Spar Tree Group

Today, I’m joined by David Elstone, managing director of Spar Tree Group and author of View from the Stump. In this conversation, David unpacks the current state of the British Columbia forest sector and explains why this globally important wood basket is facing such intense pressure. We discuss the long decline in timber harvest and lumber production, the legacy of the mountain pine beetle, mill closures, log exports, and the structural differences between BC’s coast and interior. David also shares his perspective on old growth deferrals, First Nations reconciliation, wildfire risk, forest policy, and why a clearer regional economic strategy is needed to make BC forestry more competitive and investable.

“British Columbia is one of the biggest single-jurisdiction forest management units in the world, with about 95% of the land base publicly owned and managed under one provincial system.”

0:10 Welcome to Forest Invest with Shauna Matkovich

0:53 David Elstone on his background and Spar Tree Group

3:08 The current state of the forest sector in British Columbia

4:42 Why BC matters in global wood markets

10:23 Log exports, mill closures, and domestic demand

19:45 Internal versus external pressures on BC forestry

25:28 Key actors and the biggest challenges facing the sector

28:48 Policy changes and old-growth deferrals

34:15 Conservation, wildfire, and active forest management

38:17 Private timberland, AAC, and structural change in BC

42:13 Where private investors may still find opportunity

47:07 What would make BC forestry more investable and competitive

50:32 Why there is no single fix for the sector

51:39 David Elstone’s advice for new forest investors

52:53 Where to learn more about Spar Tree Group

53:37 Closing remarks with Shauna Matkovich

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

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Biodiversity Credit Alliance

Kratom tree

Today, I’m joined by Manesh Lacoul, Global Coordinator of the Biodiversity Credit Alliance. In this conversation, Manesh explains how biodiversity credit markets are taking shape and why credibility must be built in from the start. We discuss the key lessons emerging from carbon markets, including the need to prioritize integrity, inclusion, equity, and innovation rather than treating them as afterthoughts. Manesh shares how the Biodiversity Credit Alliance is bringing together stakeholders across the market to develop principles, assessment tools, and comparability frameworks that can support high-integrity growth. We also talk about buyer integrity, the different use cases for biodiversity credits, the growing role of governments, and what investors and project developers should be paying attention to as this market evolves.

“In carbon markets, integrity came more as an afterthought. For biodiversity, integrity must go hand in hand with market development.”

0:09 Welcome to Forest Invest with Shauna Matkovich

1:14 Manesh Lacoul on his role at the Biodiversity Credit Alliance

3:30 The key actors shaping biodiversity credit markets

5:58 What success looks like: integrity, inclusion, equity, and innovation

7:17 Lessons biodiversity markets should learn from carbon markets

12:44 Inclusion and equity across different local contexts

15:37 Market readiness on the buy and sell side

19:00 Why buyer integrity matters as much as supplier integrity

24:47 How current biodiversity credit buyers are approaching the market

26:52 Where biodiversity credit activity is emerging globally

28:58 The EU roadmap for nature credits

31:14 Biodiversity stacked on carbon credits

32:31 Biodiversity credits versus payment for ecosystem services

35:04 How new buyers, investors, and developers can get started

37:58 Why there are so many methodologies and whether consolidation will happen

41:01 High-level principles, assessment tools, and comparability frameworks

44:10 Why growing government involvement is encouraging

46:02 Advice for forest investors and the role of biodiversity credits in production forests

48:21 Where to find Biodiversity Credit Alliance resources

48:36 Closing remarks with Shauna Matkovich

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

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Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Kodama

Today, I’m joined by Merritt Jenkins, CEO and Co-founder of Kodama Systems. In this conversation, Merritt explains how Kodama is using tele-operation and automation to run forestry equipment remotely, starting with skidders in the southeastern US. We discuss the technology behind the system, including Starlink connectivity, real-time video feeds, LiDAR, GPS, and onboard computing, and what it takes to make that technology reliable in tough forest conditions. Merritt also shares how remote skidding can help address some of the industry’s biggest challenges, from operator shortages and long commutes to physical strain and safety risk. We also explore the practical questions logging contractors ask around productivity, terrain, maintenance, and cost, before looking at what’s next for Kodama as the company expands into new regions and machine types.

“It's very challenging for logging business owners to find skidder operators. Whether you're in BC or the Florida panhandle, it's really the same theme—the industry is aging out, and the younger generation just isn’t as motivated to do this type of work.”

0:19 Meet Merritt Jenkins of Kodama Systems

0:28 Favorite tree: Southern yellow pine

0:53 Merritt’s background and Kodama origins

1:26 What Kodama does: remote skidding

2:28 Technology stack: Starlink, cameras, LiDAR, GPS

4:17 Ruggedising hardware for forestry conditions

5:17 Compatible skidders and OEM integration

7:43 Addressing the forestry labour shortage

10:23 PS5 controllers for machine operation

11:15 Remote site awareness and mapping

13:55 Key industry pain points solved

15:00 Logger concerns: costs and operations

16:08 Remote operation across locations and time zones

18:11 Cameras, visibility, and maintenance

20:35 Terrain handling and machine feedback

23:02 Business model and day rates

25:48 Ideal operating environments

26:51 Logger reactions and adoption

29:14 Collaboration with logging crews

30:26 Kodama team and skill sets

32:00 Lessons learned in the field

33:15 Future plans and expansion

34:07 Safety systems and fail-safes

35:35 Where to learn more

36:05 Outro

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

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Ki Reforestation

Ki Reforestation (Instagram)

This episode is brought to you by Ki Reforestation, a Canadian reforestation technology company restoring difficult landscapes using drone seeding, with a seed-agnostic approach and an Indigenous-aligned ecological restoration model. Today, I’m joined by Trevor Grant, Founder & CEO of Ki, to unpack Canada’s growing reforestation deficit and why new tools are needed to rebuild forests after increasingly severe wildfires — especially in steep, remote terrain where traditional crews face safety and access constraints. We dig into Ki’s system, from heavy-lift autonomous drones and real-time environmental sensing to AI-informed seeding prescriptions and the “magic sauce” behind the work: pharmaceutical-grade seed encapsulation designed to improve soil contact and reduce predation and withstand environmental factors.

Trevor also shares where drone seeding is (and isn’t) a fit, early field learnings since 2022, how costs can compare to manual planting, and what Ki is building next through a proposed five-year R&D program with academic, government, industry, and Indigenous partners. Learn more and join Ki on its mission through visiting Ki's website.

“We’re able to tailor density down to the number of seeds dispersed per square meter and adjust prescriptions in real time based on slope, soil, vegetation, and microsite conditions observed during flight.”

0:10 Introduction to Forest Invest

0:20 Sponsor spotlight: Ki Reforestation

1:01 Meet Trevor Grant, Founder and CEO of Ki Reforestation

1:12 Trevor’s favourite tree and why it stands out

2:21 The origin story behind Ki Reforestation

3:32 Canada’s wildfire crisis and the reforestation deficit

4:36 Restoring forests after wildfire: timing, access, and safety

5:27 How Ki’s drone seeding technology works

7:20 Heavy-lift drones, species mixes, and microsite planting

10:00 Seed encapsulation: the core innovation behind the model

12:53 Can drone seeding compete with manual tree planting?

