Latin America Leadership Program

By: Ana Gomez Garces (B'25)

The partnership between Zero Carbon & Co, founded by ILG alumni Samir Mariñez, and the consulting and financial services firm PRISSMA, founded by ILG Guest Lecturer Victoria Galeano, brings together a diverse range of expertise in sustainable finance and blue economy initiatives, generating significant benefits for the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. By merging their strengths in innovative financial strategies, private sector incentives, and community-driven approaches, they are well-positioned to advance transformative projects aligned with regional sustainability and economic resilience goals. Samir and Victoria’s partnership not only fosters an environment where businesses can adopt sustainable practices and advance decarbonization but also empowers local communities, contributing to a robust and sustainable blue economy that benefits both the environment and the region’s economic future.

This collaboration focuses on two key areas, which are essential for advancing the industry. The first is the creation of a regional framework to establish priorities and identify collaboration opportunities among countries, businesses, and multilateral organizations involved in developing green initiatives across the region. The second area is building a pipeline with clearly defined financing mechanisms that draw from both philanthropy and impact investors, including banking institutions. Achieving this second goal relies heavily on collaboration of the private sector with the public sector and multilateral organizations to explore the untapped potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Additionally, both consulting firms are supporting companies in developing their sustainability strategies, focusing on tools like green and blue bonds. Surprisingly, many companies still lack a structured approach to sustainability, so they provide support in developing and shaping plans to meet the necessary prerequisites. Together, they aim to leverage collaboration opportunities with regional and national bodies, multilateral agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, which are actively engaged in climate finance and sustainability including the recent initiatives in the blue economy in the Caribbean.

Recently, they launched a new initiative called BlueVest, aimed at capturing investment opportunities in the region by connecting bankable projects with impact investors and guiding them through the screening and selection process. At the same time, they support these projects within the portfolio by helping them build capabilities and ensuring they meet investment requirements, among other key factors. The BlueVest Investment Window is a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge financing gaps in the Blue Economy in the Caribbean by mobilizing over USD 100 million in funding for regenerative and sustainable initiatives. By strategically leveraging capital from diverse sources—including impact investors, multilateral organizations, and innovative financing tools—BlueVest seeks to spur conversation and foster collaboration around solutions that drive both ecological resilience and economic growth. Focused on high-impact projects across Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), renewable energy, green shipping, and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, biotechnology and circularity, the BlueVest Investment Window uses innovative mechanisms through its partners such as blended finance, thematic bonds (e.g., Green Bonds), and carbon credits to attract and align investment toward regenerative development. This approach not only supports essential projects but also creates a sustainable blueprint for financing that strengthens marine ecosystems, promotes responsible resource management, and uplifts communities within the blue economy.

Victoria and Samir emphasize the importance of aligning the efforts of the 4Ps: public sector, private sector, academia, and multilateral organizations. They believe that collaboration across these spheres is essential to developing a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change. This issue is not confined to any single country or industry, making dialogue among all stakeholders essential for reaching a consensus and developing actionable plans. On one side, the public sector needs to understand the private sector’s needs and incentives, crafting public policies that attract private participation. On the other hand, the private sector must understand that multilateral organizations and climate funds provide only initial seed capital. The long-term solution requires a sustainable financing structure with green investment vehicles, positioning the private sector as a vital player in this arena. While COP16 fell short of its initial goals, it proved remarkably successful in mobilizing the private sector and sparking curiosity about business models that simultaneously generate economic value and protect nature. The private sector demonstrates both the desire and capital necessary to drive these cross-sector collaborations forward. Finally, academia serves as a pivotal catalyst, bridging diverse stakeholders and providing critical cohesion to the climate action ecosystem. By showcasing best practices and driving the development of a structured green industry, academic institutions transform theoretical knowledge into practical, actionable strategies.

During an interview with the LALP team, Victoria and Samir were asked what they believe is necessary for the 4Ps to function in a more synchronized manner. Victoria emphasized the private sector’s lack of awareness about the win-win opportunities available and how they can actively engage. For example, there is a noticeable lack of understanding of financial vehicles in both the private and public sectors. Victoria suggests conducting studies and engaging various stakeholders to showcase innovative ways for corporate participation. She also emphasized academia’s crucial role in showcasing best practices for green industry development. Samir added that while the private sector increasingly grasps the “why” behind sustainable investments, the current pipeline and investment vehicles remain limited. To address this gap, he underscored the development of innovative investment vehicles, particularly in sectors like sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, decarbonization and carbon sequestration and renewable energy, to meet growing demand and drive meaningful impact. He stressed the critical need for education and coordinated efforts to share knowledge, with resource mobilization and partnerships as essential drivers of progress. Samir called on academia to lead by hosting thematic forums that unite experts across sectors to exchange ideas and craft actionable strategies. He believes that to effectively address coordination failures and prevent resource dilution, it is essential to establish Working Groups that bring together regional bodies, national bodies, sector specialists, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and international entities. This collaborative approach will ensure that we avoid overlap and create a unified strategy. The initial impetus for this effort should come from these diverse working groups, each representing various sectors, to foster comprehensive and effective solutions.

