Shows
Forest InvestReturns from Restoring the Forest Soil Microbiome – with Josh Parrish of FungaThe ForestLink newsletter sign-upFungaJosh Parrish (LinkedIn)Today, I’m joined by Josh Parrish, Chief Growth Officer at Funga.Josh explains how restoring the forest soil microbiome with native mycorrhizal fungi can meaningfully improve tree survival and boost growth rates in intensively managed Southern pine plantations, without relying on synthetic inputs.We explore the science and technology behind Funga’s approach, including DNA sequencing, machine learning analysis of fungal communities, nursery inoculation methods, and large-scale field trials across 12 US states. Josh also explains why...
2025-12-0844 min
Forest InvestDevelopment Finance for Emerging Market Forestry – with Anton Timpers of FMOThe ForestLink newsletter sign-upAnton Timpers (LinkedIn)FMOToday on Forest Invest, I am joined by Anton Timpers, Manager of Agriculture, Food and Forestry at FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.Anton explains how FMO approaches forestry as part of its wider agribusiness and sustainable land-use strategy. We discuss how the bank invests across the full forestry life cycle, from early-stage plantation projects to mature industrial forestry in emerging markets. Anton also outlines why FMO continues to support sustainable plantation forestry as a cornerstone of the future...
2025-12-0138 min
Forest InvestA Social Impact NZ Forest Carbon Investment Model – with Blair JamiesonThe ForestLink newsletter signupTāmata HauhāBlair Jamieson on LinkedInWe’ve proven that it works — that you can invest in Māori land, generate real returns, and create meaningful change.In today’s episode, I’m joined by Blair Jamieson, CEO and Co-Founder of Tāmata Hauhā, a New Zealand–based company leading the way in Māori land investment, carbon forestry, and sustainable land-use transformation. Blair shares how his background in government shaped the creation of this mission-driven organisation, which helps Indigenous Māori...
2025-11-2651 min
Forest InvestRestoring the Andes: Global Lessons from Ancient Wisdom – with Florent KaiserThe ForestLink newsletter signupGlobal Forest GenerationAcción AndinaFlorent Kaiser (LinkedIn)Earthshot PrizeIn this episode, I’m joined by Florent Kaiser, CEO of Global Forest Generation and co-lead of Acción Andina, winner of the 2023 Earthshot Prize. Florent shares how a grassroots movement born in the Peruvian Andes has evolved into a six-country restoration effort—reviving the world’s highest forests by combining Indigenous principles of Ayni (reciprocity) and Minka (collective service) with modern science, technology, and climate finance.We explore what authenti...
2025-11-1757 min
Forest InvestThe Carbon Paradox – with Renat HeubergerThe ForestLink newsletter signupThe Carbon ParadoxTerra Impact VenturesRenat HeubergerRenat Heuberger, CEO of Terra Impact Ventures and author of The Carbon Paradox, joins host Shauna Matkovich to explore why the forest carbon market is both vital and fiercely debated. He unpacks key paradoxes — from the “baseline” paradox that rewards past deforestation to the “leakage,” “control,” and “transparency” paradoxes that trap project developers between local realities, investor demands, and media scrutiny.Heuberger reflects on his exit from South Pole, the damage caused by polarised climate debates, and why scrapping...
2025-11-1054 min
Forest InvestREDD+ Under Pressure – with Michel SchuurmanThe ForestLink newsletter signupREDD++ Business InitiativeTreeviveIn this episode, Shauna Matkovich speaks with Michel Schuurman, Director of Business Development at TreeVive and Chair of the REDD+ Business Initiative, about the slowdown in corporate demand for avoided deforestation credits and why REDD+ remains the most scalable, cost-effective way to protect tropical forests. Drawing on two decades in sustainability and climate finance, Michel explains how reputational risks and investment barriers are stalling progress, and why jurisdictional nesting alone won’t move fast enough. He outlines what high-integrity REDD+ looks li...