17:08 Ki’s use cases: harvesting, wildfire recovery, and mine-site rehabilitation

19:44 Where aerial direct seeding is not the right fit

20:56 What Ki knows so far, and what still needs to be proven

22:11 Field trials, early results, and lessons learned since 2022

24:03 Indigenous partnerships and holistic restoration approaches

25:18 Customers, collaborators, and the 5-year research programme

28:39 What governments should ask before choosing an aerial reforestation company

31:08 Addressing scepticism and proving where the technology works

33:00 Seed sourcing, supply bottlenecks, and planning timelines

37:09 Government interest, funding gaps, and public-sector support

38:55 Carbon markets, additionality, and who should benefit

41:19 Why Ki is taking a slower, research-first approach

42:18 What excites Trevor most about Ki’s current stage

43:33 The future of Ki beyond Canada

45:33 Where to learn more and get involved

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Bettina von Hagen

Candice Taylor

Gwen Busby

Katrina Amaral

Kirstie White

Mary Ignatiadis

Rita Hite

In this special International Women’s Day episode, I bring together seven remarkable women working across the forestry sector—from investment and forest economics to sustainability, supply chains, and policy. In no particular order, Bettina von Hagen, Candice Taylor, Gwen Busby, Katrina Amaral, Kirstie White, Mary Ignatiadis, and Rita Hite share the pivotal moments, mentors, and decisions that shaped their leadership journeys. Through personal stories and candid reflections, the conversation explores themes of curiosity, resilience, and the power of mentorship in building a career in forestry. The guests also discuss the realities of working in a sector where women remain underrepresented, sharing experiences that range from subtle bias to moments of opportunity and influence. Together, these voices highlight how diverse perspectives are helping reshape forestry—from community-centered supply chains and natural capital investing to sustainable forest management and climate solutions—and why supporting the next generation of female leaders is essential for the future of the sector.

00:00 Introduction – Women Leaders in Forestry

00:23 Podcast Welcome & International Women’s Day Special

01:56 Women in Forestry – Representation and Industry Statistics

04:37 Introducing the Leadership Stories

05:01 Bettina von Hagen – Finding Your “True North” in Leadership

07:16 Candice Taylor – Continuous Learning and Career Reinvention

09:35 Gwen Busby – Economics, Nature, and Timberland Investment Strategy

12:05 Katrina Amaral – Community Forestry and Small-Scale Supply Chains

14:30 Kirstie White – Stewardship, Sustainability, and Leadership

17:13 Mary Ignatius – Forest Economics, Carbon Markets, and Collaboration

19:41 Rita Hite – A Leadership Journey to CEO

21:51 Gender Experiences in Forestry – Stories from the Field

24:08 Candice Taylor – Proving Expertise and Creating Space

25:32 Gwen Busby – Navigating Finance and Forestry as a Minority

28:06 Katrina Amaral – Logging, Perception, and Gender Bias

29:34 Kirstie White – Changing Representation in Forestry

31:25 Mary Ignatius – Confronting Gender Bias in Organizations

32:39 Rita Hite – Leadership Confidence and Authenticity

34:29 Closing Reflections – Celebrating Women in Forestry

34:37 Outro – Forest Invest

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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The ForestLink newsletter signup

Asger Stragne Olesen (LinkedIn)

IWC AM+

International Woodland Company (IWC) on LinkedIn

Today, I’m joined (for the second time) by Asger Strange Olesen, Global Head of Climate and Biodiversity at IWC AM+, and an independent expert deeply embedded in Europe’s forest policy arena. In this conversation, Asger explains why the EU has historically kept forestry out of the EU ETS, why voluntary forest carbon activity in Europe has remained limited, and what’s changing as the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) builds the market infrastructure for EU carbon removals. We unpack the EU’s “declining sink” problem, the complexity of forest ownership across member states, and why Mario Draghi’s competitiveness agenda is pushing Europe toward leaner regulation—and clearer signals for investment. Finally, we explore what the CRCF is designed to enable (and what it still doesn’t solve), how it compares to existing standards, and why country-by-country implementation will determine where EU forest carbon markets—and forest investment—move first.

"The mechanics and infrastructure are being made available. The CRCF gives you the toolbox. But whether that toolbox gets used depends on each individual country. If governments allow the framework to play and recognize downstream corporate demand for removals, then private capital will step in. If they continue to rely primarily on state-driven support schemes, investment will remain limited. So it’s not the EU framework alone—it’s national implementation that will determine where real forest investment opportunities emerge.”

00:09 — Welcome to Forest Invest

00:11 — Host intro: Shauna Matkovich (The Forest Link)

00:19 — Guest intro: Asgar Strange Olesen (IWCAM Plus)

00:40 — Favourite tree: European beech

01:29 — Asgar’s EU policy roles (CRCF, EU Taxonomy review, FSC, SBTi)

05:27 — Why EU forest policy is complex (no direct EU forest mandate)

08:21 — EU forest diversity + ownership differences

11:45 — Draghi, competitiveness & climate targets

14:52 — The “declining sink” challenge

20:41 — Why forestry is excluded from the EU ETS

27:46 — The missing piece: lack of demand

29:13 — What is the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF)?

31:37 — How CRCF differs from existing standards

37:37 — Built-in revision + piloting phase

40:00 — Performance certificates vs tradable credits

41:41 — GHG Protocol uncertainty & EU reporting shift

44:45 — Investment outlook: country-by-country reality

47:58 — Actionable advice for investors

49:37 — Closing remarks

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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The Nature Conservancy

Susan Cook-Patten on LinkedIn

Today I’m joined by Susan Cook-Patton, Lead Reforestation Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, to get into the weeds on applying science to forest carbon investment decision making. In this conversation, Susan breaks down what “durability” really means in practice—how risks vary by location, project type, and species, and why investors should be assessing likelihood, severity, and the probability of regrowth. She shares how her team is developing tools and maps to help investors quickly identify higher- and lower-risk landscapes, bringing greater certainty to carbon outcomes under future climate conditions. We talk project design choices that can reduce wildfire impacts, the role (and limitations) of buffer pools, and emerging alternatives like permanence trust funds and storage years. Susan also shares where remote sensing is improving fast—and why data sharing may be the biggest unlock for better, cheaper carbon accounting.

“It’s not about eliminating all risks. It’s about understanding them so you can plan appropriately and put compensation mechanisms in place if disturbances do occur.”

00:10 — Welcome to Forest Invest + today’s guest

00:30 — Icebreaker: Susan’s favourite tree (and why caterpillars matter)

01:16 — Who Susan is + her role at The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

02:27 — What “reforestation” really means (working forests, conservation, agroforestry)

03:05 — Applying science to forest carbon investment decisions

04:43 — Durability 101: why risk varies by place, species, and project type

06:36 — Mapping risk: likelihood, severity, and probability of regrowth

09:00 — Social context: designing projects communities actually want

10:12 — Project design for resilience: species choice, density, thinning, prescribed fire

11:55 — Buffer pools: minimums vs risk-based contributions

13:08 — Beyond buffer pools: trust funds, stacking strategies, “ton-year” approaches

15:54 — Monitoring innovation: shifting from field plots to remote monitoring

16:53 — Remote sensing challenges: uncertainty, benchmarks, and inconsistent methods

20:08 — Terrestrial laser scanning: better carbon estimates (and how to use it wisely)

22:08 — Data sharing as the big unlock (and reducing duplicated fieldwork)

23:42 — Standards are evolving: learning fast without “throwing the baby out”

26:44 — “Permanent” vs “durability”: making rules fit how forests really work

29:40 — Portfolio thinking: balancing approaches across climate action

32:21 — Output vs durability: designing for short-term volume or long-term resilience

34:37 — Investor time horizons vs climate timescales (why storage years help)

40:06 — Science in policy: how Susan’s work spans local to global decision-making

42:19 — Carbon insurance: what it can teach us about actuarial risk in forests

44:26 — What’s next: durability risk maps + Susan’s “magic wand” wishlist

47:44 — Final takeaway: the greatest risk is inaction

48:42 — One actionable advice for new forest investors

49:28 — Where to learn more (LinkedIn + nature.org) + closing remarks

50:12 — Outro: see you next time on Forest Invest

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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ISFC

Today, I’m joined by Ross Hampton, CEO of the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition (ISFC). In this conversation, Ross shares what he’s hearing from forest businesses and institutional capital as geopolitical volatility collides with the accelerating push toward a circular bioeconomy. We unpack why nature and climate are now inseparable on the global stage, what COP-level discussions are signaling for forestry, and why “a thousand flowers blooming” in biodiversity schemes is hindering a scalable market. Ross also walks through ISFC’s work with TNFD and the Capitals Coalition to standardize ecosystem services measurement—laying groundwork for investable nature markets—and offers practical advice for governments who have an important enabling role, and investors who want to be early movers in natural capital.

