they become resistant to both pests and disease although the company has detailed management plans in place to deal with both threats. EcoPlanet has a full pest management strategy in place, both within the nursery and once seedlings are transplanted. Within the early years the major threat comes from rats and leaf cutter ants. Within the first year after planting the young seedlings are treated regularly with organic and non organic pesticides in line with those accepted by the Forest Stewardship Council. Once mature the greater threat comes from wood boring insects, the threat of which can be minimized through regular cleaning and maintenance of the bamboo clumps. EcoPlanet carries out continuous research to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy that will over time replace all non organic chemicals with organic and where possible biological forms of control. This involves developing a fully functioning ecosystem with sufficient biodiversity to attract natural predators including hawks and woodpeckers.

6.1.1. Risk Of Failed Or Reduced Productivity

A key area of risk is that the company is not able to grow as much bamboo as forecast in order to generate the revenue necessary to meet the interest payments described herein. The report from Yale University shows that, under ordinary circumstances, the company will be able to grow as much bamboo as it forecasts. In addition, EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) will also utilize some of the proceeds of the bond issue to plant an additional 700 hectares of bamboo outside of Nicaragua in order to provide both substantial additional bamboo crop as well as a principal form of risk mitigation against localized risks. However, there are a number of other risks to productivity.

6.1.1.1. Fire
The risk of fire in the wet tropics is low because of the high rainfall and constant humidity; however for many species fire can be devastating when it does occur. Bamboo is a fire resistant plant because of its high moisture content and tends to survive fire outbreaks well, although some damage to smaller culms can occur. Despite the low fire risk and the natural resilience of bamboo, EcoPlanet employs a strict fire management programme with constant ground litter and dead brush clearance to remove potential fuel and the imposition of regular fire breaks between the bamboo stands as well as a detailed fire management plan and staff training programme. As a result of these practices it is highly unlikely that a fire in the plantation will spread to cause significant damage. As an ultimate back up however, and as discussed in 6.1.1 above, the company intends to plant an equivalent area in another country, remote to Rio Kama, such that sufficient bamboo remains available to meet commitments even in the unlikely event of the destruction of Rio Kama through fire.

6.1.2. Political Risk

Many emerging markets present more political risk than better establish investment destinations. The risks of war, civil disputes, expropriation and non-convertibility of currency, amongst others, exist. The company acts as a responsible corporate citizen within Nicaragua and reduces such risks where possible. As an ultimate back up however, and as discussed in 6.1.1 above, the company intends to plant an equivalent area in another country such that sufficient bamboo remains available to meet commitments even in the unlikely scenario that Rio Kama becomes inaccessible, unusable or expropriated due to political forces.

6.1.1.2. Flood
Rio Kama is located in the wet tropics with high rainfall and the plantation itself is crossed by many rivers. However, no significant part of the plantation sits in a flood zone or in areas prone to flooding. The undulating nature of the site means that much of the planted area is on higher ground. Furthermore the soil type of Rio Kama, although being predominantly clay, is well drained.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

6.1.3. Sales Of Bamboo

The capacity of the company to service the bond interest and repay the principal is dependant upon the companys ability to sell the harvested bamboo. This therefore represents a key risk. However, the companys location in Central America provides a significant advantage over Asian competitors for the substantial US market. The United States is the Worlds largest importer of bamboo and bamboo products and is therefore a key export target for the company. Being located in Central America, the Company lies only three shipping days from the United States as opposed to well over 30 days for Asian bamboo suppliers. Likewise Nicaragua is a member o CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement) which eliminates import duties between members. This provides another advantage over other bamboo exporters that are not members of such a free trade agreement. The first major harvest remains four years away and during that period the company will increase the scale of its bamboo sales operation. Already however the company has identified key markets and some target customers for the bamboo. Primary markets will be flooring, panel fibre board and pulp. The company is also working on a plan to develop housing made almost entirely from bamboo and designed to be an affordable solution for developing economies. Partnerships are already being discussed with major aid organizations and NGOs to advance this channel which would deliver a good price for the bamboo whilst maximizing positive social impact.

6.1.5. Operational Risk

In addition to other risks, there remains the risk of poor management or management errors in the conduct of business that affect either costs or revenue, or both, and thereby affect the companys ability to meet bond interest payments and the repayment of the principal. The company has extensive business and plantation management experience at both an executive and operational level. Profiles of key individuals can be found in Annexe One of this document. Additionally, the company is committed to operating according to a strict set of processes which have been developed within the specific context of Guadua Bamboo and the plantations we operate, but also meet the strict guidelines of supervisory bodies such as the Forest Stewardship Council.

