Episodes
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Today, I’m joined by Jamie Lawrence, Co-Founder of Xilva. In this conversation, Jamie describes the project evaluation process taken by Xilva, which evaluates nature-based solutions projects for numerous capital providers, from investors to corporates and donors. Jamie describes the six categories of Xilva’s Due Diligence Framework and explains the reasoning for interconnecting these in an assessment. After evaluating more than 300 projects, he explains the three common mistakes project developers make when preparing for funding. He also stresses the merits of the promising projects that cross the Xilva desk. We talk more about the importance of a good strategy on the side of the capital provider to prevent a project from stalling due to misalignment in internal processes.
QuoteAssets like forestry are perhaps one of society’s most undervalued assets. We will value those forests for specific assets like timber when they are providing so much more. They could be in a water catchment area, they provide the very air that we breathe, biodiversity, culture, it is a given.
Important linksXilva
Xilva on LinkedIn
Jamie Lawrence in LinkedIn
Favourite tree: Cork tree (Quercus suber)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details01:13
Background of Xilva & Jamie
03:19
Silva;s services in nature-based solutions space
05:09
Profiles of clients - capital providers
06:49
How do you find projects?
08:06
Screening strategy for projects
10:27
Due diligence to support clients - six categories of framework
16:24
Clients bring own criteria
17:50
External collaborations or expertise, leverage global assets
20:44
Types of projects
21:52
What makes a strong project - and which issues exist in practice/ignored factors
24:50
Communication on the ground, challenges, & risk management
30:11
Strengths in projects, makes projects shine
32:27
Reasons for projects getting stuck
37:14
Effect of voluntary and carbon markets on supply and demand of nature-based solutions. Difference in perceptions in different markets (Global North/Global South)
41:59
Next for Silva
44:43
Actionable advice
47:08
Contact details
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Today I’m joined by Jasper Renk, Senior Investment Manager for Illiquid Assets in Natural Capital at MEAG. In this advice-packed episode, Jasper shares MEAG’s 15-year experience in investing in Timberland. He explains the most critical determining factors in deciding MEAG’s forest investment jurisdictions and describes how the organisation is well equipped to address climate risks, sitting on 140 years of climate data. Jasper shares his thoughts on how to house your forest investment and sheds light on why forest investment isn’t the most suitable for debt instruments. We talk about sustainability and how it is a core tenant of how they invest, emphasising that prioritising sustainability reduces risk and secures return expectations.
QuoteSo what I'm getting at is that for us to retain the environmental functions and to retain a functioning ecosystem, that then. in turn, provides a renewable resource such as roundwood to the market – to retain that even in changing climates. It's not something that we must balance against return, but that ensures that in 10,20, 50, 100 years, we will still be able to provide that resource to the market. This is kind of the difference maybe in our thinking as opposed to some other market participants.Essentially, it goes hand in hand.Important linksMEAG
MEAG on LinkedIn
Jasper Renk on LinkedIn
Favourite trees: Spruce
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details01:02
Background to MEAG & Jasper
04:06
Decision to move into timberland investments
05:11
MEAG's perception of timberland allocation performance
07:58
Shift in how assets are housed in portfolio
10:51
Learning curve for institutional investor
12:52
Risk-reduced way to gain exposure
13:44
Best instrument to get started (and trajectory)
16:33
Risk return profile of MEAG
19:22
Operational side of owned forest assets
22:57
Functioning transactional market
24:38
Investment vehicles, e,g. debt instruments
27:45
Sustainability
32:00
Sustainability objectives
34:28
Beneficiaries stand on sustainability
39:08
Actionable advice
39:50
Contact details
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Missing episodes?
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In this week's episode, I speak with Bettina Von Hagen, CEO, Co-Founder and Board Chair of EFM. In this conversation we talk about the unique characteristics of Pacific Northwest forests that make this region rich in opportunity for both commercial timber and an array of impact benefits. Bettina goes deep explaining some of the complex ecosystem functions at play in these forests, from migrating salmon to mycorrhizal fungi and the commercial attractiveness of most Pacific Northwest tree species. She describes the 5 R's that EFM applies to their forest management: Rotations, Retention, Reserves, Restoration and Relationships, discusses the carbon market opportunity, provides tips and tricks for making impact forestry operational, and how important active wildfire management strategies are in some of the regions EFM operates.