2025-11-0349 min
Forest InvestThe Economic Case for Forest Restoration in Brazil with Niamh McCarthy and Alexandre KöberleToday, I’m joined by Niamh McCarthy, Senior Director of Climate-Related Risk, and Alexandre Köberle, Senior Fellow at Orbitas—an initiative of Climate Advisors. We explore their report Room to Grow: The Economic Case for Forest Restoration in Brazil, showing how climate transitions open new investment pathways in Brazil’s land economy. Orbitas’ scenario analysis quantifies financial risks and opportunities in forestry and agriculture, revealing a $141 billion restoration potential and 369,000 new jobs by 2050. Niamh and Alexandre share where large-scale restoration makes economic sense, how blended finance, green bonds, and carbon markets are evolving, and why local expertise and due dilig...
2025-10-2758 min
Forest InvestNew York Climate Week: Take-aways for Forest Climate Finance – with Jen StebbingIn this episode, I speak to Jen Stebbing, a communications strategist working at the intersection of climate, nature, and markets. Jen shares her key takeaways from New York Climate Week, where forests are increasingly being seen as essential infrastructure rather than “nice-to-haves.” We discuss the emerging portfolio approach to forest finance—integrating conservation, restoration, improved management, and avoided deforestation—to help investors and policymakers see the full picture. Jen also shares insights on Brazil’s leadership through the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), the role of blended finance and philanthropy in catalyzing capital, and the importance of risk-sharing models that prote...
2025-10-1335 min
Forest InvestTimber plus: Investing for Forest HealthIn this episode, Shauna is interviewed by Matthew Kristoff of the Your Forest Podcast. In this conversation, they talk about what it means to invest in forests today – starting with the basics. Can individuals invest in forests? What is the traditional timberland investment model, and why doesn't it fit in most of Canada? Shauna shares insights on how timber remains a key driver of forest investment returns, but that new investors are approaching the asset class as part of a broader strategy that also values biodiversity, carbon, and cultural outcomes. They explore how investors can begin to account for for...
2025-10-061h 34
Forest InvestThe Role of Bioenergy in Sustainable Forest Management — with Dr. Virginia DaleIn this episode, I speak with Dr. Virginia Dale, Research Professor at the University of Tennessee, about forest bioenergy, biomass energy, and sustainable forest management. We explore how post-harvest waste, sawdust, and rejected logs can be transformed into biomass pellets that generate renewable energy while lowering wildfire and insect risks. Virginia explains why the carbon footprint of bioenergy depends on the carbon cycle, landscape scale, and timeframe. We also discuss bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), certification standards, and transparent monitoring to strengthen trust. The conversation highlights economic opportunities for rural communities, the challenges of...
2025-09-2242 min
YourForestForest Finance: How Private Capital Can Transform Sustainable Forestry with Shauna MatkovichIn this episode of YourForest, Matthew Kristoff and guest Shauna Matcovich explore the world of forest finance and the critical role of private capital in funding sustainable forestry. Shauna, a forester and founding director of The ForestLink, discusses the need to link the intrinsic values of a forest - such as its biodiversity and ecosystem health - to a monetary economy in order to drive conservation. The conversation highlights how private investment can be a powerful lever for change and a way to create a more resilient and sustainable forest industry.🌟 Key Points 🌟👉 Connecting Intrinsic Value to Moneta...
2025-09-1700 min
Forest InvestAI for Forest and Land-use Optimization - with Danan MargasonDanan Margason, Founder & CEO of Aarden AI, joins me in conversation to explain how their platform helps Timberland Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs) and natural capital managers find the highest and best use of land. From geospatial AI and NPV/IRR scenarios to conservation, carbon, solar, and data centers, we explore where it works best, where it’s less effective, and why better data boosts liquidity and attracts new capital to forests. Danan shares how integrating biodiversity and community indicators can inform trade-offs and what he’s seeing with early beta clients ahead of Aarden’s launch this autumn....