6.2. Worst Case Model Scenario

Whilst Investors Bond interest returns are contractually fixed, a worst case scenario has been tested in cash flows to ensure that even in the event of severe strain being put on the companys business model, it remains able to generate the bond interest and the repayment of principal. It was concluded that the necessary revenue can be achieved, even when considering the worst-case scenario below; Reduction of forecast revenue from all sources by 25% and

6.1.4. Increasing Costs

Increasing costs of operation would affect the companys capacity to service the bond interest. Inflation is unpredictable in many emerging economies and must therefore be considered a key risk. However, the companys business model has assumed substantial cost rises over the period of the bond by as much as 10% per year. In the event that costs rose at a higher rate, it would erode the companys profits but the company believes that its forecast profits provide an ample buffer to absorb greater than expected inflation. The company may also benefit from a rising value of bamboo beyond expectations in an inflationary environment.

Increase of operating costs by 50%

6.3. Land & Asset Security

EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) has engaged the services of a UK Trustee, Citadel Trustees Ltd, to provide enhanced security to all bond holders and to enable the bond structure to be put in place. This will involve the Trustee taking a charge over the shares of EcoPlanet Bamboo II which owns the freehold of the Rio Kama plantation and receiving the income of the harvest of the bamboo on that plantation into a client bank account before distributing a maximum 25% of revenue back to the company and withholding 75% to cover returns to investors. The UK Trustee has received full due diligence on the Land and documentation relating to the Bamboo Bond and underlying activities of EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK). A full valuation of the business as a whole throughout the various stages of development has been undertaken to assess the level of security for bond holders. In summary the valuation produced on 30 June 2011, valued the Rio Kama plantation on a discounted cash flow (DCF) basis, and once all 730 hectares are planted at $38,927,103.00, rising to $105,517,850 by 2016. EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) expects planting of the 500 hectares of the Rio Kama plantation to be complete by October 2011 with the final 230 hectares planted by June 2012.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

6.4. Change Of Law

The project has been established taking into account current Nicaraguan, US and UK legislation and tax codes. As far as the company is aware, no changes that would adversely affect the project are planned. However, any changes to legislation or tax codes in any of these jurisdictions could adversely affect the investment. Disclaimer: This offer of investment originates outside the United States of America and is not directed to citizens or residents of the United States. The contents of this Information Proposal are not intended to be, and should under no circumstances be treated by any recipient as being, investment, tax or legal advice. All prospective investors must make their own investigation and evaluation of a prospective investment in the project. This Investment Proposal does not provide specific investment advice and does not represent that an investment in the project is suitable for any specific investor. EcoPlanet Group, EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) and EcoPlanet Bamboo II have relied on published sources and third parties for certain statements of fact or opinion and whilst it believes that those statements or opinions are correct it has not independently verified them. All statements of opinion contained in this Investment Proposal, all views expressed and all projections, forecasts or statements relating to expectation regarding future events or possible future performance of the project represent an assessment based on information available as at the date of this Investment Proposal and are not to be read a guarantee or assurance that the particular events will in fact come about.

Appendix One: About Ecoplanet Group

EcoPlanet Bamboo (UK) and its subsidiary EcoPlanet Bamboo II are part of the US based EcoPlanet Group and have been established specifically for this bond offer and the operation of the Rio Kama Plantation. The EcoPlanet Group is a unique group of companies combining cutting edge plantation development services with proven financial expertise. We have developed innovative new finance mechanisms to provide capital to plantation development whilst overcoming the traditional barriers associated with timberland investments. These barriers - long term return on investment, low investor liquidity, separation between business and environmental aspect - have to date limited the rate at which sustainable forestland can be developed. EcoPlanet Group and its subsidiarys management combines over 40 years experience in successful agribusiness across multiple continents, 22 years experience of building businesses in remote areas of Latin America, 20 years experience managing or as fiduciary of over $300 million for private investors and a 20 year history of making the world a better place through philanthropy and responsible investing. EcoPlanet Group owns, develops and operates each of its ventures around its core values and Company principles: Commercial Discipline we embrace profitability and growth as the lifeblood of the organization Integrity we are committed to intellectual honesty, reliability and fairness Impact our corporate culture is driven by our desire to create positive social and environmental