QuoteIf you are serious about climate change, forests should be part of your portfolio. Forests - and other natural ecosystems are the way, are the important mechanism for accomplishing our climate goals over the next decade.Important linksEcotrust Forest Management (EFM)
Bettina von Hagen on LinkedIn
Favourite trees: Western redcedar (Thuja plicata), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details02:27
Introduction to EFM
07:32
EMF and impact investing
09:26
5 R's of forest management: rotation, retention, reserves, restoration, relationships
14:23
Relationships with communities
16:41
Uptake of this change in silviculture approach
19:19
Others following in EMF's footsteps
22:30
How EMF monetise benefits other than carbon credits
25:33
Carry in funds structure
27:45
Investor sentiments towards forest impact strategies, and impact metrics (besides carbon)
31:43
Fire as part of natural ecosystem
33:22
Gender diversity and equality in the forestry industry, and difference in approaches
40:05
Next for EMF
41:43
Markets for ecosystem services is still very small
44:47
Actionable advice
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Today, Paul Hol, CEO of Form International and Co-Founder of Treevive, joins me for a conversation. He shares insights from his journey in forest investment within emerging markets, along with the lessons he has learned. Paul also introduces Treevive, a funding vehicle dedicated to providing feasibility funds for successful projects. These funds support activities such as early stage feasibility assessments, preparing for carbon and forest management certification, and strengthening proponents' ESG systems. Additionally, he outlines the three main stages of development: feasibility (supported by Treevive), operational progress, and the final phase of raising equity.
QuoteUse ESG experts who can help you with the right decision on the impacts, because we are really talking about impact investors, where it is always seeking that balance between impact and return of investments. Important linksForm International
Treevive
Paul Hol on LinkedIn
Favourite tree: Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details02:22
Introduction to Paul's experience in emerging markets and an overview of Treevive
06:16
Criteria for project selection and current portfolio
08:11
Description of typical project and timeframe, Treevive's level of involvement
10:33
Insights into the biggest risks (flagged during assessment)
13:46
Types of developers on the ground - how Treevive works with them
16:16
Working with NGOs and corporations of farmers
18:30
Engagement structurally and financially
20:22
Main objectives and success metrics
22:55
Distinction between Form International and Treevive & Investor profile
24:25
Expectation on ROI & commercial position
25:29
Framework that attracts new investors (includes sustainability assessment, certification etc)
26:46
Three phases of funding: feasibility, operations, raise equity
29:00
Investor portfolio in second phase
30:05
Pre-credit sales opportunity, but with caveats
31:28
Actionable advice
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Today marks the first episode of 2025! I thought we'd start the year with a highlight reel of advice that Forest Invest guests have provided to new investors. If you've been listening for a while, you will know that I always ask my guests this question: “If you could give one piece of actionable advice to investors – new to the forestry asset class – that would help them decide if and how to invest, what would it be?”
So tune in now for some great responses, representing 10 of the past 29 episodes.
GuestsSteve Novacavic | CAIA
Andrea Braun | Unique Forest Investments
Asger Olesen & Herbert Yancey | International Woodland Company
Aleksandra Holmlund | Quarlbo NAC
Dr. Colin Smith | Paperbark Consulting
MaryKate Bullen & Juan Pablo Lankenau | Forest Investment Associates
Peter D'Anieri | Sewell Forestry
Tony Simons | Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
Martin Berg & James Bullen | Climate Asset Management
Luis Neves Silva & Andrew Heald | iNovaland
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
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Ambient Documentary/Sound Guru/Pixabay
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Show notes
Today, Luís Neves Silva, CEO and Andrew Heald, COO of iNovaland, join me. They developed a forest landscape restoration project with a unique approach. In this conversation, Luís and Andrew tell me how they met through the New Generation Plantations platform and wanted to transform the insights shared through this group into one of implementation on the ground. Their forest landscape restoration model came from their experience in the forest sector and strong networks in the project areas. Andrew and Luis describe their cornerstone projects in Brazil and Ghana, give insights into why they are different, and urge investors to think about risk and value in other ways to achieve real forest resilience and a more sustainable economic model.
