The Opportunities and Challenges for BNG in Irish Forestry

Today, 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 a site. Maurice explains the breadth of biodiversity data they collect to demonstrate the improvements on the sites where they take this approach. We talk about how to bring this biodiversity net gain approach to other jurisdictions and the importance of stakeholder engagement when defining biodiversity objectives. <blockquote>Getting on the ground and touching, feeling, smelling in a forest is a whole different ball game altogether, you know, and depending on what their mindset is, whether it's a long-term legacy and it's a nature-based project or it’s commercial return, feet on the ground makes all the difference.</blockquote><blockquote>We like to bring them [investors] on the journey with us because then there's a sense of trust from the off and decision-making then is much easier if they've spent time with us and our foresters on the ground.</blockquote> <h2>Useful resources</h2> <a href="https://www.greenbelt.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greenbelt</a>Maurice email: <a href="mailto:maurice@greenbelt.ie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">maurice@greenbelt.ie</a><a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/apple-fruit-and-tree" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple tree (Malus domestic)</a> <h2>Production team</h2> Host/Expert: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Timestamps</h3> 01:50Intro to Maurice and Greenbelt04:20Production forestry in Ireland &amp;08:33Definition of biodiversity net gain11:27Approach in operations under regulations14:12Main challenges with approach17:16Corporate or institutional investors?19:06Irish governmental initiatives?21:06Best type of land for project24:12Assessments?27:42Costs and additionality?31:48Local land ownership &amp; expansion of more biodiversity-enriching projects36:52Insights gained that can be used by other jurisdictions39:14Exciting time in forestry40:23Actionable advice41:34Contact details <h3>Sound library</h3> Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, CoTipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Voluntary Biodiversity Net Gain in Forest Investment with Maurice Ryan

Viewing Forest Carbon Investing through a Theory of Change Lens

Today, 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 around generating carbon credits from commercial plantation forestry head-on. And, of course, we learn about Renoster and its essential work in helping investors and carbon credit buyers do due diligence on the quality of forest carbon projects.<h2> </h2><blockquote>We can't ignore all the economic evidence that creating demand for wood products results in more forest investment and therefore more carbon storage, and until carbon prices increase dramatically, could be a better way to ensure long term carbon storage than carbon credits alone.</blockquote><blockquote>It's worth considering if an investor is looking specifically at the forest base and at nature-based climate solutions that you should really think about whether having multiple different kinds of forest investments might contribute to a greater overall impact.</blockquote> <h2>Resources</h2><a href="https://www.renoster.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Renoster</a><a href="https://www.leafcoalition.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LEAF Coalition</a><a href="https://www.symbiosiscoalition.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Symbiosis Coalition</a>Trees: <a href="https://tacf.org/history-american-chestnut/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American chestnut (Castanea dentata)</a> &amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/nature/eastern_hemlock.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)</a> <h3>Production team</h3>Host: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Timestamps</h3>01:44Elias’ professional background &amp; Renoster03:05Mary’s professional background &amp; Renoster05:34Long term impacts should investors consider? Understand complete theory of change09:13But, what is the reality?11:28Investor coalitions13:44How would KPIs differ depending on the context, including small hold participants? (US market)16:48And any differences between the Global North and South?19:43Different KPIs in these regions?22:36Need both productive active timber management and forest carbon management25:30Balance between raising the value and bringing down costs30:10Percentage of these are avoided deforestation projects versus afforestation reforestation projects?34:47Questions of additionality and leakage are inherently financial36:08Carbon credits today37:32Applications of tools in Renoster’s work?39:04Project developers or buyers?39:28&nbsp;Future of carbon markets43:05&nbsp;Future of Renoster44:09Actionable advice <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Considerations for Quality in Forest Carbon Investing - with Elias Ayrey and Mary Ignatiadis

What it takes to make UK Carbon Forestry attractive to institutional investors

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. <h2>Quote</h2><blockquote>The 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?</blockquote><blockquote>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?</blockquote><blockquote>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.</blockquote><h2> </h2><h2>Useful resources</h2><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-mackenzie-9518664/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Craig Mackenzie on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)</a><a href="https://www.woodlandcarboncode.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UK Woodland Carbon Code</a><a href="https://www.landcommission.gov.scot/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scottish Land Commission</a><a href="https://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of Edinburgh Business School</a><a href="https://www.nature.scot/climate-change/nature-based-solutions/nature-based-solutions-practice/peatland-action" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peatland</a><a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/common-beech/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Beach tree (Fagus sylvatica)</a> <h3>Time stamps</h3>01:26Craig’s background03:13What encompasses UK carbon forestry&nbsp;06:38Woodland carbon code07:43UK forest cover10:57Opportunities to diversify/overlap land use (mostly segregated)14:33Invest in UK carbon forestry18:34Benefits/subsidies21:01Capital providers26:08Changes needed to attract more institutional private funding/investment32:51Carbon credits insurance products34:23Woodland Code UK – insurance35:56Biodiversity net gain legislation41:17Actionable advise42:57Contact details <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