“Philanthropy plays a role, governments play a role, concessional finance plays a role — but these are minuscule compared to the scale of the challenge. The only real answer is the markets. It’s the $250 trillion sitting in pension, insurance and superannuation funds that is looking for a good return and increasingly wants to be nature and climate smart.”

1:29 – Ross’ background: politics/journalism → forestry, and why ISFC was created

2:35 – ISFC scope: member footprint, countries covered, and why scale matters

3:15 – Who ISFC represents: ownership structures across regions (investors, REITs, trading houses, integrated firms, quasi-government agencies)

4:47 – ISFC mission: accelerating a climate- and nature-smart circular bioeconomy

6:02 – The policy–finance disconnect: why capital isn’t linking to on-the-ground forestry needs

7:31 – The four funding streams (philanthropy, government, concessional finance, markets) and why markets are the only scalable answer

9:24 – Setting the stage: geopolitics and its impact on forest business/investment

10:09 – Global signals from recent events: COP momentum and “climate + nature” convergence

12:20 – The big project: working with TNFD + Capitals Coalition to measure ecosystem services

13:46 – “A gazillion initiatives” problem: why fragmentation prevents real markets

15:37 – What the project aims to prove: consistent measurement across global forest estates (7 ecosystem services)

17:09 – Timeline and milestones: outputs aimed for COP 17 (Armenia) and COP 31 (Turkey)

18:24 – Member sentiment (within limits): timberlands as a long-game, “stable island” asset class

22:08 – Whole-forest value vs “back to basics”: why the shift beyond timber isn’t slowing

23:41 – The “diamond in the rough”: externalising ecosystem services to unlock restoration at scale

26:02 – Policy fragmentation: why nature markets don’t scale when governments go it alone

27:08 – The hardest leap: paying for what used to be “free” (nature services)

28:51 – Shadow pricing: nature value already showing up in estate pricing above stump value

31:02 – Beyond measurement: enabling conditions governments must create (tech, incentives, stacking)

33:43 – A counterintuitive principle: don’t only pay for “uplift” (avoid penalising good stewards)

39:13 – Global South vs Global North: differing contexts, shared opportunity, where growth may happen

43:38 – Where policy conversations get stuck: finance vs industry vs forestry/agriculture vs environment

45:29 – Davos/WEF touchpoint: reception and momentum

45:42 – Crystal ball: what’s next, and key 2026 moments (Japan, Climate Week NYC, COPs)

48:10 – One actionable takeaway for new investors: lean into natural capital and nature markets early

49:39 – Where to learn more: ISFC website + natural capital report

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Marcos on LinkedIn

Indicators - Biodiversity | Stora Enso

Biodiversity indicators for plantations - Biodiversity | Stora Enso

Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric

Investor News: Stora Enso partners with IUCN to advance positive impacts on biodiversity

From the vault 🎙️

In this rerun, Marcos Wichert, Vice President of Plantation Forest and Sustainability Management at Stora Enso, shares lessons from his global career across Brazil, China, New Zealand, and Finland. We explore how sustainable forestry must adapt to local ecosystems, regulations, and communities, from catchment-based planning and biodiversity KPIs to the realities of Eucalyptus. A practical, boardroom-level conversation on aligning forestry investments with climate, nature, and long-term value.

“Sustainable forestry means managing commercial forests at a landscape level, with the catchment area as the key management unit to monitor and guide the impacts of forestry activities.”

Harvest less than the forest grows each year, and that’s a basic principle of sustainable forestry."

0:00 From the vault: sustainable forest management in production forestry

0:40 Navigating ecosystem services, standards, and new tools in forest finance

1:13 Marcos Wichert joins + “favourite tree” icebreaker (Araucaria angustifolia)

1:44 Marcos’ career journey: Brazil → China → New Zealand → Brazil → Indonesia → Finland

4:29 Defining sustainable forestry: core principles + landscape-level responsibility

5:15 Catchment-based planning and hydrology as a sustainability foundation

6:13 How sustainability differs by jurisdiction: Brazil vs China vs the Nordics

10:07 Plantation vs semi-natural forests, certification realities, and investor considerations

12:50 What investors should assess: FSC/PEFC, KPIs, monitoring, and traceable data

16:15 Eucalyptus: myths, risks, and best practice (right species, right place)

18:03 Water stability through age-class mosaics across a catchment

22:14 Spatial vs temporal scales: compartments, estates, landscapes, and planning units

24:01 EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): traceability down to compartment level

25:15 Why catchments matter for sustainability (especially for fast-growing species)

29:08 Boardroom sustainability: clients, regulation, traceability, and “nature-positive” products

31:11 The premium problem: paying for biodiversity and beyond-compliance actions

32:30 Nature Positive Impact (NPI): targets, science partnerships, and biodiversity KPIs

34:24 Public equities: what to look for in sustainability reporting + red flags

37:06 Wrap-up: forestry’s role in climate + biodiversity solutions

38:02 Where to find Marcos: LinkedIn + EUFRO work on automation and robotics

38:51 Closing from Shauna Matkovich (Forest Invest)

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business

Today, I’m joined by Erin Lincoln, Director of the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business at the University of Georgia, for an academic, data-driven look at what’s happening across timberland markets in the U.S. Southeast. Erin breaks down how hurricane impacts, permanent pulp and paper mill closures, and soft housing starts are reshaping demand for small-diameter wood—and what that means for landowners, communities, and investors. We explore where opportunity may emerge next, from bioenergy, carbon capture and storage, biochar, sustainable aviation fuel and natural capital themes, alongside the growing role of higher-and-better-use (HBU) revenue streams. Erin also explains how investor expectations differ across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, why reporting requirements are pinching TIMOs, and where AI could unlock new efficiency across forestry operations, compliance, and decision-making.

Forestry is extremely data intensive, and AI has the potential to fundamentally change how we manage forests—from thinning decisions to trucking efficiency and compliance.

00:00 Welcome to Forest Invest

00:32 Erin Lincoln’s favorite tree (and why oaks matter)

01:02 Erin’s career path and role at the Center for Forest Business

02:10 Education, outreach, and research at UGA

03:19 Why the program is known for forest finance and economics

04:48 Setting the scene: the state of the US forest industry

05:00 Mill closures in the Southeast and hurricane impacts

07:12 Housing starts, inflation, and pressure on sawmills

08:04 Declining paper demand and global competition

09:09 Permanent mill closures and real estate constraints

10:05 Downturns create opportunity: bioenergy, biochar, SAF

11:39 Public perception of forestry and sustainable harvesting

14:43 What investors should know right now

14:56 Real estate, HBUs, and diversified revenue streams

16:16 ESG, natural capital, and return expectations

17:24 US vs European investor priorities

18:41 Reporting burdens and pressure on TMOs

20:06 Specialisation in a maturing timber investment market

22:01 What future forest investment professionals care about

23:52 Generational shifts in forestry careers

25:56 Research priorities: natural capital and bioeconomy

27:42 Measuring the full economic impact of forestry

28:42 Key knowledge gaps in carbon and forest products

30:04 The role of investors in shaping innovation

31:04 Advice for young foresters choosing a specialty

32:34 Why Erin is optimistic about the sector’s future

33:31 Artificial intelligence in forestry and timber investment

36:32 Where AI is already improving efficiency

38:08 One actionable piece of advice for new investors

39:18 Where to learn more about the Center for Forest Business

40:01 Closing remarks

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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The Conservation Fund

Today, I’m joined by Matt Purdy, Director of Forest Investments at The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit focused on conserving land in the U.S. while strengthening local communities and economies. In this conversation, Matt explains how their Working Forest Fund protects large, productive forests in perpetuity by taking conversion off the table—often through conservation easements designed specifically for sustainable timber management.