QuotesIf we have the people living in the landscape as our key stewards of our programmes, then our projects, they are robust and resilient. We would like to think that our forests there will mature, storing a lot of carbon, being rich in biodiversity, and contributing to the wealth of the people living in that landscape. - LuísIn a rapidly changing climate, any investor needs to be - and looking at nature-based solutions or growing timber or food - you need to be comfortable with that level of risk and understadn how your investment and actions can reduce that risk and increase value. - AndrewImportant linksiNovaland
Andrew Heald LinkedIn
Luís Neves Silva
Favourite trees: Cork (Quercus suber), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details01:20
Luís professional background
02:18
Andrew's professional background
04:20
How is iNovaland different?
06:23
iNovaland's evolution, growth, structure & projects
09:47
Services - project developer
13:28
Brazil project
17:12
Ghana project
19:07
Desired outcomes
20:30
Investor profile - interested in broader outcomes, incl. social, biodiversity, carbon
22:00
Project focus - forest restoration
23:05
Resilience of investment/landscapes
24:00
Progression of cycles - added dimensions
27:19
Ability to attract new investors - local communities central to development of projects
30.13
Ecosystems service systems tied to projects
31:18
Complexity in levels of engagement with stakeholders in both programmes
33:16
Future of iNovaland
34:43
Replication of projects
36:32
Advice
39:30
Contact details
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Show notes
In today's conversation, I'm delighted to be joined by David Brand, Executive Chair of New Forests and Independent Chair of the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition. In this chat, we discuss New Forests' incredible growth story and the vision that the company has been able to hold on to since its humble beginnings in 2005. We discuss David's advocacy work for forest investment, and in addition to outlining what inspires him about the sector, he shares what most frustrates him. David also introduces the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition, why it was created, and how its members work towards systemic change in the forest sector amidst the world's biggest circular bioeconomy, climate, and nature opportunity.
QuotesBeing sustainable could deliver higher returns.There are tremendous opportunities here in terms of long-term sustainable, commodity markets, arrising bio-economy opportunity, where we can effectively substitute anything made out of fossil fuels with a tree.Important linksNew Forests
International Sustainable Forestry Coalition (ISFC)
Forest Climate Solutions Fund
Favourite trees: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Eucalyptus
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details03:48
History and growth of New Forests as a company and focus on sustainability
10:18
Landscape and forest fund
11:41
External shareholders/investors - including Mitsui investors (2016) and Nomura - the transition/growth of the company
15:40
Impact - the sustainability aspect remains the driving force with new leadership
16:42
Successes of New Forests - "never compromised our vision"
18:49
Advocacy & international commitments
20:09
Future opportunities/partnerships
22:32
Frustrations re. forest investment sector
24:26
International Sustainable Forestry Coalition (ISFC) - nature-positive capital/assets & long-term ROI
28:03
Next for ISFC - circular bio-economy transition
29:44
Advice
30:10
Contact details
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Show notes
Today, I’m joined by Romain Fau, CEO and Co-Founder of Kanop, a climate tech firm supporting its clients with remote sensing data provision, analysis, validation, and so much more. In our conversation, Romain shares why he entered the climate space and Kanop’s journey to date. We explore the general upswing in climate and nature tech and provide listeners with tips for engaging with the right service providers for their needs. We also look at the specific use case for Kanop’s support with the VM0047 methodology.