2025-09-1541 min
Forest InvestTurning Forest Waste and Residue into Value with Michael SchmittMichael Schmitt, Director of Sales & Marketing at Air Burners, explains how air curtain burners provide a safer, low-emission alternative to slash burning and wood chipping. We cover innovations like the BurnBoss and CharBoss, which help the US Forest Service and landowners turn forest residues into biochar, cut wildfire risk, and even generate on-site electricity. Michael shares case studies from wildfire recovery, disaster zones, and private forestry, showing how this technology creates new value streams and supports sustainable forest management.Quote"The air curtain traps smoke particles for fr...
2025-09-0840 min
Forest InvestBiodiversity Market Dynamics – with Warren Erses and Megha ChakrabortyToday, I’m joined by Warren Erses, Founder and Partner, and Megha Chakraborty, Research Analyst at CE Events and Media. Together, we dive into their Global Biodiversity Report: Market Dynamics – The Push & Pull of Supply & Demand and unpack the fast-evolving world of biodiversity markets.Warren explains how forest investment is shifting in response to corporate net-zero commitments, regulatory changes, and new financing mechanisms. Megha draws on insights from more than 80 interviews across both the supply and demand sides of the market, sharing what she uncovered.We also examine the disconnect between investors seeking prac...
2025-09-0146 min
Forest InvestPlantation Carbon Forestry in Australia with Andrew MorganAndrew Morgan, Managing Director of SFM Agribusiness, a leading forest management operator (timber and carbon projects), joins me to discuss the evolution of Australia’s compliance carbon market. We look at its standards, methodologies, pricing, and the main Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) buyers. Andrew shares insights on SFM’s “ActivAcre” model, which partners landowners with institutional investors, and explores how carbon credits are reshaping forestry portfolios.If you'd asked me 3 or 4 years ago, carbon and a carbon strategy weren't even considered by most institutional investors when looking at larger assets. It's now a really importan...
2025-08-0450 min
Forest InvestFire is a Fact, but it Can Be Managed – with Tony PesklevitsToday, I’m joined by Tony Pesklevits, Manager of Wildfire Prevention, Cultural and Prescribed Fire at the BC Wildfire Service. In this conversation, we explore how wildfire management in British Columbia (BC) is evolving to reflect a changing climate, forest ecosystems, communities in the wild-urban interface, and the resurgence of Indigenous fire management. Tony shares how fire has always shaped BC’s forests and how reintroducing “good fire” through cultural and prescribed burning is key to resilience. We cover what makes for an effective forest manager from a wildfire risk lens, the importance of collaboration across sectors, and how investor...
2025-07-2841 min
Forest InvestRaising the Accessibility of Nature Data – With Alex LoganToday, Alex Logan, CEO and Co-Founder of Cecil, joins me on the Forest Invest podcast. We explore how Cecil is helping bridge the gap between complex nature data sets and real-world applications by addressing a growing challenge in forest investment: accessible, accurate, and actionable nature data. We discuss the importance of understanding the limitations of current data, the need for better “ground-truthing,” and the complexities of localized ecosystems. Alex also shares what the future might hold as biodiversity reporting standards begin to catch up with climate disclosures – and leaves us with one core insight: there’s no silver bullet, only the...
2025-07-2144 min
Forest InvestAn Industrial Perspective on Forest Investment in Africa – with Hans LemmToday, I’m joined by Hans Lemm, Director of Acacia Africa Advisors and former CEO of East Africa’s largest forest company. In this conversation, Hans shares lessons from over two decades of leading industrial forestry businesses across the emerging markets of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Sudan. We explore what’s changed and what hasn’t in African forestry, from the growing role of smallholder farmers to the influx of Asian processing investment. Hans offers practical insights on managing operational and reputational risks, outlines investor misconceptions, and explains why inclusive value chains and realistic projections are key to succe...
