Forest Invest

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upWorld Bank Group - International Development, Poverty and SustainabilityInternational Finance Corporation (IFC)Homepage | European Investment BankIn this episode from the asset vault, 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 allocations mean the finance pool is not as big as we think. We discuss the heavy lifting that multilateral or DFI finance can do in screening and due diligence. Conversely, this can also be perceived as a downside, as the investment process in such a partnership takes more time.Quote: For asset owners, that's [forest investment] very attractive because if you're a pension fund, and you need to be able to deliver, a boring, steady, predictable return over 10 number of years, it's great to have that kind of thing in your portfolio because that gives you a certain degree of sustainability of return, which you will not get in much more volatile sectors.00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background03:30 – Understanding Multilateral Development Finance Institutions07:05 – Returns, Capital Structure & Investment Mandates09:50 – How to Partner with Multilateral Investors12:00 – Due Diligence, Safeguards & Approval Processes17:20 – Blended Finance Explained19:35 – First-Loss Capital & Risk-Sharing Structures23:30 – The Limits of De-Risking Capital26:30 – Capital Allocation Trends in Climate & Nature28:30 – Public-Private Partnerships: Opportunities & Challenges34:30 – Do DFIs Slow Down Investment?36:30 – The Untapped Potential of Sustainable Forestry38:00 – Advice for Fund Managers Seeking DFI Capital40:00 – Why Forestry Appeals to Long-Term Investors41:40 – Future Demand for Wood & Forest Products42:25 – Closing Remarks & Further ResourcesFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upcs.paperbark@gmail.comIn this episode from the asset vault, I'm joined by Dr. Colin Smith of Paperbark Consulting. Colin is an expert soil scientist, and in this conversation 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."The most dangerous thing in a forestry investment plan is a spreadsheet"00:08 Introduction & Guest Overview00:43 Colin Smith’s Forestry Background and Consulting Work05:37 Lessons from Forestry Failures and Investment Due Diligence08:50 Key Factors in Evaluating Plantation Forest Investments13:07 Site-Level Management, Silviculture & Weed Control15:25 Native Species vs Commercial Plantation Species17:33 Eucalyptus, Water Use & Sustainability Myths22:41 Does Irrigation Make Sense in Forestry?30:12 Climate Change, Species Selection & Risk Management35:55 Why Forestry Projects Need Research & Development Trials39:02 Biodiversity, Soil Health & the ‘Ecological Desert’ Debate43:21 Colin’s Top Advice for New Forest Investors44:34 How to Contact Colin Smith45:34 Colin’s Favourite Tree Revisited46:26 Closing Remarks & OutroFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upWeyerhaeuserToday, I’m joined by Ara Erickson, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at Weyerhaeuser. In this conversation, Ara explains how one of the world’s largest private forest landowners approaches sustainability across more than 20 million acres of managed forests in the US and Canada. We discuss the evolution of sustainable forestry over the past century, the realities of managing forests for multiple values, and why healthy, actively managed forests are critical for climate resilience and wildfire mitigation. Ara shares insights into timber REIT structures, forest certification, carbon markets, renewable energy opportunities, and the growing role of forests in delivering climate and nature solutions. We also explore the future of wood as a sustainable building material and the increasing importance of integrating environmental, social, and financial outcomes in forest investment strategy.“I think there is still yet a full recognition of how hard it is to manage for multiple values. Forests are being asked to provide so many solutions at once, and all of those values are fully integrated — they can’t really be separated.”00:00 – Introduction & Meet Ara Erickson01:58 – Weyerhaeuser's History & Legacy06:23 – Weyerhaeuser's Forest Holdings10:54 – Beyond Timber: Additional Revenue Streams12:18 – Understanding the Timber REIT Model18:33 – Sustainability in a Public Company27:24 – The Evolution of Sustainable Forestry33:16 – Wildfire, Forest Health & Forest Management41:03 – Weyerhaeuser's Sustainability Initiatives46:02 – The Future of Forestry & Sustainability50:43 – Advice for New Forest Investors52:11 – Final Thoughts & ResourcesFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

From the Vault - Jasper RenkMEAGMEAG on LinkedInJasper Renk on LinkedInFavourite trees: SpruceIn this rerun, 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.Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesDetails01:02Background to MEAG & 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)16:33Risk return profile of MEAG19:22Operational side of owned forest assets22:57Functioning transactional market24:38Investment vehicles, e,g. debt instruments27:45Sustainability32:00Sustainability objectives34:28Beneficiaries stand on sustainability39:08Actionable advice39:50Contact detailsSound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

www.youtube.com/@Resources_TheForestLinkThe ForestLink newsletter sign-upPitch Pod is the new spin-off from Forest Invest, hosted by Shauna Matkovich, showcasing investment-ready forest and nature-based solutions opportunities.Each episode features a project pitch followed by a practical Q&A exploring strategy, impact, scalability, and commercial potential, giving investors, founders, and practitioners a behind-the-scenes look at real-world nature finance deals.New episodes drop alongside Forest Invest, with video versions available on YouTube.Pitch Pod is an awareness platform only and does not provide investment advice or endorsements.Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesSound LibraryEcology-Agriculture-Environment via Pixabay