When asked how they envision the green technology industry in the region over the next five years, including the main challenges and opportunities, Victoria and Samir underscored the critical nature of this pivotal moment. They emphasized that we are approaching a critical point in environmental conservation where there may be no turning back, making the projects and resources developed in the next 3 to 5 years absolutely vital. Samir foresees a strategic redistribution of capital in climate investments, with the private sector increasingly recognizing how these investments can drive bottom-line value. He sees that the areas of renewable energy, green transition through sustainable practices, biotechnology, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, decarbonization and nature-based solutions present a significant opportunity for the Caribbean in the coming years. Victoria believes the approach to biodiversity and environmental policies will naturally gravitate back to the theory of shared value. This theory, she argues, offers compelling rhetoric to encourage private sector participation, emphasizing that the benefits should be distributed to everyone. She noted that this shift is already evident, with major investment funds adopting this methodology.

Samir and Victoria both have strong ties to LALP’s Innovation and Leadership in Government (ILG) program. Samir was part of the ILG 2018 cohort, while Victoria participated that same year as a Guest Lecturer, covering topics related to project evaluation. Samir joined ILG with the goal of gaining tools to overcome challenges he faced in his role as Head of Innovation and University-Industry Collaboration at the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCyT). He had followed Victoria’s work ever since the ILG program and reached out last year for support when he saw in PRISSMA an opportunity to complement some of the processes his company, Zero Carbon & Co, lacked expertise in, leading to their first joint venture. Since then, they have continued collaborating to explore comprehensive solutions and develop more robust environmental investments in the region.

“The most inspiring lesson I learned at Georgetown is that you don't need a title or specific position to make a meaningful impact or achieve your goals. With determination and the will to succeed, you can drive the changes you envision and make them a reality.” - Samir Mariñez (Dominican Republic, ILG 2018).

Samir is grateful for the exchange of knowledge he experienced with peers during his time at ILG, where they shared their experiences, challenges, and their unique approaches to solutions implemented.  Recognizing the strength of the LALP network, Samir has remained actively involved in the network activities. As for Victoria, her connection to the program took a different path. Professor Ricardo Ernst invited her to serve as a guest lecturer, which not only allowed her to contribute her expertise but also provided her with insights into the program’s objectives and participants. 

“I was thrilled to see the caliber of people who join the program—leaders with incredible drive, immense talent, and significant positions, but above all, a genuine desire to innovate and make a difference in their countries.” - Victoria Galeano.

Congratulations, Samir and Victoria! At LALP we are proud of the work you are doing to transform the sustainable investment industry in the region. This collaboration perfectly exemplifies the possibilities that arise by participating in our Innovation and Leadership in Government (ILG) program and the power of the LALP alumni network in building collaborative partnerships that promote a positive multiplier impact in the Americas region.

About Zero Carbon & Co and PRISSMA:

Zero Carbon & Co, established in 2023, aims to address financing gaps in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region by focusing on the transition to green technologies and sustainable practices. With expertise spanning various areas, the company supports private sector entities in securing funding to reduce carbon footprints and unlocks innovative financing mechanisms for conservation, biodiversity, water and waste management, renewables, and green transition initiatives. By bridging the gap between donor and impact investor expectations and the limited capacity of beneficiaries to secure financial resources.

PRISSMA, headquartered in Washington D.C. with a regional office in Colombia, is a consulting and financial services firm that specializes in sustainability. The firm excels at mobilizing resources from green funds to back sustainable projects and clean technologies, offering comprehensive services in project structuring, financial viability assessment, and securing impact capital from both private and institutional sources. PRISSMA’s mission is to empower organizations globally to reach their sustainability and decarbonization objectives by providing strategic advisory services, innovative financial solutions, and the development of project frameworks that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

About Samir and Victoria: 

Samir Marinez is an accomplished Private Sector Development expert whose work has been pivotal in fostering the intersection of technology, innovation, and sustainability to address climate challenges across the Caribbean. His extensive experience with the Inter-American Development Bank involves structuring and managing green investments in sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystem-based solutions, and leading the Caribbean's blue and circular economy initiatives. Samir’s hands-on approach has supported the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems, aiding MSMEs in adopting new technologies and sustainable practices, and driving digital transformation in 13 Caribbean countries. His expertise in development finance, project management, and policy analysis has been instrumental in crafting strategies that boost competitiveness and innovation, with a deep commitment to tackling the urgent climate issues that face the region.

Victoria Galeano is a distinguished leader in sustainable finance with over 20 years of experience, known for her strategic acumen and innovative approach to developing ESG investment strategies and climate finance products. As the founder of PRISSMA and co-founder of REPOWERLAB, Victoria has been instrumental in guiding clients globally on sustainability and decarbonization strategies, project development, and capital raising needs. Her expertise extends to designing investment strategies for green funds and creating methodologies for ESG Private Equity Instruments, such as ESG Indexes and ETFs, which are pivotal in mobilizing capital markets towards clean-tech projects in emerging markets. Victoria's leadership roles, including Vice President of Sustainability at Acento Real Estate, highlight her ability to integrate sustainability into core business practices. She has also led the design, execution, and evaluation of projects financed by multilateral and regional development banks in renewable energy, climate change, and sustainability fields. Her academic credentials, including an MPA in Environmental Policy and Sustainability from Columbia University, complement her practical experience.