We unpack how The Conservation Fund acts as a bridge owner for public agencies and land trusts, what their capital stack looks like (including low-cost debt and a green bond), and why they always underwrite multiple pathways to a conservation outcome. We also dig into how carbon projects fit into their model, including their first issuance under ACR’s IFM 2.1 “removals-only” methodology, and the trade-offs of financing conservation without “turning off the saws.” Finally, Matt shares what’s changing in private capital—from mission-aligned family offices to corporate partners like Apple, and why mill closures remain one of the biggest risks to working forests and forest-based livelihoods.

Most investors look at conservation easements after they’ve exhausted every other revenue source. For us, the conservation easement is the first thing we underwrite.”

“We’re very aware that turning off the saws can hurt communities. Our goal is to balance carbon projects with continued harvesting so forests remain working forests.”

00:00 Welcome to Forest Invest

00:31 Matt Purdy’s favourite tree and personal background

01:19 From timber cruiser to Director of Forest Investments

02:27 What is The Conservation Fund and its dual mission

03:52 What does “working forest” really mean?

05:39 Conservation easements and permanent forest protection

06:09 The bridge-ownership model explained

09:06 Managing risk with multiple conservation exit paths

10:09 Capital stack, low-cost debt, and green bonds

11:25 Two conservation pathways: public ownership vs private resale

12:30 How The Conservation Fund compares to other nonprofits

14:16 NGOs vs TIMOs: mission-first vs return-first investing

17:43 Plantation forests, natural forests, and partner priorities

18:58 Conservation easements as an investment tool

20:03 Carbon projects and Improved Forest Management (IFM)

21:00 Balancing harvests, carbon, and community livelihoods

23:24 ACR IFM 2.1 and removals-only carbon credits

24:20 Inside their first IFM 2.1 project

27:04 Working with private capital and mission-aligned investors

29:30 The Apple co-ownership deal explained

32:18 Corporates vs institutional investors: key differences

35:35 Opportunities and challenges for conservation ownership

41:07 Mill closures and risks to forest-based livelihoods

43:10 What’s next for The Conservation Fund

44:41 One piece of advice for new forest investors

46:57 Where to learn more and closing remarks

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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Quarlbo Biodiversity

Xilva

Gresham House

New Forests

SFM

Aborcrest Investments

Aarden AI

CE Events and Media

MEAG

BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group

In this special start-of-year episode, Forest Invest looks back at the 10 most downloaded conversations of all time and distills the most powerful insights from global leaders in forest finance, natural capital, biodiversity markets, and climate-positive investing.

From biodiversity credits and due diligence frameworks to timberland strategy, land use optimisation, and the future of nature-based investments, this episode brings together the ideas that resonated most with listeners and continue to shape the sector.

If you’re investing in forests, natural capital, or climate solutions in 2026, this is your essential recap and inspiration to start the year informed and motivated.

00:00 Welcome to Forest Invest & Season 3

00:45 Why this episode: Top 10 most downloaded insights

01:10 #1 Biodiversity credits explained: conservation, restoration & diversified forest management

03:05 #2 Due diligence in forest investment: impact, risk, and scalability

08:34 #3 Long-rotation forestry, climate risk, and timber demand

11:40 #4 Open-ended forestry funds and long-term stewardship

14:01 #5 Scaling plantations through landowner partnerships

18:13 #6 Why forestry is misunderstood as an asset class

21:39 #7 Breaking silos in land-use and investment decision-making

24:45 #8 The disconnect between biodiversity supply and demand

28:56 #9 How natural capital fits into institutional portfolios

30:46 #10 Land sparing, conservation design, and nature-positive outcomes

32:48 Key takeaways from the top 10 episodes

33:06 Invest in forests & closing remarks

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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.

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Funga

Josh 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 degraded below-ground biodiversity is one of the most overlooked risks in modern forestry and long-term forest investment.

Josh shares early evidence showing up to 30 percent gains in productivity, outlines Funga’s carbon removal business model, and describes how their 30-year lease structure works for landowners. We end with a discussion about what high-profile carbon removal buyers such as Netflix may signal for the future of regenerative forestry and nature-based climate solutions.

After a harvest, we see about a 75% reduction in below-ground biodiversity in these pine systems" ... “What we’re targeting—and seeing—is approximately a 30% lift in productivity over time from restoring the microbiome.

Chapters

00:00] Intro and welcome

[00:19] Meet Josh Parrish, Chief Growth Officer at Funga

[00:32] Favourite tree: the white oak

[02:01] Josh’s background and journey to Funga

[04:16] What is the forest soil microbiome?

[04:42] Mycorrhizal fungi explained

[07:11] Why below-ground biodiversity matters

[08:22] Why nobody talks about soil health

[09:48] Technology behind Funga’s approach

[11:00] What happens to forest soils after harvest

[14:14] Risks of a degraded microbiome

[16:19] How landowners can assess soil health

[17:25] How Funga inoculates seedlings

[18:25] The nursery partnership and process

[21:10] How prescriptions for inoculation are created

[23:11] How to identify inoculated roots

[24:02] Control vs. inoculated seedlings

[27:00] Early results and productivity gains

[29:45] Restoration vs synthetic inputs

[30:19] Funga’s business model

[31:56] The 30-year carbon lease

[33:02] Carbon methodology and enhanced sequestration

[37:02] Partnership with Netflix

[40:02] Scaling awareness with landowners

[41:32] What’s next for Funga

[43:31] Advice for new forest investors

[44:36] Closing

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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Anton Timpers (LinkedIn)

FMO

Today 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 bio-based economy.

We explore the role of blended finance and concessional capital in crowding in private investment, and how development finance institutions can help reduce risk in frontier and emerging markets. Anton highlights the environmental and social safeguards FMO applies to avoid deforestation, ensure certification, and prevent greenwashing in forestry projects.

Anton also shares FMO’s ambition to invest up to 1 billion euros in forestry and sustainable land use by 2030. We talk about the challenge of finding truly bankable forestry projects in fragmented markets across Latin America, Africa and Asia, and what potential investees need to have in place before approaching a development finance institution like FMO.

We are convinced about the opportunities in emerging markets, and we hope that with global supply shifting, people will consider these locations more seriously.