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upSymbiosis CoalitionToday, I’m joined by Julia Strong, founder and executive director of Symbiosis Coalition. In this conversation, Julia explains how buyer-led demand can help scale high-integrity forest carbon projects and mobilize capital into nature-based carbon removal. We talk about the role of long-term offtake agreements, the quality criteria Symbiosis uses to evaluate developers, and the common reasons projects fall short in the RFP process. Julia also shares what investors and project developers need to understand about readiness, benefit sharing, and the future of forest carbon as an investable asset class.“Carbon finance is one of the most promising tools that we have in our toolkit to mobilize billions of dollars for nature, climate, and people. It hasn’t yet lived up to its potential, and that was a key reason for starting Symbiosis.”00:13 Introduction to Forest Invest00:34 Julia Strong’s favourite tree01:21 Julia’s background and the launch of Symbiosis03:13 Sending a clear demand signal for high-integrity carbon removals04:17 The four core components of Symbiosis05:20 Unlocking capital through buyer confidence and quality07:17 The 20 million ton commitment by 203009:42 What makes a developer a good fit for Symbiosis 12:17 How developers can access the Symbiosis RFP 14:42 The chicken-and-egg problem in project finance 17:03 Symbiosis quality criteria and project evaluation 24:01 How the RFP process can help shape the market 25:23 Symbiosis’ role after offtake agreements 26:39 Common reasons projects do not advance 31:01 Why pilots and local track records matter 32:16 Bridge capital and the valley of death 35:01 How long the diligence process can take 37:53 Living Carbon and Mombak project examples 41:27 Building a diversified carbon removal portfolio 43:47 How to accelerate buyer demand 47:09 What is next for Symbiosis 48:00 Advice for new forest investors 49:28 Where to learn more about Symbiosis 49:57 Closing thoughts from Shauna MatkovichFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upBIOFINToday, I’m joined by Abbie Trinidad, Anabelle Plantilla, and Niran Nirannoot from the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), a UNDP-led programme now active in 131 countries. In this conversation, we explore how BIOFIN is tackling the biodiversity finance gap through practical ecotourism and conservation finance models in the Philippines and Thailand. We discuss community-led approaches in Sibalom Natural Park, tourist user charges and coral reef restoration on Koh Tao, and mangrove conservation in Phetchaburi. Along the way, we examine what it takes to attract private sector interest into biodiversity projects, the importance of policy and local institutions, and why conservation is increasingly an economic issue as much as an environmental one."Conservation is not just an environmental issue, it is actually an economic one" - Anabelle00:05 – Intro & BIOFIN guests00:36 – Favourite trees (icebreaker)01:48 – What is BIOFIN?05:53 – Why private investment matters07:56 – Biodiversity investment opportunities09:13 – Philippines: Sibalom Natural Park12:11 – Community ecotourism model18:36 – Early biodiversity outcomes23:15 – Carbon credits & policy gaps29:24 – Thailand: Koh Tao case32:29 – Tourist fee & fintech system39:00 – Impact: waste & coral recovery42:03 – Mangroves, co-investment & carbon48:36 – Key challenges & investor mindset52:55 – Final takeaway: nature as investmentFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upCapMan Natural CapitalToday, I’m joined by Jyri Hietala and Tapani Pahkasalo, Managing Partner and Co-Managing Partner of CapMan Natural Capital. In this conversation, we discuss CapMan’s approach to active forest investment management across Europe and unpack the recent sale of a Baltic forest portfolio to Inter IKEA. Jyri and Tapani explain how they build institutional-scale portfolios, create value through forest management, renewable energy, and other ecosystem services, and position assets for different buyer profiles at exit. We also talk about what this transaction may signal for the future of European forest investment. From industrial demand for long-term wood supply to the growing importance of biodiversity, carbon, and natural capital value creation, this episode explores why high-quality forestry assets are attracting attention from both financial and strategic buyers."You need to understand who your future buyers are—financial, strategic, or impact-driven—because the way you structure your assets today, including contracts and value streams, can directly influence your exit opportunities.” - Jyri"This transaction is a strong example of building an industrial-scale portfolio and finding the right buyer who understands the value created—not just in timber, but across the entire asset, including sustainability and long-term management.” - Tapani0:11 Introduction to the episode0:20 Meet Jyri Hietala and Tapani Pahkasalo from CapMan Natural Capital0:37 Favorite trees: pine and cork oak1:46 Guest backgrounds and introductions3:52 Why Dassos joined CapMan7:07 CapMan Natural Capital’s investment approach9:37 Value creation beyond timber12:46 Current investment markets in Europe13:40 The Inter IKEA transaction14:35 How the Baltic portfolio was built17:34 Previous owners and local forest management20:12 Why Inter IKEA was the right buyer21:22 What made the transaction successful23:19 What the deal signals for European forestry25:09 Forest health, bark beetles and wood supply27:00 Industrial buyers and vertical integration29:05 Biodiversity and ecosystem services31:15 How buyer types shape portfolio strategy37:02 Offtake agreements and exit flexibility38:03 Why Europe remains attractive for investors39:32 Advice for new forest investors40:29 Where to learn more about CapMan Natural CapitalFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)