2025-06-3039 min
Forest InvestSecuritization in Emerging Market Forest Investment with Alessandro MaterniAlessandro Materni, Managing Partner at FLS Forestry Linked Securities, joins me on The Forest Investment Podcast. Today, we explore how securitization can revolutionize forest investment in the Global South, making it more accessible to institutional investors. Alessandro breaks down the mechanics of forestry-backed securities, the unique advantages of reforestation in Paraguay, and the safeguards needed to mitigate ESG and political risks. We also discuss FLS's mission-driven strategy, seeking long-term investor returns with biodiversity, climate, and social impact goals. If you're interested in learning alternative approaches to structuring finance in a forest investment, this episode offers great lessons.
2025-06-2347 min
Forest InvestCharacteristics of an Institutional Forest Investment Portfolio for Financial and Climate Objectives – with Olly Hughes and David GardnerToday, I’m joined by Olly Hughes, Managing Director of Forestry, and David Gardner, Chief Investment Officer for Forestry at Gresham House. In this discussion, we explore how Gresham House builds global forestry portfolios that incorporate both financial and climate-related considerations. Olly explains why timberland offers stable, inflation-linked returns and outlines how it fits into the “natural capital” asset class, where sustainable timber, carbon credits, and biodiversity gains converge. David adds rich insight into long-rotation conifer crops and how afforestation and compliance carbon markets (especially in Australia and New Zealand) can support early cash flow. We delve into the signif...
2025-06-1644 min
Forest InvestCollaborating for Forest Production and Restoration at Scale – with Charlotte Kaiser and Esben BrandiToday, I’m joined by Charlotte Kaiser, Head of Impact Finance, and Esben Brandi, Head of Business Development at BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG). In this episode, we explore how TIG is collaborating with Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy to achieve ambitious climate and biodiversity outcomes. We discuss the operational integration of production forestry and restoration components in Latin America, boosting forest resilience through tweaks in management across U.S.-based assets, and how trusted environmental collaborators help address reputational concerns while building investor confidence. Charlotte and Esben share insights into evolving investor expectations, the role of sc...
2025-06-0942 min
Forest InvestCorporate Forest Investment via the Future Forest Innovations Fund – with Geoffrey SeetoIn this episode, I’m joined by Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director and Head of Emerging Markets at New Forests, to discuss the Future Forest Innovations Fund — a global, open-ended forestry vehicle co-developed with Oji Holdings. Geoffrey explains how the Fund aims to meet climate targets through a high-integrity insetting strategy and achieve full FSC certification across its portfolio. We explore how the open-ended structure supports long-term forest stewardship and enables net carbon sequestration under the GHG Protocol and steady timber returns. Geoffrey also shares how corporate capital is driving forest expansion in emerging markets and reshaping the future of f...
2025-06-0248 min
Forest InvestForest Investment via Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) – with Darius SarsharToday, I am joined by Darius Sarshar, Principal at SLM Partners. In this episode, Darius makes a compelling case for Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) as a regenerative, climate-resilient alternative to clear-fell forest management models. We explore when CCF makes sense and how it delivers both strong financial returns and meaningful ecological benefits, boosting IRRs, enhancing biodiversity, and generating carbon credits. By maintaining a permanent forest canopy, CCF enhances resilience to storms, drought, and pests, while fostering natural regeneration. From a financial perspective, it evens out and brings forward timber revenues, generating earlier, steadier cash flows. This episode is essential...
2025-05-2645 min
Forest InvestSustainable Forest Management in Production Forests – with Marcos WichertToday I’m joined by Marcos Wichert, Vice President, Plantation Forest and Sustainability Management at Stora Enso. Marcos shares his international journey across Brazil, China, New Zealand, and Finland, exploring how sustainable forestry must adapt to local regulations, ecosystems, and social expectations. We delve into the role of catchment-based planning, biodiversity KPIs, and the dos and don'ts of Eucalyptus. From certification standards to boardroom sustainability strategy, Marcos offers practical insights for investors looking to align profitability with climate and nature goals.Quote“Sustainable forestry means managing commercial forests at a land...