The original EcoPlanet bamboo research centre in Managua, Nicaragua.

impact Accountable and Teachable we are precise and open about goals, results, successes and failures and we advocate an environment where we learn from those experiences, the good and the bad Human Dignity we believe that every human being is of equal value and given the opportunity, can lift themselves out of poverty EcoPlanet Group already owns and operates 1200 hectares of bamboo plantations in Central America, making it one of the largest operators in the region. Within the group there are currently over 350 employees.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

Creating Positive Social and Environmental Change

EcoPlanet Groups mission is to maximize economic returns through the development of innovative models and careful selection of species and markets, to create positive social and environmental impact through integrating responsible capital, plantation development and carbon sequestration. In this way and through continued growth, the Company aims to challenge global problems, through positively impacting one community at a time. EcoPlanet Group carries out social and environmental baselines prior to project initiation. The Company is committed to monitor progress against indicators such as: Number of jobs created Average annual earnings Adult literacy through training Tons of carbon dioxide sequestered Number of new trees planted Biodiversity indices GDP increase New tax revenue created for the host Country Such progress will be monitored and quantified in conjunction with a third party verifier against internationally accepted standards. EcoPlanet Group designs all projects in line with the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA) for validation and verification of project co-benefits, against the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) for certification of its sellable carbon assets, and against the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for sustainable forest management. These standards allow the company demonstrate the sustainable nature of the bamboo it grows as well as the positive environmental and social impact that it delivers. Adhering to these standards producers a broader market for the companys bamboo as well as increasing the likelihood of receiving carbon credits.

EcoPlanet Group Management Team

Troy Wiseman
CEO, Co-Founder EcoPlanet Group

Troy started his entrepreneurial career at 20 when he co-founded a clothing manufacturing and retail company, best known for its B.U.M. Equipment label. Over the next 6 years he grew the Companys revenue from $0 to $120 million before selling his interest in 1992. He then founded The InvestLinc Group, creating a proprietary model and system to manage and oversee a unique alternative investment family of funds for high net worth individuals, foundations and select institutions and growing a single $5m fund into a company which raised & managed over $500m. He later served as Foundation Vice Chairman of Legatum, a multi-billion dollar emerging market investment company, based in Dubai as well as an early investor and board member in Waldos Dollar Mart, a $300 million Mexican retailer. He resigned to co-found TriLinc Global, a social impact investment firm focused on bringing scaleable private capital to SME entrepreneurs in developing countries with the goal of making money as well as creating social impact, primarily through job creation. In 2006, Troy joined the ranks of Walt Disney, Orson Welles and four U.S. Presidents when he was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program (TOYA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Annually since 1938, The United States program has sought out the ten young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of Americas youthful achievers. Troy is an active philanthropist through the Wiseman Family Foundation and was also the co-founder of World Orphans which has helped fund the construction of over 500 orphanages in 45 countries.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

John Vogel
President, EcoPlanet Plantation Management

Camille Rebelo
Executive Vice President, Co-Founder, EcoPlanet Group

John has enjoyed a 41 year career in international agribusinesses. An agronomist by trade, John has managed plantation operations in Central America, Africa and Asia. Johns experience in Latin America is extensive and encompasses the management of many indigenous and commercially viable species, as well as the often complex process of bringing these products to market. John ran the international agribusinesses of Gulf and Western before co-founding NicaHoldings, a seafood production and distribution business, which he successfully managed for 14 years during which time the Company accounted for nearly 10% of Nicaraguas total exports. John took over as CEO of Puriscal, a tobacco production Company established in Costa Rica, where he created a process for manufacturing and distributing hand-manufactured cigars and built a global marketing network to allow for distribution of the companys products. Johns business experience has led him to manage diverse teams of people, from indigenous communities to prominent business men. He is passionate about his native Nicaragua, where his vision is to bring about positive change. John is a prominent member of the Nicaraguan Business Council, a board member of the Wake Forest University Nicaraguan Campus, and a member of the Council for the Hogar de Fe Orphanage.