Chapters

[00:23] Meet today’s guest: Anton Timpers (FMO)

[00:34] Favourite tree

[01:02] Anton’s background and intro to FMO

[02:05] Building FMO’s forestry focus

[02:33] What makes FMO’s approach unique

[03:58] Investing across the asset maturity spectrum

[04:45] Co-investors and partners

[06:03] Appetite from commercial investors

[06:32] Plantation forestry vs natural forests

[08:20] Conservation, restoration and carbon risks

[10:13] Safeguards, certification and due diligence

[11:29] Why forestry moved into the agri team

[13:04] Standards, safeguards and risk frameworks

[14:26] FMO’s €1 billion forestry goal

[15:53] Main obstacles and fragmented markets

[17:49] Industrial demand and medium-sized enterprises

[20:01] Illegal logging and market realities

[21:47] Small global community of forestry investors

[23:21] What potential investees should know

[25:14] What to prepare before approaching FMO

[27:07] Direct equity vs fund-led co-investments

[27:50] COP discussions, pledges and Brazil focus

[29:39] Carbon credits, accounting and market gaps

[31:03] Positive momentum from COP

[32:06] Geographic focus: LatAm, Africa, Asia

[33:29] Concessional capital and early-stage funding

[35:36] How to approach FMO with an opportunity

[36:00] Final reflections

[36:11] Actionable advice for first-time forest investors

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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Tāmata Hauhā

Blair Jamieson on LinkedIn

We’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 landowners unlock economic opportunities by developing under-utilised land into long-term, intergenerational assets that generate both social impact and financial returns.

We explore the realities and complexities of Māori land ownership and why building trust requires what Blair calls a “thousand cups of tea” approach — patient, relationship-centred engagement grounded in cultural respect. Blair explains how Tāmata Hauhā blends cultural integrity with commercial pragmatism, collaborating with more than 70 Indigenous groups to establish forests that deliver economic, community, climate, and biodiversity benefits.

Blair also breaks down New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), offering rare insights into how this compliance-based carbon market provides credibility, transparency, and liquidity unmatched by most voluntary carbon systems. We discuss the company’s investment model, expected returns, and its expansion into the Chatham Islands, where carbon forestry is reshaping remote communities and supporting nature-based climate solutions.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

00:23 – Meet Blair Jamieson & Tāmata Hauhā

01:21 – What the Company Does

02:25 – Blair’s Background in Government

03:17 – Forestry as an Economic Enabler for Māori Land

04:12 – Working with 70+ Indigenous Groups

05:05 – Community Impact & Commercial Returns

06:11 – Māori Land Ownership Explained

09:39 – The “Thousand Cups of Tea” Approach

12:39 – Māori Leadership Within the Company

14:29 – History of Radiata & NZ Forestry

17:35 – Moving Beyond Pine Monoculture

20:06 – Nurse Crops & Native Regeneration

22:27 – NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Overview

24:30 – How NZU Compliance Markets Work

31:51 – Carbon Prices & Market Dynamics

33:38 – Investment Model Explained

35:26 – Chatham Islands Projects

39:35 – Māori vs Moriori: Cultural Context

41:48 – Main Risks: Politics, Not Integrity

45:12 – What’s Next for Tāmata Hauhā

47:17 – Scaling & International Interest

47:51 – Final Advice for New Forestry Investors

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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Global Forest Generation

Acción Andina

Florent Kaiser (LinkedIn)

Earthshot Prize

In 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 authentic community engagement looks like in practice, how to balance trust and expectations in long-term partnerships, and why forest restoration must begin by listening—to people, to landscapes, and to water.

Florent also outlines the next phase of Acción Andina’s mission: linking forest restoration and water security to attract new forms of capital, and inviting investors to build relationships rooted in dignity, co-ownership, and respect.

Seeing tens of thousands of people planting trees together isn’t just ecological restoration — it’s an act of hope. It reminds us that working with nature unites us beyond economics or politics.

Chapters

[00:00] Welcome & introduction – Shauna Matkovich and Florent Kaiser (Global Forest Generation / Acción Andina)

[01:00] From childhood curiosity to creating a global forest movement

[03:00] Founding Acción Andina and Global Forest Generation

[07:30] How Indigenous principles of Ayni and Minka guide restoration

[12:30] What real community leadership and engagement look like

[17:00] Winning the Earthshot Prize and what it means for restoration

[21:30] Building trust and managing expectations with local partners

[33:00] Linking forest restoration with water security and long-term finance

[49:00] Blending ancient wisdom with modern tools and innovation

[54:00] Advice for investors: visit, listen, and invest in relationships

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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The Carbon Paradox

Terra Impact Ventures

Renat Heuberger

Renat 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 REDD+ would mean abandoning the only proven tool to protect forests still disappearing today. Through his fiction-based narrative, he aims to reach readers outside the carbon bubble — including his 80-year-old mother — and believes the next wave of forest-climate leadership will come from students and founders ready to reshape the story.

His message to investors: now is the moment to “buy the dip” in forest carbon — for those patient enough to ride out the noise.

That’s already the first paradox we describe, right? Is it ethically correct to put a price on nature, to call forests an asset? … At the same time, if you are not giving a price to nature, then in a way its price is zero. And that’s already the first fundamental debate which has been going on in carbon markets for several years

0:00 Intro – Welcome to Forest Invest

0:19 Guest intro – Renat Heuberger, Terra Impact Ventures & The Carbon Paradox

1:18 Origins – First encounters with deforestation in Indonesia

2:25 Building South Pole and early carbon-market journey

4:43 The first paradox – Putting a price on nature

6:11 Why write a fiction-based book about carbon markets

7:42 Writing for readers outside the climate bubble

9:40 The power of storytelling over white papers

10:40 Key paradoxes – Baseline, Leakage, Community

16:00 The Control Paradox – Who really decides how forest funds are used

22:31 The Ideologists Paradox – Attacks from left and right

25:19 The Transparency Paradox – When openness invites criticism

27:14 Meet the protagonists – Three students on a climate mission

29:25 Reconciling forests as moral duty vs market asset

33:04 New ideas – Pricing nature, not just carbon

35:17 Political cycles, slow progress, and REDD+ lessons

37:24 Rebirth of the Dream – Why narrative change matters

39:30 Raising a questioning generation

41:34 Leaving South Pole – What really happened

45:25 Silver linings and new beginnings

47:03 Who should read The Carbon Paradox – Greta Thunberg & President Prabowo

49:50 Message to project developers – Hang in there

51:23 Investor takeaway – “Buy the dip” in forest carbon

53:00 Where to find the book & Renat’s work

Founding Director/Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer/Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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REDD++ Business Initiative

Treevive

In 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 like — community-driven design, FPIC, shorter MRV cycles, and national alignment — and calls for continued private-sector engagement.

His message: don’t wait for perfection — keep REDD+ in the portfolio, or we lose forests faster than finance flows.

Ask someone as a citizen if they would protect forests, and they’ll say yes. Ask them as a corporate communications officer if they’d invest in a REDD+ project, and they’ll say maybe — or no. That’s the gap we need to close.