QuoteI would encourage a potential investor to look at the resilience of the project. Climate change has a big impact on nature, unfortunatley. And, we need to ensure what we do, where we invest, will remain here for long. Important linksKanop
Romain Fau (LinkedIn)
Email: [email protected]
Favourite tree: Quercus alba (White oak)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details01:19
Romain's professional background and overview of Kanop
03:51
Evolvement of services
06:23
Evaluation re. feasibility of project
07:20
Client profile
08:34
Climate & nature tech industry
11:41
Open-source resources
14:57
Provider right fit for needs
17:33
Kanop's strategy for nature-based projects
18:37
VM0047 methodology & voluntary carbon market & remote sensing data
21:48
Data unavailable or unusable - AI needs fewer data points
24:08
AI limitations - garbage in, garbage out, black-box effect, & improvements
27:00
Next for Kanop, e.g., supply chain monitoring, biodiversity
29:31
Advice
30:35
Contact details
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Show notes
Join me today, where I speak with Martin Berg, CEO, and James Bullen, Head of forest investment at Climate Asset Management (CAM). In this conversation, Martin explains how this young asset management firm has reached a significant goal across three investment strategies, with objectives ranging from timber-driven financial returns in developed markets to high-quality carbon-credit-driven returns in developing markets. We learn about how CAM is different, where their impact focus often is a deciding factor in asset eligibility to their strategy. If you’re curious how they’re, listen to James explain three concrete examples of assets they’ve invested in across these different strategies.
QuotesMartin
Forestry is always the first step of natural capital that investors get their head around. What we find is that it takes a long time for these investors to find the right place where they house this, so where does it sit, what allocation should we use in order to finance this, what is the risk profile? It is a relatively low risk asset class, you learn a lot by actually doing it.James
In terms of forestry, it is a limited resource, it is sustainable and our demand for timber and also the co-benefits that forestry bring are just going to increase. The high-quality, well-managed forests are always going to be valuable. Important linksClimate Asset Management (CMA): https://climateassetmanagement.com/
Restore Africa Project: https://www.evergreening.org/restoreafrica/
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details01:12
James Bullen's and Martin Berg's professional background
03:14
Climate Asset Management (CMA) & climate themes/assets
07:06
Corporate players
08:05
The evolvement of investment strategy
09:35
One billion in commitments - two strategies: natural capital & nature-based carbon
11:01
Natural capital fund - investment assets
13:48
Investors
14:12
Carbon credits & impact objectives
17:24
Investment requirements - institutional, corporate vehicles
18:24
Diverse portfolio
19:59
Mitigation banking, reforestation, biodiversity credits
21:41
Asset characteristics & flexibility in opportunities in asset classes
26:53
Examples of why some assets do not fit into strategy
28:31
The challenge to originate pipeline for deals
29:55
Target for agriculture exposure vs. forestry
31:41
Challenge of emerging markets, generating investment interest
34:02
Carbon projects, timber components, greenfield establishment of forests in emerging markets
35:27
Concrete examples of strategies - agricultural, forestry, biodiversity/regenerative/carbon credits
38:51
Restore Africa project
04:21
Land management and environmental impact
41:59
Advice
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Show notes
Join me today, where I speak to Tony Simons, Senior Fellow of UNCCD G20 Initiative and CIFOR/ICRAF. His wealth of experience shines through in this conversation, where he describes the Managalas project, in Papua New Guinea, a country with more than 90% forest cover where 97% of the land is community held. The project truly connects how conservation meets community needs. Though carbon is a piece of the puzzle, Tony explains how valuing such a project on carbon alone is a false representation of the value these forests deliver. We discuss the financing mechanism and multi-stakeholder involvement behind this project and much more.
QuotesAnd so the big problem for forest conservation is that forests and forest protection has been equated to carbon and it's so wrong. I mean, we would not allow it or stand for it in any other sector or domain.We want the benefits from forestry at a local level for the communities at a national level in terms of sovereignty and responsibility and at a global level. And we've just hidden those benefits from humanity. And if we really value forests and we think, well, you know, forests were these things created 380 million years ago when CO2 was 4000 parts per million, 10 times what it is today. And it brought down the world's temperature by 10 degrees. Important linksTony Simons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-simons-359b09b/
Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF): https://www.cifor-icraf.org/
Global Canopy: https://globalcanopy.org/
The Managalas Project: https://themanagalasproject.com/
Favourite trees: Guaiacum sanctum, Mangifera indica (mango tree), Quercus robur (oak tree)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich from The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas from Unscripted Creatives
Details02:03
Overview - Tony's background
05:30
Greenwashing evolution
12:56
Papua New Guinea Managalas Project
17:50
Financial stakeholders - approvers, enablers, and implementers
22:38
Fungible value and non-fungible aspects of the project
27:08
Rules of engagement - corporations and communities
33:31
Local community trust - carbon markets - partners/funders - revenue stream
38:19
What's in it for corporates funding the project?