2025-05-1938 min
Forest InvestInvesting at the Intersection of Traditional Forest Investment and Nature-Based Solutions - with Margaret MoralesThis episode flips the usual format. Instead of hosting, I’m the one being interviewed by Margaret Morales during a live webinar, which is now being shared with you in this special release. We dive into the evolving landscape of forest investment, where carbon and timber strategies increasingly overlap with climate and impact goals. I share what I’ve learned from advising asset managers and project developers across geographies: from return expectations and capital stacks to risk mitigation and community engagement. If you're navigating nature-based solutions and forest finance, this conversation is full of practical insights.
2025-05-1245 min
Forest InvestInvestor Pulse Check: Top Timberland Challenges Revealed – with Tracy Buran EvensToday, I’m joined by Tracy Buran Evens, Principal of TimberLink, who shares insights from a recent survey capturing the biggest challenges facing institutional Timberland investors today. We unpack the top themes that emerged from both asset managers and investors—return expectations, macroeconomic pressures, ESG obligations, strategy, and valuation concerns. Tracy explains why there’s a disconnect between stumpage prices and timberland valuation, the flood of new climate-focused capital, and how different fund structures are suiting different investor types. Whether you’re new to forest investing or a seasoned pro, this episode offers a reality check and a roadmap for navi...
2025-05-0546 min
Forest InvestManulife’s 480M Forest Climate Fund - with Eric CooperströmDISCLAIMERForest Climate Fund is currently closed and not available for investment in all regions.Today, I’m joined by Eric Cooperström, Managing Director, Impact Investing & Natural Climate Solutions at Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM). In this conversation, we explore Manulife IM’s Forest Climate Fund, examining its strategy characteristics and how it combines both timberland and carbon market return drivers at the portfolio level, and in some cases, at the asset level. We cover the diverse mix of investor types and how climate benefits are structured into the Fund. We break...
2025-04-2838 min
Forest InvestBlended Finance 101 - with Heiner SkaliksToday, I'm joined by Heiner Skaliks, Senior Advisor and Head of Latin America and the Caribbean at Convergence. In this conversation, we discuss blended finance's role in forest investment. We unpack the fundamentals of blended finance and explore how it strategically combines public, philanthropic, or otherwise concessional capital with private investment to de-risk and catalyze impactful investments. Heiner outlines six core archetypes of blended finance – from building concessional finance in the capital stack to technical assistance and results-based financing – and illustrates their real-world application through forestry-specific case studies. If you're curious how development finance institutions, governments, and private investors can...
2025-04-2150 min
Forest InvestMultilateral Investment in Forestry - with Daniel FarchyToday, I’m joined by Daniel Farchy, an expert in multilateral finance who has worked across the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). In this conversation, Daniel describes the development and impact mandate behind most multilateral finance institutions. We talk about blended finance (particularly what structure works well for forestry) and the power of concessional capital to crowd in more risk-averse investors. Daniel explains the conundrum of the finance available in capital markets compared to the relatively small need for climate and nature solutions – where legally restricted allo...
2025-04-1443 min
Forest InvestFive Sustainability Reasons Your Forest Investment Fund isn't Closing with Shauna MatkovichIn this solo episode, I reflect on Posaidon's outlook for nature finance in 2025, highlighting why it's a pivotal moment for forest investment. With rising demand for nature-based climate solutions, global biodiversity concerns, and a shift toward renewable products, forests are uniquely positioned to help asset owners meet fiscal regulatory requirements—while delivering strong returns. Yet, new forest investment strategies are slow to close. Beyond the usual hurdles like track record and pipeline, what about sustainability challenges? I break down five key sustainability reasons your fund isn’t closing — and how to fix them. Plus, I offer a free advisory call f...
