Pepe Weischer: Measuring Impact and Championing Sustainable Growth in the Amazon

Pepe Weischer combined his background in anthropology with his passion for sustainability, collaborating with Green Gold Forestry (GGF) to develop an impact measurement framework for the Peruvian Amazon. This initiative focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The experience took Pepe deep into one of the world’s most remote regions, where he met extraordinary people and gained insights into the interconnectedness of global challenges like climate change and local economic development. “This journey strengthened my commitment to impact research and the role localised projects can play in progressing the SDGs,” Pepe reflects.

Pepe was drawn to the Lab not only to contribute to GGF’s goals but also to participate in the Lab’s Masterclass Series. There, he learned from Oxford scholars, leaders at Google and the UN Global Compact, and fellow students with varied expertise. “The masterclasses showed us how different organisations measure and optimise impact,” he notes, explaining how the skills he gained helped him navigate his fieldwork. He was especially inspired by stories from past Fellows, which equipped him with a problem-solving mindset for challenges in the field.

In Peru, Pepe applied these learnings and adjusted his approach based on real-world complexities. He and his team created a survey to measure GGF’s economic impact, collaborating closely with GGF’s community relations team. However, some planned survey questions didn’t fit the local context, and schedules often shifted unexpectedly. “I realised that measuring impact requires flexibility and adapting to new challenges,” he shares. The experience reinforced Pepe’s understanding that impact measurement is both a science and an evolving art, demanding patience and responsiveness.

Working with GGF and indigenous communities was particularly rewarding for Pepe. “As an anthropology student, reading about cultures is one thing, but experiencing them firsthand is different,” he reflects. One memorable moment was a conversation with a community leader about the reciprocal relationship between people and trees, a powerful reminder of the depth of local knowledge. Additionally, GGF’s team, largely comprised of economists, welcomed Pepe’s perspective and enriched his understanding of quantitative impact measurement.

Pepe’s time in the Amazon underscored that even the remotest communities are not isolated from global issues. He came away with a strengthened belief in the vital role that private companies play in advancing the SDGs. As he looks to the future, Pepe is excited to apply his experience to a career in impact investment. “The Lab gave me the skills and confidence to pursue a meaningful career in sustainability,” he says, describing the programme as “Inspiring, Eye-opening, and Impactful.”