43:00
Key successes of the project & lessons shared
45:49
Importance of land use planning & management
49:00
Actionable forestry investment advice
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Show notes
Join me today as Peter D’Anieri of Sewall Forestry walks us through their 2024 Forest Investors Survey results. We discuss discount rates across different US forest investment jurisdictions and beyond to more than 40 other geographic/market-oriented regions. We also talk about the contemporary topics of climate and carbon, interest rates, and much more. This is a must-listen episode if you want to get up to speed quickly on investor sentiment across the asset class.
QuoteRecognise that as an investment force, forests are unique because they're a growing asset whose investment attributes are relatively unrelated to, to all other asset classes that people conventionally invest in. Forests are a moderate return risk efficient asset when looked at from an investment perspective, and therefore they deserve to be treated like a core asset in a portfolio.Important linksSewell Forestry: https://www.sewallforestry.com/
Favourite tree: Acer saccharum (sugar maple)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich from The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas from Unscripted Creatives
Details01:41
Background to Sewell and Peter
03:37
Investment trends in 2024, e.g., discount rates
05:57
Discount rate required for traditional timberland in the US
06:59
Major US regions and regional discount rate differential
10:27
Factors that can impact discount rates, including carbon agreements
12:07
Carbon agreements objectives
13:20
The difference in ESG definitions and questioning on the survey
17:07
Results re. ESG, sustainability and returns
17:57
Impact forestry investment themes
18:46
Surprises in results
20:48
Climate change risks - concerns from respondents & adjustments
23:19
Rising interest rate environment
26:17
Other jurisdictions - appetite for forest investment
27:27
Expansions - Australia, Chile, US
29:08
Compressions?
31:27
Generalisations re. how do these regions compare to the base US discount rate?
34:24
Question on the survey: do carbon projects reduce the incentives for traditional forestry?
35:39
Actionable advice
36:44
Contact details
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In this week’s episode, I speak with Domenico Iannidinardo, CEO of Strategic Natural Resource Consultants. In this conversation, Domenico and I reminisce about our shared history in a natural resource dependent town and how things have come to change (for the better) with respect to recognition of Indigenous Rights. We talk about how Strategic’s recently new ownership model, majority owned by the Ehattesaht First Nation is giving rise to Indigenous leadership in decision-making, integrating First Nations values in how the business is run and opening up new business opportunities for Strategic.
"Our Indigenous stakeholders know as much as anyone about perseverance and sustainability; they are the descendants of rich and respected cultures that know how to integrate strategy and vision into everyday decisions. And it takes time."
Produced byHost: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
Important linksStrategic Natural Resource Consultants Inc (SNRC): https://snrc.ca/
Favourite tree: Yellow cedar
Details02:19
Domenico's background
05:08
Overview of Strategic Natural Resource Consultants
07:48
How to integrate Indigenous involvement and advocacy
10:19
First Nations included at the highest strategic levels
11:53
Cultural awareness and training
12:35
Measure cultural line as a corporation
13:31
Board composition
15:40
Chief Simon John on native ownership and strategic decision-making
17:22
Indigenous leadership model
18:55
Expansion moving forward
21:23
Actionable advice
22:05
Contact details
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In today’s conversation, I’m joined by MaryKate Bullen and Juan Pablo Lankenau of Forest Investment Associates. We discuss FIA’s journey and how the organization’s investing and forest management approach have evolved over the years. Where ensuring sustainable forest management and fiduciary duty remain paramount – the company is finding new ways to bring climate and nature objectives ‘to the front seat’ in what they do. We talk about the mindset shift behind this evolution and the opportunities that are emerging.
Quote
Juan Pablo: "This is a very active asset class that requires hands-on work. Our products, which are seedlings, logs, and fertilizer, are very physical, clunky, heavy, and expensive to transport, right? So, making sure to understand all of those dynamics and how they exist in the real world is critical for any newcomer who is thinking about investing in our asset class."