2025-03-3117 min
Forest InvestVoluntary Biodiversity Net Gain in Forest Investment with Maurice RyanToday, Maurice Ryan, Director of Business Development at Green Belt, joins me in conversation. We dig into the voluntary approach of biodiversity net gain that Green Belt applies to some of its forest assets. At this point, biodiversity net gain is not legislated in Ireland as in other jurisdictions. Still, Maurice is finding that some forest owners and capital providers are nonetheless interested in reshaping low-production areas into highly productive ones in nature. We discuss what is needed to scale this approach in Ireland and how encouraging or accelerating natural regeneration is a pragmatic way to restore biodiversity to...
2025-03-2442 min
Forest InvestConsiderations for Quality in Forest Carbon Investing - with Elias Ayrey and Mary IgnatiadisToday, I’m joined by Dr. Elias Ayrey, co-founder and chief science officer, and Mary Ignatiadis, forest economics and policy expert at Renoster. In this conversation, we view forest carbon investing through the lens of change theory. We talk about the long-term opportunity cost of forest carbon projects, and what investors need to consider to ensure that these projects are truly a solution for integrated forest landscape improvement. We discuss the essential distinctions between objective setting in markets like the US versus the Global South, and considerations for large, institutionally owned land versus smallholder-owned land. We tackle the controversy ar...
2025-03-1746 min
Forest InvestUK Carbon Forestry with Craig MackenzieToday, 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 i...
2025-03-1043 min
Forest InvestNature Finance on the Rise - with Jessica SmithToday, 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:Fi...
2025-03-0341 min
Forest InvestTimber as a Climate Solution - with Paul BrannenToday 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...
2025-02-2458 min
Forest InvestEthical Business in Forest Investment - with Eugene KraamwinkelToday 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 abou...
2025-02-1736 min
Forest InvestDue Diligence in Forestry Nature-based Solutions - with Jamie LawrenceToday, 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 stra...
2025-02-1047 min
Forest InvestAn Institutional Investor’s Approach to Forest Investment - with Jasper Renk of MEAGToday 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 ten...
2025-02-0340 min
Forest InvestImpact Forestry in the Pacific Northwest - with Bettina Von HagenIn 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...
2025-01-2748 min
Forest InvestAccelerating Early-stage Forest Assets - with Paul HolToday, 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....
2025-01-2033 min
Forest InvestInvestor Advice Highlight ReelToday 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...
2025-01-1321 min
Forest InvestRethinking Risk and Value in Forest Landscape Restoration - with Luís Neves Silva and Andrew HealdShow notesToday, 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 th...
2024-12-1640 min
Forest InvestGlobal Systems Change through Forest Investment with David BrandShow notesIn 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...
2024-12-0930 min
Forest InvestThe Climate and Nature Tech Race with Romain FauShow notesToday, 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 woul...
2024-12-0231 min
Forest InvestInvesting the Spectrum of Natural Capital and Climate with Martin Berg and James BullenShow notesJoin 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 a...
2024-11-2544 min
Forest InvestRethinking how we Finance Forest Landscapes with Tony SimonsShow notesJoin 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...
2024-11-1852 min
Forest InvestThe State of Play for Forest Investment in 2024 with Peter D’AnieriShow notesJoin 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 un...
2024-11-1138 min
Forest InvestAchieving a Quadruple Bottom Line from Indigenous Engagement with Domenico IannidinardoIn 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...
2024-11-0422 min
Forest InvestThe Mindset behind Impact Forestry with MaryKate Bullen and Juan Pablo Lankenau HaasIn 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.QuoteJuan Pablo: "This is a very active asset class that requires hands...
2024-10-2851 min
Forest InvestHow Danish energy company Ørsted is owning NbS with Peter KristensenIn 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 ForestLink...
2024-10-2129 min
Forest InvestTechnical considerations for evaluating forest assets with Dr. Colin SmithIn 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:
2024-10-1446 min
Forest InvestThe Difference between ESG, Sustainable and Impact Investing in the Context of ForestsAs 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...
2024-10-0716 minForest InvestInsights from a tropical hardwood buyer with Anthony TrainaJoin 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...