Born and raised in Kenya, Camille developed an early interest in environmental issues and focused her education upon building this foundation. Starting her career in traditional conservation with Dr Richard Leakey, she soon realized that her passion for change lay in finding the bridge between capitalism and conservation. Camille has lived and worked across the tropical world, developing forestry projects at both the community and commercial levels. Her interest in the creation of innovative financial mechanisms for drawing private capital towards forestry initiatives led to her involvement in the early development of global carbon markets for forest based carbon. Working with the Permanent Mission of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations, she was involved at the international level in both the policy and project development of REDD+ and mechanisms for Payments for Environmental Services. Subsequently, Camille has worked in the public and private sector and has experience in the origination, implementation and management of forestry and land use programs across Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia. Camille is an expert and published author on the financing and commercialization of sustainable forestry initiatives and holds a BSc in Ecology from Imperial College, London, and a Masters from Yale Universitys School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

David Cox
President, Co-Founder, EcoPlanet Group

Anthony Colletti
Chief Financial Officer, EcoPlanet Group

David acquired a BSc in Environmental Management in Bristol, UK before moving on to complete an MSc in Development Administration and Planning with a specialism in the impact of business activity upon measures of human development in emerging countries. David continued his research in this area at the National University of Singapore before moving back to the United Kingdom and beginning a career in Management Consultancy. Over 5 years David moved from a Business Analyst to Principal Consultant working in areas as diverse as Business Process Outsourcing, Strategy and Procurement. During this time David worked with clients such as Accenture, British Telecom, the Ministry of Defence and Microsoft. In 2004 David co-founded Property Frontiers, a company specialising in emerging market real estate investment opportunities. As the global economy went through the upheaval of the credit crunch, Property Frontiers expanded its focus outside of emerging markets and found exciting value opportunities for its clients in North America and Europe growing to one of the leading Property Investment brokers in the market place. David also used his extensive property experience and economics background to write a leading book series entitled Where to Buy Property Abroad: An Investors Guide. David also played a key role in helping the UKs international property industry develop standards of ethics and consumer service by serving on the founding committee of the Association of Overseas Property Professionals (AIPP). Property Frontiers remains a Founding Member of the AIPP and has representation on the AIPP board. David co-founded the Bacolet Bay Resort Development Company to construct a 240 room, 5 star hotel in Grenada, Caribbean. David serves as an adviser to the company which has successfully navigated the challenges of the credit crunch and proceeds to complete the project. In 2009 David was presented the opportunity to combine his investment expertise with his background in Environmental Management when Property Frontiers acquired Eco Investments Ltd, a company specialising in the sale of investments in forestry, agriculture and alternative energy. Under the umbrella of Property Frontiers, Eco Investments flourished to become a leading player in this newly emerging industry. In 2010 the Company was divested to EcoPlanet Group, of which David is Co-Founder and President.

Anthony Colletti is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with fifteen years of experience in public accounting & tax. Anthony began his accounting career with Wolowicki & Associates before spending 5 years as a Manager at American Express were he specializes in tax and business services. In 2006 Anthony was hired away to become the CFO of Oikos Capital Management, a private family office where he specialized in tax planning as well as assisted with multiple Private Equity and Real-Estate. He also serves as the Treasurer for the Wiseman Philanthropy Fund, which focuses on assisting in the positive transformation of the lives of children in the United States and the developing world. Anthony graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, USA and maintains his membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 2010 he was nominated for Crains Chicago Businesss 40 under 40 award. Anthony is an active member in the Junior Chamber and the Lions Club and acts as Advisor to the Illinois Jaycee Charitable Foundation.

Kristena Blume
Program Manager, EcoPlanet Group

Kristena Blume joins EcoPlanet Group, LLC with an extensive knowledge of broker dealer operations and accounting, customer relations, and human resources. Kristena started her career with InvestLinc Group, LLC managing their broker dealer and compliance. She successfully completed FINRA and SEC audits, developed policies and procedures, and developed a server file system for the entire office. During this time she managed multiple registered representatives and nine offices across the country. Prior to joining EcoPlanet Group Kristena developed the human resource policies and procedures for TriLinc Global, LLC; while also developing their investor database system. Kristena Blume holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from University of Phoenix.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

