eco business Fund invests USD 10 million to strengthen sustainable aquaculture in Ecuador

Luxembourg and Guayaquil, March 10 2026 – The eco business Fund has expanded its long standing partnership with Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila S.A. (IPSP) in Ecuador, reinforcing the company’s transition toward more sustainable and energy efficient aquaculture operations. The renewed collaboration strengthens Santa Priscila’s ability to modernize production systems and reduce environmental impacts across its value chain.

IPSP has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainable growth, professionalizing operations and adopting best practice standards that set benchmarks for the industry. The company holds high-level certifications such as Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Global Seafood Alliance/Best Aquaculture Practices (GSA/BAP/SPS), and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). By complying with these certifications, IPSP commits to protect high carbon and high biodiversity areas, such as mangroves. 

The new USD 10 million senior loan is the first tranche of a financing package of up to USD 35 million that will advance the company’s plan to electrify portions of its shrimp farms, replacing diesel powered systems with electrical infrastructure and equipment. The primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in shrimp farming are the energy-intensive aeration and pumping systems, along with electricity generation from fuel. By supporting IPSP completing its transition to electricity supported by Ecuador’s 83% renewable energy grid, and supplemented by the company’s own solar energy, the electrification of shrimp farms is expected to significantly reduce life cycle emissions. 

In addition to environmental benefits, the project is expected to improve farm productivity. The Fund’s participation in the transaction delivers additionality by providing dedicated support to IPSP in furthering its practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. A key example is the Fund’s recent support for developing an articulated biodiversity strategy.
Since 2020, this transition has avoided the consumption of 3,114,778 liters of diesel, representing an average annual savings of 778,721 liters, equivalent to the yearly fuel consumption of approximately 455 passenger vehicles.

In climate terms, this translates into approximately 8,376 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided, demonstrating a sustained reduction in the operation’s energy intensity and positioning the company as a benchmark in energy efficiency and the transition toward more sustainable production models.
Complementary Technical Assistance has strengthened the company’s environmental and social management systems, biodiversity assessments, and long term sustainability strategy. Continued Advisory and Capacity Building engagement will support IPSP in scaling responsible aquaculture practices throughout its operations. 

The investment supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by contributing to resilient and sustainable food production; SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by fostering a transition to cleaner and more efficient energy sources; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through improved resource efficiency; SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing emissions through electrification; SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting sustainable aquaculture; SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening long term cooperation for sustainable development.


About Santa Priscila
Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila S.A. (IPSP) is the leading vertically integrated shrimp producer in Ecuador and a global benchmark in the sector, with operations spanning hatcheries, shrimp farming, feed production, processing, and international commercialization. The Company manages approximately 20,000 hectares organized in operational clusters and supplies premium shrimp products to several markets, including the United States, the broader Americas, Europe, and Asia. Santa Priscila is internationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability, holding certifications such as ASC, BAP, MSC Chain of Custody, and Punto Verde. Through continuous investment in technology, energy efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and social responsibility, IPSP has positioned itself as a benchmark for responsible aquaculture and long-term value creation in the global seafood industry.
 

About the eco business Fund 
The eco business Fund promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable value chains in Latin America and Africa by providing debt financing for businesses in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism. The fund investments can be complemented with advisory and capacity building from a separate facility. eco business was created in 2015 by Germany's KfW Development Bank, Conservation International and Finance in Motion. The fund counts with first loss capital from BMZ, the European Union and the UK-DEFRA.  

About Finance in Motion  
Finance in Motion is a global impact asset manager focused exclusively on sustainable development in emerging markets and developing economies. The company structures, manages, and advises impact investment funds that bring together public and private investors to address climate change, strengthen biodiversity conservation, foster the sustainable use of natural resources, improve livelihoods, and promote economic opportunities.  

Article originally published on the eco.Business Fund website, which receives support from the European Union through LACIF.