MaryKate: "Don't lose sight through the complexity and confusion and the headlines of the real potential that exists with those real assets"
Show notesHost: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
Important linksForest Investment Associates (FIA): https://www.forestinvest.com/
Favourite trees: California Redwood & Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle)
Register for the Theory of Change Webinar: Theory of Change Webinar
Details03:04
FIA's investment and forest management philosophy
06:13
FIA's business culture
08:05
FIA's geographical expansion and approach
14:29
Impact forestry investment - what is it?
18:48
Aspects of driving the mind-shift towards ESG & responsible investment
23:21
Forestry and climate change challenge/Sustainable forest management
28:35
Biases (Juan Pablo)
32:35
Change in approach to due diligence and supply chain
42:33
Biases (MaryKate)
45:00
Success stories
47:39
Future of FIA
50:37
Demystify forestry investment
51:44
Actionable advice
54:33
Contact details
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In today's conversation, I chat with Peter Kristensen, Director, Head of Biomass Sustainability at the Danish energy company, Ørsted. Peter describes Ørsted's transition plan and how they are using nature-based solutions to abate their remaining emissions (only 2%!) after executing their ambitious Science-based targets emission reduction plan. In this conversation, we discuss why Ørsted has targeted the global south for their NbS project development, why they do everything in-house and explains some of the great projects they are supporting. Lots of boots on the ground lessons from this chat!
Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer: Magdalena LaasQuotes19:05
"One thing is sure: if you don't have local partners who are really committed, have the knowledge, and so on, then it is a no-go."
27:29
"I would encourage people to ensure the financing that they need before they start knocking on doors. Otherwise, we'll jeopardise this whole carbon market project; I don't think anyone will benefit."
Important LinksPeter Kristensen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-k-kristensen-gcb-d-106a32/
Ørsted: https://orsted.com/
Favourite trees: Oak and Scots Pine
Details00:58
Intro to Ørsted
02:55
Ørsted's nature-based solutions - science-based targets (reduce emissions) & carbon projects
04:24
Why Global South
05:32
Projects
09:51
Design and execution standards
11:22
Internal and external contributors
13:01
Local community participation, agreement, and remuneration
15:04
Using, selling. retiring carbon credits
16:33
Run daily business and operations (system evaluation)
18:01
Learning curve with each project
19:57
Evaluate a local partner
21:00
Government support/legislation
21:47
Exit strategy
24:00
Extra benefits - education
24:40
Next steps (target of 2%)
26:26
Must ensure financing - actionable advice
29.27
Contact details
Sound LibraryNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In today's episode we dig into all things technical site evaluation with Dr. Colin Smith of Paperbark Consulting. Colin is an expert soil scientist, and today he shares his vast experience in plantation forestry, giving insights that will support investors (and forest managers for that matter) with what considerations should be made and questions should be asked when evaluating several technical plantation management factors. We talk about where certain tree species do best and get into specifics on soil, water, climate, the importance of research, ecological deserts and more.
Quotes:4:16
"The most dangerous thing in a forestry investment plan is a spreadsheet"
43:37
"Make sure they get a good independent opinion about what they're up to. In some cases, consultants try to make projects look good to attract investment, and I think there is a big danger in that; not to be seen as a wet blanket, but I think people need a realistic appraisal."
Show notes:Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
Important links:Dr. Colin Smith's email: [email protected]
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/colin-smith-900b051a
Favourite trees: Acacia Sieberiana and Eucalyptus deglupta
The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF): CIFOR
Theory of Change Webinar: Theory of Change Webinar
Details:00:44
Professional background and focus of work (Paperbark Consultancy)
04:09
The complicated process of forest management
05:54
Interesting assignments (real stories)
09:05
Macro-level technical considerations when investing in forestry
13:08
Micro-level technical considerations
15:41
Issues with native species
17:56
Dispell myths around Eucalyptus, specifically water usage
23:30
Irrigation of plantations
30:59
Climate change & species matching
36:25
Invest in research and technical expertise
39:03
Info on sustainability studies - eucalyptus & PH levels of soil (CIFOR)
43:36
Actionable advice for forestry investors
44:46
Contact details
Sound Library:Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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As there are no widely accepted definitions in the lexicon that makes up responsible investing, semantics are important. This is because how you define terms like ESG, sustainable and impact investing as they relate to forest investments will have different implications - it could be in the types of forests you invest, the geographies of your investment, the end markets, return expectations and so on. In this episode, I take you through the definitions of these terms that I apply in my work and provide you some examples to make sense of it. I argue that its not the definition per se that matters, only that everyone in your organization shares the same definition and that you apply it credibly and consistently. I explain why an integrated approach to ESG, sustainable and impact investing will put your forest investments in the best position to succeed.
