Episodit
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Today, I’m joined by Craig MacKenzie, Senior Lecturer in Nature Finance at the University of Edinburgh Business School. Over Craig’s career, he has worked in asset management and transitioned to academia. He also advises several public bodies on land use change. From this vantage point, Craig shares his insights on the opportunities and challenges for scaling UK Carbon Forestry, where a significant roadblock is attracting institutional investors. We talk about the massive reduction in forest cover that has taken place in the UK over the centuries, and how the UK’s commitment to net zero is starting to reverse this trend. Despite the primarily well-received Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) and other favourable policies, the economics still don’t stack up to meet investors’ return requirements when compared to the risks associated with carbon credit price volatility and the long horizons for generating credits in the UK. But things are changing. Tune in to find out what’s in the pipeline for the sector that may make UK carbon forestry much more attractive to institutional investors, and support turning the UK’s net-zero ambitions into reality.
QuoteThe biggest challenge for investors in the UK, in particular, is finding the bandwidth to do the due diligence on the UK kind of situation. So, the actionable advice is, can we find ways to pool the research question so that it isn't every single pension fund having to repeat the same amount of work, the same body of work?Can we create a data room for UK carbon forestry for our big pension funds, so that we can make it easy for the due diligence to happen?I'm quite excited about the potential for UK carbon forestry to move from being uninvestable to being attractive. But it would be tragic if we do that, but then nobody turns up because they just haven't been able to do the work.
Useful resourcesCraig Mackenzie on LinkedIn
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
UK Woodland Carbon Code
Scottish Land Commission
University of Edinburgh Business School
Peatland
Beach tree (Fagus sylvatica)
Time stamps01:26
Craig’s background
03:13
What encompasses UK carbon forestry
06:38
Woodland carbon code
07:43
UK forest cover
10:57
Opportunities to diversify/overlap land use (mostly segregated)
14:33
Invest in UK carbon forestry
18:34
Benefits/subsidies
21:01
Capital providers
26:08
Changes needed to attract more institutional private funding/investment
32:51
Carbon credits insurance products
34:23
Woodland Code UK – insurance
35:56
Biodiversity net gain legislation
41:17
Actionable advise
42:57
Contact details
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
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Today, I speak with Jessica Smith, Head of Nature at UNEP Finance Initiative, about the growing private sector interest in nature finance. She highlights the need for a common taxonomy to reduce investment hesitancy and notes that timberland remains a key nature-positive option for institutional investors. We explore the investment gap between the Global North and South, strategies for stakeholder engagement in areas with unclear tenure rights, and how to phase capital across a project’s life cycle. Jessica concludes with a strong call to eliminate deforestation from investment portfolios.
Important links:Finance for Nature Positive paper
PRB Sector guidance for forestry, agriculture, and mining
Short article on this guidance
Finance roadmap
Cali Card Report
Managing biodiversity risk exposure?
Do investors care about biodiversity?
UNEP Finance Initiative
Jessica Smith on LinkedIn
Favorite tree: Eucalyptus
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details01:04
Jessica’s background and work
03:04
Key lessons for nature from global events
05:18
Finance for nature positive
09:04
Principles for responsible banking specter action guidance for agricultural, forestry, mining sectors
11:12
How to get private investment in nature-based assets
15:31
Strategies to be nature positive in timber-focus investment
21:54
What should asset managers look out for? Red flags
27:44
Importance of data collection
32:34
Blended finance
36:12
Attract impact capital & investors as ecosystems in themselves
38:53
Nature on climate COP agenda 2025 – eliminate deforestation, invest in nature positive solution
40:20
Actionable advice
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Today I’m joined by Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs at the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries & The European Organisation of Sawmill Industry AND author of a recent book, Timber! How wood can save the world from climate breakdown. In our conversation, Paul digs into the details surrounding the climate benefit of building with wood. We compare the carbon footprints of wood, concrete and steel (did you know that concrete is responsible for 8% of global emissions)! We talk about the cost savings of using wood in the built environment. We explain that despite the financial and climate merits, and supportive regulatory environment – the building sector still suffers from convention and doing things the way they’ve always been done. We discuss the importance of circularity in using wood in construction, and finally – how investors can support the whole value chain for enhanced climate and financial benefit.
QuoteAnd the interesting emerging area here for the investor is, while there have been some carbon credit available for a considerable time in relation to carbon stored in the forest, generated by new planting, there will also be carbon credits come in, which will go with the carbon stored in the build environments, the the continuation of the storage from the forests into the build environment.Important linksPaul Brannen on LinkedIn
Book: Timber! How wood can save the world from climate breakdown
The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-BOIS)
Favorite tree: Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details:02:06
Paul’s background
05:38
The reason behind writing the book
09:39
Development of using wood/timber in building homes and construction of bigger buildings
16:12
Roadblocks to progress
21:11
Comparison between wood/timber, concrete, and steel re. durability
23:44
Evidence about carbon footprint between wood vs concrete vs steel
30:42
Is there a case when wood is not the most sustainable option?
37:34
Case for sustainable forest management
43:53
How can we communicate the importance of investing in sustainable forest production
50:56
A possibly circular process
56:46
Actionable advice
57:06
Contact details
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
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Today I’m joined by Eugene Kraamwinkel, CEO of two agribusinesses in Cambodia – Phu Rieng Kratie Ampivath and Dau Tu Saigon Binh Phuoc. In our conversation, Eugene highlights the importance of having a strong Code of Conduct to ensure a long-term sustainable forest business, especially in emerging markets and industries such as forestry and agriculture. We discuss how investors can evaluate business integrity risks and red flags to watch for. Eugene shares a roadmap on how forest business owners can make stepwise improvements toward changing the culture around moral conduct. Eugene also emphasizes that ethical business is not just about committing to transparency and anti-corruption but also about environmental and social ethics.
QuoteIt is a long-term investment, and it is going to give you sustainability, and it won’t be sustainable if you want to do it over a short-term period. While forestry investments can be profitable it requires patience, deep commitment to responsible management, and investors need to prioritize opportunities that will align with strong environmental, social, and governance principles to ensure business operates transparently, ethically, and sustainably. Important linksLinkedIn: Eugene Kraamwinkel
Favorite tree: South African yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius)
Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Details02:32
Eugene’s background & drive for ethical business practices
4:59
Why is business integrity important in forestry and agribusiness?
07:57
Make investors more confident in emerging markets with ethical business conduct risk
11:44
Examples of government initiatives to bring about change
15:11
Starting point for ethical business conduct
20:14
How can investors be confident that code of conduct will ensure ethical operations in practice
25:47
Example of shift in from unethical to ethical
27:25
Red flags for investors
Link between ethics and climate change and sustainability impact
33:44
Actionable advice
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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
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
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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
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
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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
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud
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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
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud
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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
Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud
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
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
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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
Sound library
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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
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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
Sound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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
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 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
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 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.
- Näytä enemmän