UK Carbon Forestry with Craig Mackenzie

Forests provide one of the clearest and best opportunities for investing in nature at scale

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. <h2>Important links:</h2><a href="https://www.unepfi.org/publications/finance-for-nature-positive-discussion-paper/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Finance for Nature Positive&nbsp;paper</a><a href="https://www.unepfi.org/industries/banking/sector-action-guidance-for-nature/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PRB Sector guidance for forestry, agriculture, and mining</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/no-regrets-actions-nature-front-office-can-ask-today-interest-smith-q0jye/?trackingId=O07SR7gYRLO4s08V5r1p9A%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Short article on this guidance</a><a href="https://www.unepfi.org/publications/high-level-roadmap-aligning-financial-flows-with-the-kunming-montreal-global-biodiversity-framework/#:~:text=This%20high%2Dlevel%20roadmap%20proposes,GBF)%20within%20their%20policies%20and" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Finance roadmap</a><a href="https://www.unepfi.org/publications/from-kunming-montreal-to-cali-is-the-financial-system-on-track/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cali Card Report</a><a href="https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/bitstream/handle/11250/3121552/1-s2.0-S15446123FRL.pdf?sequence=2&amp;isAllowed=y" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Managing biodiversity risk exposure?</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/rof/article/28/4/1151/7645412" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Do investors care about biodiversity?</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unepfi.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UNEP Finance Initiative</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-smith-green/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jessica Smith on LinkedIn</a>Favorite tree: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eucalyptus</a> <h3>Production team</h3>Host: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Details</h3>01:04Jessica’s background and work03:04Key lessons for nature from global events05:18Finance for nature positive09:04Principles for responsible banking specter action guidance for agricultural, forestry, mining sectors11:12How to&nbsp;&nbsp;get private investment in nature-based assets15:31Strategies to be nature positive&nbsp;in timber-focus investment21:54What should asset managers look out for? Red flags27:44Importance of data collection32:34Blended finance36:12Attract impact capital &amp; investors as ecosystems in themselves38:53Nature on climate COP agenda 2025 – eliminate deforestation, invest in nature positive solution40:20Actionable advice <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Nature Finance on the Rise - with Jessica Smith

The substitution effect of wood that creates financial and climate benefits all along the forest value chain – From the tree to the built environment

Today I’m joined by Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs at the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries &amp; The European Organisation of Sawmill Industry AND author of a recent book,&nbsp;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. <h2>Quote</h2><blockquote>And 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.</blockquote> <h2>Important links</h2><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-brannen-032230173/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paul Brannen on LinkedIn</a>Book: <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/timber/paul-brannen/9781788217354" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Timber! How wood can save the world from climate breakdown</a><a href="https://www.cei-bois.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-BOIS)</a>Favorite tree: <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/sitka-spruce/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)</a> <h3>Production team</h3>Host: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Details:</h3>02:06Paul’s background05:38The reason behind writing the book&nbsp;09:39Development of using wood/timber in building homes and construction of bigger buildings16:12Roadblocks to progress21:11Comparison between wood/timber, concrete, and steel re. durability23:44Evidence about carbon footprint between wood vs concrete vs steel30:42Is there a case when wood is not the most sustainable option?37:34Case for sustainable&nbsp;forest management43:53How can we communicate the importance of investing in sustainable forest production&nbsp;50:56A possibly circular process56:46Actionable advice57:06Contact details <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Timber as a Climate Solution - with Paul Brannen

Safeguarding your assets against corruption to promote long-term sustainable forest businesses 

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.<h3> </h3><h2>Quote</h2><blockquote>It 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.&nbsp;</blockquote> <h2>Important links</h2> LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-kraamwinkel/overlay/about-this-profile/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base%3BEx9AhDhFS3%2BLJloniwSCsw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eugene Kraamwinkel</a>Favorite tree: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podocarpus_latifolius" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">South African yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius)</a> <h3>Production team</h3>Host: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Details</h3>02:32Eugene’s background &amp; drive for ethical business practices4:59Why is business integrity important in forestry and agribusiness?07:57Make investors more confident in emerging markets with ethical business conduct risk11:44&nbsp;Examples of government initiatives to bring about change15:11Starting point for ethical business conduct20:14How can investors be confident that code of conduct will ensure ethical operations in practice25:47Example of shift in from unethical to ethical27:25Red flags for investorsLink between ethics and climate change and sustainability impact33:44Actionable advice <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ethical Business in Forest Investment - with Eugene Kraamwinkel 