Orlando Cuevas Monje

Head of Nursery Operations, EcoPlanet Plantation Management

Rene Alfonso Colindres

Agronomist, EcoPlanet Plantation Management

Originally from Leon on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, Orlando has an Agronomy degree from the Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School, a private and renowned international University in Honduras. Upon graduating Orlando returned to Nicaragua and spent 15 yrs working within the Ministry of Agriculture focusing on plant production and horticulture. The Ministry awarded him with two scholarships for his work, each lasting a period of two years, and providing exposure to international and cutting edge horticultural techniques. The first sent him to CATIE (the Training and Research Centre for Tropical Agronomy) in Costa Rica where he studied coffee and cacao production. The second scholarship sent Orlando to the University of Puerto Rico, where he studied phytotechnology, specializing in commercial fruit production. Following his time at the Ministry, Orlando moved to the National Bank of Nicaragua where he spent seven years working on the design and implementation of large scale irrigation projects. During this time he spent extended periods of time in Israel studying innovative new irrigation systems. Orlando left the bank and began to develop his own 80ha farm for production of coffee, cacao and fruit. However, shortly afterwards the Sandanista revolution occurred and Orlando left Nicaragua and spent his time split between the United States and Guatemala, working for a series of private companies on plant production and nursery development. In 1994 Orlando returned to Nicaragua and has since worked with EcoPlanet Bamboo President, John Vogel, developing a series of nurseries for projects across Nicaragua.

Colindres grew up raising cattle on his 80ha family farm, about 10km from EcoPlanet Bamboos Rio Siquia Farm. He developed an entrepreneurial spirit at the early age of 14, when his fathers death left him with the considerable responsibilities of ensuring the farms prosperity. This responsibility triggered in him a concern over cattle raising in the Rama area, where traditional farming techniques ensure the land is completely cleared of all tree cover. During his formative years, Colindres noticed the micro-climate on his family farm changing - becoming hotter and drier, with markedly less and more sporadic annual rainfall. These concerns led him to study farm production systems at the Christian University of Nicaragua, and further developed his interest in the potential to reverse land degradation through moving away from traditional farming and towards agroforestry and silvo-pastoral systems. Colindres focused his studies on practical work, including a number of intensive workshops involving trips around the region to consider model farm systems. He committed himself to developing models that could include the re-initiation and development of trees on farms that were traditionally completely deforested. He acquired indigenous seed and seedlings from the Nicaragua Institute of Agro Technology and used them to increase forest cover on his family farm. He combined these with the cultivation of fodder plants and experiments in to agroforestry with cacao, and used his thesis to prove that such integration, contradictory to local beliefs, results in higher milk yields and cattle productivity, as well as stabilizing micro-climates. Colindres holds a 5yr Agro-Engineering degree. He hopes through his work with EcoPlanet Bamboo to build his leadership qualities and fulfill his dreams of reversing the current trend of land degradation in his home province.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond

Feliciano Sequeira Centeno

Plantation Systems Supervisor, EcoPlanet Plantation Management

Born in Chontales province, Chanito moved to Rama at an early age, to own and run a small scale cattle farm adjacent to Rio Siquia Farm. He is attached and committed to the land; however, his capacity and experience extend far beyond his smallholder lifestyle. Chanito graduated high school and earned himself an Associates Degree in farm production systems at INATEC, the Nicaraguan National Institute of Technology. On returning to Rama, he started to volunteer and later collaborate with FADCANIC (Foundation for the Autonomy and Development of the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua), and through this interaction trained himself on issues such as gender equality, sustainable land management and agroforestry. Chanito believes that the law often overlooks the rights of local and indigenous people, who are often left with no voice or control over their own resources. In order to be able to enact change and acquire the best outcomes for his community he is putting himself through law school, which he attends in Rama town on Saturdays. He is aware however, that book learning must be combined with practical experience, which he acquires through his role with FADANIC and as President for the local council for Calderon, the community adjacent to EcoPlanet Bamboos Rio Siquia Farm. Chanito has watched the community of Calderon develop over the past 2-3yrs in to 12 families or approximately 60 people. His concerns over the adequate availability of drinking water to support this community drove him to put together a successful proposal through FADANIC to Norwegian Aid for the development of a community well, which has been fully realized. Chanito also has the communitys first biodigester that converts his cow manure in to cooking fuel. He uses it as a demo project for the neighbouring families, showing them not only the ongoing cost savings from fuel purchase, but also the health benefits of avoidance of smoke inhalation within his home. Chanitos vision is to improve local schools so that every child receives a good education and to ensure that adequate sanitation becomes available to his community. He is driven to represent, take care of them and protect his community and believes that EcoPlanet Bamboo can play an integral role in achieving those goals.

EcoPlanet Bamboo: The Bamboo Bond