"Integrating these three features is the best way to future-proof your forest investments for financial performance and long-term social and environmental benefit."
Show notes:
Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
Important links:
Webinar: Theory of Change Webinar (subscribepage.io)
Favourite tree: Arbutus menziesii - Wikipedia
Details:
02:47ESG investing
05:01Sustainable investing
07:02Impact investing
11:09Integrated approach
14:12How to apply an integrated approach
15:15Webinar
15:37Actionable advice for forest investors
Sound Library:
Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join me today as I speak with Anthony Traina, Co-Founder of Tropical American Timber, a value-added producer and distributor of tropical hardwoods. We talk about lesser-known species as well as household names in tropical hardwoods. We discuss sustainability and trust—two key factors in determining where Anthony has sourced his wood to date and where he is looking to expand in the future. We also discuss the conundrum of certification relating to market demand and administrative and cost burden.
"Really look at the people on the ground and talk to them and get to know them to build that trust to see where the investments are going and being directed and that the projects are coming along as talked about. How are the communities interacting with the project?"
Show notes:
Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
Important links:
Tropical American Timber: https://tropicalamericantimber.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-traina-974b2753/
Details:
01:43
Overview of Anthony's professional journey
05:19
Species of trees sourced and markets
09:26
Where timber/trees/wood is sourced from
12:39
Legal requirements for importing tropical hardwood
18:52
Interesting anecdote of Martin Guitar company requiring a single tree
20:10
Certification, sustainable harvesting, and forest investor (asset) requirements
25:47
Source countries in South America
27:50
Quality of product, sustainability, trust, and marketability
29:47
Business challenges
30:35
Main buyers
32:10
Actionable advice for forest investors
Sound Library:
Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join me today in the second of a two-part series, as I speak with Anne Valto, Senior Development Impact Advisor at Finnfund - the Finnish Development Finance Institution. In our conversation, Anne describes how Finnfund evaluates impact in deal due diligence. She explains how often their investees are not initially well capacitated to manage for impact, and how they are supporting to resolve this. We talk about why Finnfund normally does not invest into 3rd party managed, forest asset only models, finding the balance between impact and financial objectives and impact permanence at exit. If you haven’t listened to the first episode, please go back and listen to my conversation with Peter Chappell on breaking down risks in emerging markets.
“In forestry and in biodiversity, as in most impact indicators, the high risk usually means that there are more opportunities to gain as well.”
Show notes:Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
Details
03:39
Impact evaluation in deal due diligence and the 5 dimensions of impact
05:00
Development Effectiveness Assessment Tool
06:21
How Finnfund goes beyond IFS PS to evaluate net biodiversity gain
07:51
How Finnfund supports traditional timberland managers to integrate impact
11:38
Biodiversity trainings for investees
11:52
Biodiversity pilot with MLR in Nicaragua
13:20
Sustainability capacity within Finnfund investee companies
14:29
Why Finnfund normally does not invest into 3rd party managed, forest asset only models
16:50
Finding the balance between impact and financial objectives
19:19
Does targeting impact mean forgoing returns?
23:40
Low hanging fruit for impact creation in forest investments
26:01
Impact permanence at exit
30:11
Actionable advice for investors new to the asset class
Significant quotes:[5:50] In forestry and in biodiversity, as in most impact indicators, the high risk usually means that there are more opportunities to gain as well.
[17:42] So that's our role, taking more risks than, than a commercial investor would be willing to, to take.
[25:02] It's often that you actually don't need to do that much to give a little bit of push for regeneration and restoration. In the environments where we operate, the more challenging part is then to also keep people out.
[28:01] So if we would totally lose the impact for big money as an impact investor, I think that would be quite a red flag for us.