Chapters

0:23 Guest introduction – Michel Schuurman, TreeVive & REDD+ Business Initiative

1:26 Michel’s professional journey and path into forest carbon finance

5:15 Major shifts in forest carbon and avoided-deforestation markets

6:25 Role of the private sector vs governments and NGOs in forest protection

8:52 Why carbon remains the key measurable value metric

10:54 Challenges with valuing intact forests and improving REDD+ mechanisms

13:17 Overview of REDD+ Business Initiative report and its aims

17:01 Addressing media criticism and project integrity in REDD+

19:26 What’s improving in methodologies and MRV tools

19:27 Three biggest financing gaps in forest protection

21:17 Corporate reputational risk and reluctance to engage

22:39 Policy and Article 6 uncertainty as a major barrier

24:33 Market slowdown and optimism for renewed momentum

26:15 What defines a high-integrity REDD+ project design

27:12 Community engagement, FPIC and benefit-sharing models

29:34 Technical integrity: baselines, MRV cycles, permanence and leakage

31:53 Investor profiles suited to REDD+ projects

33:00 Why institutional capital hesitates and the funding-size gap

35:49 Why capital isn’t flowing despite low ticket sizes

37:06 State of impact and philanthropic investment in REDD+

38:13 Jurisdictional vs private-project approaches and time lags

40:22 How developers can de-risk and protect their projects

41:02 Emerging insurance and policy-risk products

41:40 Blended-finance tools to mobilize private capital

44:13 Final call to action – keep forest protection in portfolios

45:26 Role of media and balanced reporting

48:00 Closing remarks and where to find the REDD+ Business Initiative report

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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Quote

What’s exciting about restoration in Brazil is that it represents an investment opportunity that’s both profitable and a genuine climate solution. - Niamh

Brazil could actually become a net negative emissions country, exporting negative emissions to the rest of the world — that’s how large the potential for carbon sequestration is. - Alexandre

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

orbitas.org

Chapters

[2:42] What Orbitas does — assessing climate-related risks and opportunities

[6:21] Scenario analysis and transition risk explained

[7:23] Using TCFD framework and standard terminology

[9:22] Brazil report — “Room to Grow: The Economic Case for Forest Restoration”

[10:08] Methodology and headline findings

[11:27] Agricultural drivers and degraded pasturelands

[12:23] Profitability and financing mechanisms

[13:37] Political will and policy alignment in Brazil

[14:43] Surprises and confirmations in the analysis

[17:01] Why focus on Brazil versus other countries

[19:15] Regional focus — where restoration makes most sense

[21:19] Importance of the Amazon and Cerrado ecosystems

[23:10] Hydrological and climate resilience links

[26:14] Investment risk, transparency, and blended finance

[30:35] Restoration archetypes and financing mechanisms

[33:39] Emerging trends — agroforestry and new markets

[35:35] Carbon markets, ETS, and biodiversity credits

[39:12] How climate transitions affect profitability

[42:29] Market proximity and economic feasibility

[43:00] What investors should ask before investing

[45:15] Importance of due diligence and local partnerships

[46:10] Calls to action for government and corporations

[48:49] Policy implementation and land governance challenges

[50:30] Role of other stakeholders and communities

[51:34] Ensuring fair distribution of returns

[52:22] Corporate responsibility and supply chain influence

[54:18] Profitability even without strong transitions

[55:06] Final advice for new forest investors

[57:10] Building trust and long-term partnerships

[57:38] Closing thoughts and where to learn more

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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“I’m going to come back to my infrastructure point. So see forests as an essential, durable infrastructure and think about the portfolio — conservation, restoration, jurisdiction, sustainable forestry, all of these things together. And remembering that the biggest risk isn’t reversals, it’s delay. So the more you step in, the more value you have secure.” 

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Jen Stebbing

Jen Stebbing (LinkedIn)

TFFF - Tropical Forest Forever Facility

Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship Crisis with Mother Nature (book)

HIFOR - A single investment, with multiple benefits

Chapters

[0:00] Welcome and introduction

[0:21] Meet Jen Stebbing

[2:00] Highlights from New York Climate Week

[5:00] Forests as essential infrastructure

[8:46] The portfolio approach to forest finance

[11:41] Indigenous leadership and equity

[13:42] Brazil’s TFFF and the Forest Finance Roadmap

[18:13] Risk-sharing and community protection

[21:47] Blended finance and the Restoration Generation

[29:05] Overcoming capital-raising challenges

[33:03] Optimism and collaboration in climate finance

[34:10] Final advice for forest investors

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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.

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Quote

Timber is still the backbone of returns, but today it has to be part of a broader strategy that values biodiversity, carbon, and cultural outcomes.

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Your Forest Podcast

Chapters

[00:11] Introduction by Shauna – framing forest investment basics

[02:32] Matthew opens – news about the podcast winding down

[04:55] Introducing guest Shauna Matkovich and The Forest Link

[15:56] Putting a value on biodiversity and carbon

[22:06] How timberland investment began and pension fund role

[29:42] Beyond carbon credits – biodiversity and risk reduction strategies

[33:44] Partnerships and aligning different capital objectives

[37:12] Timber, biodiversity, and investor–manager roles

[42:03] KPIs and impact pathways for investors

[44:28] Linking financial and ecological objectives

[52:58] Public vs private land investment opportunities

[01:17:51] Spectrum of investors – safe returns vs impact

[01:24:00] How forest investment might change management in 30–50 years

[01:31:44] Final reflections – facilitators of change and investor roles

[01:33:01] Closing thanks and outro

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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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 inland transport, and the limits of bioenergy when it fails to meet sustainability goals.

Quote

Opportunities for bio-energy include reducing wildfire and insect risks, supporting renewable energy markets, and strengthening regional economies.

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Dr. Virginia Dale's University of Tennessee profile

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction and welcome

[00:36] Virginia Dale’s favourite tree and climate change insights

[01:21] Academic background and path to mathematical ecology

[02:26] Why bioenergy is central to her work

[03:01] Bioenergy basics and the value chain from forest to grid

[05:24] Forest residues, sawdust, and rejected logs explained

[06:03] The controversy around bioenergy and carbon accounting

[09:21] Species protection, biodiversity, and sustainable forestry practices

[11:14] Perceptions, policy gaps, and the reputation of bioenergy

[12:30] Where critics have valid concerns and the role of monitoring

[14:00] Rural jobs, pellet mills, and environmental justice issues

[15:47] Climate benefits, carbon cycle, and wildfire risk reduction

[19:51] Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)

[20:53] Social and economic impacts for local communities

[23:37] Forest owners, smallholders, and certification challenges

[27:00] The issue of unloved wood and the role of sustainable aviation fuel

[30:15] Opportunities for bioenergy in sustainable forest management

[31:56] Indirect land use change and food security concerns

[34:39] The role of ecological models in decision-making

[35:15] Investor perspective: bioenergy as part of forest investment

[37:56] Constraints facing the bioenergy industry

[40:44] Final advice for new forest investors

[41:40] Where to find Virginia Dale’s research

[42:35] Closing remarks and outro

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

“Properties with multiple use cases will command premium prices as more buyers recognize value streams beyond timber.”

“Bringing more data and transparency to land will increase liquidity, drive better financial returns, and improve sustainability outcomes.”

Useful Resources

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Aarden AI

Chapters

[1:17] Danan’s journey – from law, real estate & tech to forestry and carbon credits

[3:34] Founding story – why landowners need better tools for highest and best use

[4:15] Lifecycle of land investments – strategy, acquisition, management, exit

[5:41] How Aarden supports TIMOs & institutional capital

[6:29] Alternative uses – carbon credits, conservation, data centers, even space launchpads

[8:03] Valuation methods – geospatial data, historical comps, forward NPV/IRR

[10:29] Platform limits – rigid fund structures vs flexible mandates

[12:13] Blending timber, solar, and sustainability goals

[13:19] Modeling biodiversity & carbon credits with scenario planning

[15:25] Data inputs – species indexes, water quality, jobs, and more

[16:55] Technology shift – AI enabling richer, faster land insights

[17:44] Breaking silos – moving beyond single-use forestry models

[21:05] Focus on the U.S. market – early days, next Canada, then global

[22:12] Platform demo – natural language map queries & scenario testing

[23:53] Opportunity scoring – blending multiple land-use returns

[25:12] Innovations – talking to maps and valuation modeling

[26:43] Scaling regionally – from parcels to counties to states

[28:33] Future feature – scraping public land listings for deal flow

[30:39] Forestry software gap – why land lags other asset classes

[33:24] Ideal use cases – institutional landowners, portfolio optimization

[34:52] Less useful – narrow timber-only mandates or very small owners

[35:24] Looking ahead – how tools like Aarden could transform forestry

[39:05] Advice for new forest investors – financial + environmental returns

[40:52] Where to learn more – Aarden.ai, climate week, Canopy

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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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 fractions of a second, causing them to reburn. That secondary burn reduces the smoke so much that it often just looks like heat waves leaving the firebox."