2024-09-3034 minForest InvestAchieving Impact and Sustainable Forest Businesses in Emerging Markets with Anne ValtoJoin 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...
2024-09-2331 min
Forest InvestBreaking Down Risk in Emerging Markets with Peter ChappellJoin 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 it...
2024-09-1633 minForest InvestBiodiversity Credits, Production Forests and Private Market Buyers with Aleksandra HolmlundJoin 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...
2024-09-0936 minForest InvestBringing the EU Taxonomy to the World, with Asger Strange-Olesen and Herbert YanceyJoin me today as I speak with Asger Strange Olesen and Herbert Yancey of the International Woodland Company, Asset Management + for an informative discussion on the EU Taxonomy. In this conversation we dig into the differences between the SFDR and the EU Taxonomy and how investors are looking at these sustainability regulations and tools. Though largely a concern for European investors, we talk about why it matters in forest investments the world over and how IWC AM+ is applying the EU Taxonomy in its approach to sustainable forest investment. We talk about the potentially affronting aspects, such as costs...
2024-09-0235 minForest InvestFamily Office Sentiments on Forest Investment with Gabriela LeslieJoin me today as I speak with Gabriela Leslie, Senior Manager, Food, Agriculture and Natural Capital at the Creo Syndicate - a membership organization that supports its family office members to better understand the latest developments in climate investing. It creates a platform for private family investors to come together, learn from each other and collaborate on investment opportunities to solve the climate crisis. In this illuminating conversation, we dig deep on how family offices are different than institutional investors and how this shapes why they consider forest investment, how they evaluate opportunities and what is challenging the attractiveness...
2024-08-2638 minForest InvestPEFC facilitates sustainable forest management... plus...Join me today as I speak with Thorsten Arndt, Head of Advocacy at the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), where we discuss PEFC and how in addition to facilitating sustainable forest management, it can help those with forest products in their supply chains align to various voluntary and mandatory sustainability disclosure requirements. We dig deep into the EU Regulation on Deforestation Free Products, or EUDR, and about how PEFC is thinking about carbon certification. Show notes:Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link Details01:37
2024-08-1930 minForest InvestA rising star in forest investment, ParaguayJoin me today as I speak with Andrea Braun, Director of Unique Forest Investment, where we dive into all things Paraguay – well related to forest investment that is. In our conversation, Andrea describes why Paraguay is becoming a favourable forest investment destination – covering several macro-level indicators as well as forest specifics relating to biological and climatic growing conditions, markets and industrial development. We talk about risks and opportunities, and get into the details on some of the technicalities of managing forests in Paraguay. “There are not as many places in the world that offer as good con...
2024-08-1236 minForest InvestUnlocking private capital for nature through carbon markets with Edit KissJoin me today as I speak with Edit Kiss, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Integrity Capital Advisors. She discusses Integrity Capital Advisors three-pronged strategy for unlocking capital for nature: 1. Imbedding carbon with real assets 2. Appreciating the capital continuum, and 3. Blended finance. We discuss the equity-type risks investors face when funding forest carbon projects, and solutions to lower the cost of capital. We also dig into the importance of price transparency – for investors, carbon credit buyers, and project developers, and we talk about the importance of industry standards that support carbon markets.Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Fo...
2024-07-2237 minForest InvestInsuring Forest Carbon with James KenchIn this episode, I am joined by James Kench, Head of Insurance at Kita. In our conversation James discusses the role of insurance as an enabler to mobilize capital into natural climate solutions in forestry. He describes how their product has been structured to address the most significant risks observed in forest carbon projects, giving some insights into what those risks are. He explains that given its ‘newness’ in the insurance market and the period in a forest carbon project’s life when it is most likely to experience a claim event, that no claims have yet to be made...