What makes for comprehensive, yet efficient project evaluation: a glimpse into Xilva’s system

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. <h2>Quote</h2><blockquote>Assets like forestry are perhaps one of society’s most undervalued assets. We will value those forests for specific assets like timber when they are&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</blockquote><h2> </h2><h2>Important links</h2><a href="https://www.xilva.global/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xilva</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/xilva/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xilva on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrensilva/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jamie Lawrence in LinkedIn</a>Favourite tree: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_suber" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cork tree (Quercus suber)</a> <h3>Production team</h3>Host: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Details</h3>01:13 Background of Xilva &amp; Jamie03:19Silva;s services in nature-based solutions space05:09Profiles of clients - capital providers06:49How do you find projects?08:06Screening strategy for projects10:27Due diligence to support clients&nbsp;&nbsp;- six categories of framework16:24Clients bring own criteria17:50External collaborations or expertise, leverage global assets20:44Types of projects21:52What makes a strong project - and which issues exist in practice/ignored factors24:50Communication on the ground, challenges, &amp; risk management30:11Strengths in projects, makes projects shine32:27Reasons for projects getting stuck37:14Effect of voluntary and carbon markets on supply and demand of nature-based &nbsp;solutions. Difference in perceptions in different markets (Global North/Global South)41:59Next for Silva44:43Actionable advice47:08Contact details <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Due Diligence in Forestry Nature-based Solutions - with Jamie Lawrence

Advice for building forests into an institutional portfolio

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. <h2>Quote</h2><blockquote>So 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.</blockquote><blockquote>Essentially, it goes hand in hand.</blockquote> <h2>Important links</h2><a href="https://www.meag.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MEAG</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/meag/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MEAG on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasper-renk-676ba01/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jasper Renk on LinkedIn</a>Favourite trees: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spruce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spruce</a> <h3>Production team</h3>Host: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Details</h3>01:02Background to MEAG &amp; Jasper04:06Decision to move into timberland investments05:11MEAG's perception of timberland allocation performance07:58Shift in how assets are housed in portfolio10:51Learning curve for institutional investor12:52Risk-reduced way to gain exposure13:44Best instrument to get started (and trajectory)16:33 Risk return profile of MEAG19:22Operational side of owned forest assets 22:57Functioning transactional market24:38Investment vehicles, e,g. debt instruments27:45Sustainability 32:00Sustainability objectives34:28Beneficiaries stand on sustainability39:08Actionable advice39:50Contact details <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

An Institutional Investor’s Approach to Forest Investment - with Jasper Renk of MEAG

How the richness of Pacific Northwest forests provide both commercial timber and impact opportunities

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. <h2>Quote</h2><blockquote>If 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.</blockquote> <h2>Important links</h2><a href="https://efmi.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM)</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettina-von-hagen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bettina von Hagen on LinkedIn</a>Favourite trees: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuja_plicata" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western redcedar (Thuja plicata)</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picea_sitchensis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)</a> <h3>Production team</h3>Host: Shauna Matkovich - <a href="https://theforestlink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The ForestLink</a>Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unscripted Creatives</a> <h3>Details</h3>02:27Introduction to EFM07:32EMF and impact investing 09:265 R's of forest management: rotation, retention, reserves, restoration, relationships 14:23Relationships with communities 16:41Uptake of this change in silviculture approach 19:19Others following in EMF's footsteps 22:30How EMF monetise benefits other than carbon credits 25:33Carry in funds structure 27:45Investor sentiments towards forest impact strategies, and impact metrics (besides carbon) 31:43Fire as part of natural ecosystem 33:22Gender diversity and equality in the forestry industry, and difference in approaches 40:05Next for EMF 41:43Markets for ecosystem services is still very small 44:47Actionable advice <h3>Sound library</h3>Nature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Impact Forestry in the Pacific Northwest - with Bettina Von Hagen

Bringing you expert insights on creating profitable and impactful forest investments.

Meet experts in forest investment from different corners of the forestry asset class. From investors to entrepreneurs, market players to service providers. Tune in to hear stories from the trenches, insights and best practice guidance to build your toolbox for creating profitable and impactful forest investments.

Forest Invest

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