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Air Burners

Chapters

[0:12] Welcome and guest introduction

[0:32] Michael’s favourite tree

[1:08] What Air Burners does

[2:25] Who uses air curtain burners

[3:02] Work with US Forest Service

[3:37] Development of the BurnBoss

[5:17] From BurnBoss to CharBoss

[6:00] How the technology works

[7:48] Types of wood waste handled

[9:19] Emissions and comparisons

[12:17] Drivers behind biomass reduction

[14:21] On-site power generation with BioCharger

[16:42] Emissions testing and regulation

[17:20] Transportation and cost savings

[19:00] Case study: vineyard owner in California

[20:50] Air Burner Certified Contractors (ACCs)

[21:05] Biochar benefits and crop results

[24:03] Biochar and carbon credits

[25:49] Logistics and market access for biochar

[27:38] Air Burners in wildfire-prone regions

[31:07] Limitations and site requirements

[33:29] Case study: PG&E wildfire mitigation

[36:23] Air Burners in disaster recovery

[38:08] Advice for new forest investors

[39:51] Where to learn more about Air Burners

[40:45] Closing remarks

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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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 practical, commercially viable entry points and suppliers offering technically robust but often complex solutions. From biodiversity credits and verification standards to on-the-ground case studies in Colombia and New Zealand, this episode shows how clearer communication and collaboration can unlock the capital urgently needed for nature.

Quote

“Both sides of the market need to learn the language the other side is speaking – without that, investment confidence simply won’t build.” – Warren

"During our surveys, 84% of demand-side respondents said they prefer biodiversity credits bundled with carbon credits, while most suppliers favored stand-alone credits. That divergence reflects a deeper mismatch in confidence and familiarity.” – Megha

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

CE Events and Media

Chapters

[00:24] Guests introduced: Warren Erses and Megha Chakraborty of CE Events & Media  

[02:16] Warren on founding CE Events & Media and their mission  

[05:18] How forestry and biodiversity finance has evolved since 2015  

[07:54] The impact of corporate net-zero commitments and carbon market scrutiny  

[09:14] Launching the Global Biodiversity Report: why now  

[15:02] Research methodology: literature review, 80+ interviews, surveys  

[18:05] Adapting the methodology and building trust with stakeholders  

[23:28] Key findings: disconnect between supply and demand in biodiversity markets  

[27:57] Bridging the gap through a Q&A-style report  

[29:24] The need for education on both sides of biodiversity markets  

[34:31] The role of regulation and emerging standards  

[35:12] Verification standards and the challenges of measuring biodiversity  

[39:02] Technological approaches to biodiversity measurement  

[40:47] Who is interested in standalone biodiversity credits?  

[42:01] Case studies: Terrazos in Colombia and ECOS in New Zealand  

[44:28] Final advice for new forest and biodiversity investors  

[45:41] Where to learn more about CE Events & Media  

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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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 important part of the value. Traditionally, it was the land and the tree crop. There's now land, tree crop, and carbon. And it could be forming 20 - 30% of the total valuation.

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

SFM - Plantation Carbon Partners

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters 

[0:48] Background & SFM Agribusiness  

[2:25] SFM’s Role in Forest Investment Operations  

[3:16] Evolution of Carbon Forestry (Australia)  

[6:31] Understanding Carbon Project Methodologies (Schedules 1–4)  

[8:02] First Carbon Project & Early Learnings  

[9:06] The Drivers: Climate & Timber Deficit  

[10:22] Land Constraints & Strategic Aggregation Models  

[11:27] How the Australian Carbon Market Works  

[12:23] Pricing, Credit Types & Market Trends  

[13:48] Buyers in the Compliance Carbon Market  

[15:20] Compliance vs. Voluntary Markets  

[16:22] Strengths & Weaknesses of the Compliance System  

[17:50] Challenges with Timelines, Audits & Approval Delays  

[20:03] Investor Confidence & Carbon Modeling  

[21:05] Market Demand Outlook to 2033  

[22:01] Carbon's Emerging Role in Asset Valuation  

[23:44] The Active Acre Model: Origins & Design  

[26:33] Retail-Focused Landowner Partnerships  

[28:56] Land Aggregation Strategy & Regional Development  

[30:01] Farmer Engagement & Early Adoption Curve  

[30:52] Landowner Concerns: Tenure, Risk & Trust  

[32:14] Fire Risk Management & Industry Networks  

[33:57] Certification, Biodiversity & AU Plus Potential  

[34:39] Flexible Models for Participatory Land Use  

[35:26] Investor Perspectives: Risk, Pipeline & Land Use  

[38:12] Real Estate Pipeline Management & Land Suitability  

[40:49] Evolving Client Base: Emitters & AU Offtake  

[42:22] Unlocking Plantation Forestry Potential  

[44:36] Emerging Trends in Nature-Based Solutions  

[46:36] Communicating the Value of Forest Management  

[49:08] Actionable Advice for New Investors  

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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“Fire has been a part of forest ecosystems for as long as photosynthesis has been a part of forest ecosystems. They are two parts of the same cycle.”

"Fire is a fact. It’s not a mystical risk. It can be understood and it can be managed. If you remove fire from those ecosystems, you can actually create risk for the asset."

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Wildfire Service, Province of British Columbia

Cultural Burning & Prescribed Fire

FireSmart BC

Tony Pesklevits (LinkedIn)

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction & Guest Welcome

[01:05] Tony’s Favorite Tree & Background

[03:18] From Conservation to Wildfire Management

[04:44] Overview of Tony’s Current Role

[05:20] The Role & Mandate of the BC Wildfire Service

[07:17] Cultural vs. Prescribed Fire

[10:06] Building Partnerships with First Nations

[11:02] Monitoring & Measuring Fire Outcomes

[13:36] Adaptive Management in Fire Practices

[13:56] Community Perceptions & Communication

[16:08] The Williams Lake Burn Case Study

[17:34] Forest Management Without Fire

[20:11] Forest Practices to Reduce Wildfire Risk

[22:16] Collaboration with the Forest Industry

[24:16] Fire Surveillance Techniques

[27:48] Emerging Technologies in Fire Detection

[28:17] Funding & Responsibility for Wildfire Response

[29:46] Cross-Border & Interagency Cooperation

[32:29] Lessons Learned Since 2017

[34:07] FireSmart & Community-Level Actions

[35:35] The Role of Forest Managers

[37:02] Actionable Advice for Forest Investors

[40:06] Where to Learn More

[41:09] Outro & Closing Remarks

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

“The most requested data set we get asked for at the moment are the key-protected areas and red list data sets – driven by regulatory pressure around nature risk.”

“There's a big missing piece in the world right now, and that’s reliable, global ground-truth data to benchmark and train nature

models.”

Useful Resources

Cecil

Alex Logan (LinkedIn)

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction: Meet Alex Logan, CEO of Cecil  

[00:31] What’s Your Favorite Tree?  

[01:00] Alex’s Background and Career Journey  

[01:46] The Birth of Cecil: From Climate to Nature  

[02:57] Why Nature Data Matters  

[03:53] The Problem Cecil is Solving  

[04:35] How Cecil Has Evolved Over Time  

[06:06] Pivoting to a Data-Centric Model  

[07:34] What Is Nature Data?  

[08:56] Who Uses Cecil’s Platform?  