2024-07-1537 minForest InvestTimberland investment as part of a balanced institutional portfolio with Steve NovakovicToday I’m joined by Steve Novakovic, Managing Director for the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA) Curriculum. CAIA serves its international membership across the finance industry enhancing education in relation to alternative investments. From Steve’s wide knowledge of alternative investments, he describes how timberland investment plays a very important role in building a balanced institutional investment portfolio that both serves fiduciary requirements and has strong sustainability features.Show notes:Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link Timecode Details 00:33 Intro to Steve Nova...
2024-07-0841 minForest InvestLessons from Canadian wildfires and Indigenous land reformation with Dr. Gary BullIn this Canada Day episode, I am joined by Dr. Gary Bull, Professor at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Forestry. In our conversation Gary discusses the fundamentals of fire ecology in the context of Canada’s forests, and how it has changed in recent years. He describes the grand transition – both a paradigm shift in forest management practices in British Columbia and indigenous land reformation. From his deep experience in working with multiple stakeholders in the forest sector, he talks about opportunities and solutions for more resilient forests – that include indigenous and community stewardship, growing markets for ecosys...
2024-07-0135 minForest InvestA fresh take on forest impact investing with Dr. Stephanie GripneIn today’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Gripne, Founder and CEO of the Impact Finance Center and Impact Investing Institute. In our conversation Stephanie identifies some primary challenges with raising capital for forests – that is the need to first, raise investors and second – think about what the forest needs. She describes the need for full spectrum capital to address the needs of the forest value chain, and will have you reconsider your thoughts on impact investing – from philanthropic giving to commercial return seeking investors.Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link
2024-06-2438 minForest InvestValuing nature in timberland with Chris Lipton and Cristina HastingsIn today’s episode, I am joined by Chris Lipton, Head of Timberland Investments and Cristina Hastings, Head of Sustainability at Nuveen Natural Capital. Listen to our conversation, where Chris explains how timberland investment has changed in recent years and Cristina presents the natural capital balance sheet, which supports Nuveen Natural Capital in valuing nature.“We are not trying to attach a price to nature, we are trying to recognize the value of it, particularly those ecosystems services which are often silent and invisible.”Show notes:Host: Shauna Matkovich - The...
2024-06-1729 minForest InvestForest carbon markets with Maria FilmanovicToday I’m joined by Maria Filmanovic, Co-founder of Abatable. Abatable has developed a platform that enables corporates to access carbon credits from vetted forest carbon projects (among other types of nature-based solutions) and the project developer ecosystem. Listen to our conversation, where Maria explains the various players in forest carbon markets. From Abatable’s extensive market intel, Maria describes what types of forest carbon projects are generating the most demand and provides some thoughts on pricing and risks.“With the new definition of quality comes potentially more conservative carbon credit estimation […], and for the same implemen...
2024-06-1030 minForest InvestInsuring forest assets with Gordon StewardUnderstanding, evaluating, and avoiding or mitigating risk is a key component of any investment decision, and for forest assets it is no different. The difficulty lies where investors don’t understand (and often have inaccurate perceptions) of the risks associated with forest assets. Today, we’re joined by Gordon Steward, of Dual – Managing Director of Forestry. In our conversation, Gordon walks us through the ‘supply chain’ if you will of the insurance industry as it relates to his work with forests. He speaks to the most common geographies where forest insurance is prevalent and why, and describes the importance of sound f...
2024-06-0338 minForest InvestSeed capital for Fund Managers with Martin HalleJoin me today as I chat with Martin Halle of the United Nations Environment Programme, where he explains the Restoration Seed Capital Facility (RSCF). Learn about the challenges it was created to solve, how the landscape of forest investment is evolving in emerging markets and how fund managers can access this seed funding to help with new fund establishment and pipeline origination.Significant quotes: 18:27 “Launching funds is hard.”22:59 "There is really no substitute for that real hands on experience and expertise."33:05 "There is a desperate need for more money to go t...
2024-05-2734 minForest InvestIntroducing Forest InvestWelcome to Forest Invest. This podcast is for Investment Professionals looking to expand their knowledge on forest investments for profit and impact. Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-05-2001 min