The Inter-American Development Bank secured the sustainability bond market initiative of the year award for its ground-breaking work developing the 'Amazonia Bond Issuance Guidelines' with the World Bank in June 2025.

The Latin American-focused development bank then doubled its award success through its application of these guidelines through a pioneering $100 million Amazonia social bond in November 2025.

An Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards 2026 judge praised IDB for taking an "innovative approach" to focus on the globally significant Amazon rainforest region, which is located across Brazil, Peru, Colombia and six other South American countries.

Another said the IDB should be "commended" for its social bond issued to "protect one of the planet's most vital ecosystems while empowering local communities".

The proceeds from this transaction are expected to target projects to curb deforestation, protect biodiversity and support local livelihoods and economic resilience in the Amazon region. The IDB has since raised a further AUD1 billion from a second Amazonia social bond in January 2026.

Leveraging existing sustainable bond standards, the Amazonia Bond guidelines outlined 22 different eligible use-of-proceeds across five different 'pillars' for the programme. Both the guidelines and debut issuance were praised for including a "unique" social use-of-proceeds category tied to cultural heritage preservation and state modernisation.