Links mentioned:Finnfund: https://www.finnfund.fi/en/
MLR Forestal: https://mlr.com.ni/
Sound Library:
Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join me today in the first of a two-part series, as I speak with Peter Chappell, Investment Manager at Finnfund - the Finnish Development Finance Institution which, like the country, has a long history of investing in forests. In our conversation, Peter explains why Finnfund’s mandate is for greenfield investments, and why financial viability is one of their primary impact criteria. We discuss the risks in the emerging markets where Finnfund invests, compared to those in timberland core markets. We discuss how to evaluate risk and the merits of forest investment in emerging markets, and talk about why its important to go in with an experienced partner. Next week, be sure to tune in, where we discuss the impact-side of Finnfund’s forest investment approach with Anne Valto.
“But actually, our thesis is quite strong that ultimately the realisation of these positive impacts can only be sustained through financially viable, financially sustainable, you know, long term, successful businesses.”
Show notes:Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
Details
01:36
Introduction to Finnfund and their approach to forest investment
04:54
Financial instruments used by Finnfund in forest investment
07:02
Timberland in core versus emerging markets
11:03
Real vs perceived risk
13:33
Greenfield vs brownfield
16:27
Tips for investors considering emerging markets for the first time
19:51
Red flags to look out for in emerging market deal evaluation
22:16
Impact in emerging markets vs core markets
27:53
Challenges leading to emerging market track record
30:46
Other benefits of emerging market forest investment
Significant quotes:[14:48] "One of the issues we have as a DFI is that actually a pure brown field operation doesn't actually fit our mandate because we need to ensure we're making impact."
[21:10] "Generally speaking, execution risks are the big risks."
[25:32] "But actually, our thesis is quite strong that ultimately the realisation of these positive impacts can only be sustained through financially viable, financially sustainable, you know, long term, successful businesses."
Links mentioned:Finnfund: https://www.finnfund.fi/en/Sound Library:
Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join me today as I speak with Aleksandra Holmlund, CEO of Qarlbo Biodiversity for a glimpse into the biodiversity crediting mechanism she has championed in Sweden. In this conversation we explore the biodiversity finance mechanism developed in cooperation with the Swedish University of Agriculture that focuses on production forest landscapes. In a nutshell, the mechanism works from a baseline of business as usual forestry and attributes any net gains in biodiversity to come from conservation, restoration or diversification of forest management activities. In addition to the mechanics, we discuss the sentiments of key participants in making this biodiversity credit transaction work – the forest owner and the credit buyer. Tune in to learn more about this very pragmatic approach to biodiversity finance in production forests and see if you can learn a thing or two to apply in your own forest investments.
Show notes:Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/
01:26 Introduction to Alexandra and her background
03:06 Mechanism for biodiversity credit system in production forestry in Sweden
06:20 Example of integration of timber management and biodiversity management
08:50 Proportion of land dedicated to each (specific property owner)
10:12 Carbon credits in Sweden
11:51 Effect of policy changes and legislation on biodiversity offsets and markets
14:16 Buyer’s motivation of obtaining biodiversity credits (specific example)
17:05 Local or global market opportunities?
19:04 MRV process for conservation, restoration and diversification & target setting
22:24 Market price for biodiversity & loss of harvesting income
23:22 Interest from forest owners in biodiversity pilot project
24:15 Funding?
25:06 Duration of commitment by forestry owner (20+ years)
25:48 Mitigate risk of forestry owner quitting project
26:52 Development of biodiversity certification – Swedish Biodiversity Alliance
29:10 Methodology applicable in another jurisdiction
31:30 Data collection methods & fine-tuning metrics
34:26 Actionable advice for investors
Significant quotes:[10:49] At this early stage, where we are in the development of the biodiversity credit market, I’d say it is better to keep carbon and biodiversity apart just to be on the safe side, not to trigger any unwanted consequences such as greenwashing critique.
[15:44] A transparent market will allow private funding of biodiversity and enable forest owners to engage in more nature conservation and restoration than we would have had if only taxpayers’ money was paying for everything.
Links mentioned:Qarlbo Biodiversity: https://www.qarlbonac.com/
Portfolio: https://www.aleksandraholmlund.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-holmlund-5b04101/
Sound Library:
Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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