[10:13] Real-World Use Case: Land Banking Group  

[11:21] Most Requested Data Sets  

[12:50] Data Set Reliability & Curation Challenges  

[15:07] Why Context Matters in Data Application  

[16:41] The Vision: Smart Data Set Recommendations  

[17:33] Questions to Ask Your Nature Data Provider  

[19:11] Cost vs. Resolution in Remote Sensing  

[20:55] Temporal Coverage and Use Cases  

[21:28] What Users Want Most: Accuracy & Trust  

[23:27] How to Improve Model Accuracy  

[24:19] The Ground Truth Challenge  

[26:02] Reducing Costs & Funding Nature Data  

[28:39] Advice for Small Forest Landowners  

[31:25] Creating an Economy Around Nature Data  

[33:01] Making Complex Data Accessible  

[34:28] The Role of Intermediaries like Land Banking Group  

[36:41] Standard Setting in Nature Disclosures  

[39:20] Crystal Ball: The Next 12 Months in Nature Data  

[41:23] Final Reflections & Where to Learn More  

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

Africa is generally a good place to grow trees. Trees grow fast here, and there are appealing fundamentals like a growing middle class and urbanization—but it remains a complex operating environment.

Despite assumptions, I’ve never seen real problems around political risk or land tenure in my 20+ years of experience across the region. The risks are different than people often think.

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Hans Lemm on LinkedIn

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

00:00] Introduction – Meet your host, Shauna Matkovich

[00:19] Guest intro – Hans Lemm of Acacia Africa Advisors

[01:12] Hans’s journey: 25 years in African forestry

[03:08] How Africa’s forest sector has changed – and what hasn’t

[04:12] More than just planting: The need for downstream investment

[05:14] The role of smallholder tree farmers

[06:27] What happens when industrial capacity lags behind wood supply?

[07:16] Rise of Asian investors and local processing

[08:27] Domestic markets: Still largely informal

[09:37] What still needs to change: Standards, logistics & regulation

[11:11] Ingredients for a sustainable forestry business

[13:01] Real vs. perceived investment risks

[15:06] Taxation and technical missteps – hidden threats

[17:06] Local knowledge matters – even within small regions

[18:02] Forex, investor fatigue & reputational concerns

[19:09] Aligning operators and investors for long-term success

[21:52] Reporting pressure in emerging markets

[24:08] The role of DFIs in African forestry

[26:32] Key market drivers: Trade with Asia, local manufacturing

[28:14] Carbon finance: Tool or trap?

[30:07] Forestry as a job engine and community license to operate

[33:01] Field story: The cobra in Uganda

[33:19] Mentorship and career-defining moments

[34:54] Evacuation in South Sudan – and the best beer ever

[37:04] What’s next for Hans Lemm

[38:00] Final advice to investors: Be realistic

[38:41] Where to find Hans Lemm online

[39:00] Outro – Thanks from Shauna Matkovich

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

We try to shield assets from political risk and local idiosyncrasies as much as possible, to make them securitizable, and ultimately investable.

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Alessandro Matterni LinkedIn

FLS Forestry Linked Securities

FLS on LinkedIn

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) & Lapacho (Handroanthus impetiginosus)

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to Forest Invest with Shauna Matkovich

[00:21] Meet the Guest: Alessandro Materni of FLS

[00:35] Alessandro’s Favorite Trees: Strawberry Tree & Lapacho

[02:05] Introduction to Alessandro and FLS Forestry Linked Securities

[04:45] Explaining Securitization in Forestry Terms

[07:18] Rating Agencies & Forestry Assets

[08:46] Scale of Institutional Forestry Investment

[10:06] How FLS Aims to Expand Forestry Markets

[12:15] Addressing Political Risk in Emerging Markets

[13:49] Why Paraguay? Land, Governance, and Risk Mitigation

[17:03] Target Wood Markets in Paraguay

[18:35] ESG, Carbon Credits, and Conservation Commitments

[21:20] Local Community Engagement and Biodiversity Practices

[23:39] Reforestation vs. Mature Asset Strategy

[24:39] Life Cycle of Forest Investment and Securitization Timing

[27:02] Exit Options and Evergreen Structure

[29:39] Investor Profiles and Suitability

[32:12] Is This Strategy Right for Forestry Newcomers?

[34:12] Non-Negotiable ESG Commitments

[36:26] Why Securitization Is Less Common in Developed Markets

[38:03] Other Potential Jurisdictions Beyond Paraguay

[41:05] Carbon Markets and the Bigger Picture

[45:12] Final Advice for New Forest Investors

[46:17] Where to Learn More About FLS

[47:23] Closing Remarks from Shauna

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

“We believe global timber demand will nearly triple over the next 30 years, so we must plant trees both for nature-based reasons and for timber supply.” – Olly Hughes

“Certification is just the starting point—we manage to global standards and then layer on sustainability objectives to meet Article 9 criteria.” – David Gardner

Useful Resources

Gresham House

Olly Hughes (LinkedIn)

David Gardner (LinkedIn)

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Favorite trees: Walnut (Juglans regia) & Ginkgo Biloba

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00] Intro & Welcome

[00:35] Favorite Trees

[01:19] Introductions & Gresham House Overview

[04:19] Why Forestry? Key Investment Benefits

[08:52] Case Study: Forestry Resilience During Recession

[10:47] Climate Goals & Misconceptions

[15:37] Policy Regulations & Market Impact

[18:08] Best Geographies Where Climate and Returns Align

[22:33] Portfolio Strategy – Mixing New and Mature Assets.

[24:10] Carbon Markets 101

[27:02] Timber vs. Carbon Returns

[29:01] Nature & Biodiversity Investing

[36:59] Managing Forests & Funds, Sustainability Meets Scalability.

[39:02] Global Standards for Nature and Carbon

[39:26] Inspiration & Frustration

[42:00] Final Advice

[43:13] Closing & Contact Info

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quotes

"Each institution needs to make the other partner’s goals and challenges their own so that we can become a single team working toward a shared set of outcomes.” - Charlotte

“It’s a very healthy and worthwhile process to sit in the same room and work through different objectives to maximize both impact and financial success.” - Esben

Useful Resources

BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group

Charlotte Kaiser (LinkedIn)

Esben Brandi (LinkedIn)

BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

[00:14] Welcome and introduction to the guests

[00:39] Favorite trees of Charlotte and Esben

[01:56] Quick bios and roles at TIG

[03:45] Introduction to TIG and its client base

[05:35] Notable corporate collaborations, including Apple

[06:58] Why TIG collaborates with environmental NGOs

[08:10] Roles of The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International

[10:18] Investor sentiment and current demand

[11:42] Differences in engagement models: North America vs Latin America

[13:36] Asset-level monitoring and biodiversity interventions

[17:14] Land sparing strategy and integration of restoration

[18:08] Specific impact targets for restoration and carbon

[19:32] Governance structures with NGO partners

[22:15] Balancing NGO goals with investor needs

[26:46] Navigating trade-offs and alignment of objectives

[30:10] External stakeholder feedback and carbon buyers' interests

[33:33] Key results: carbon deals, restoration milestones, endangered species sightings

[36:23] Restoration R&D in the Cerrado biome

[37:58] Key lessons from cross-sector collaboration

[38:35] What’s next for TIG

[40:36] Actionable advice for new forest investors

[42:10] Where to learn more about TIG’s work

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

"An open-ended structure allows us to steward forests into perpetuity, which is critical for both carbon permanence and long-term timber value creation."

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Geoffrey Seeto on LinkedIn

News: New Forests partners with Oji Holdings to establish a forestry fund to help meet 2030 goals

Favorite tree: Eucalyptus

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00] Welcome & Guest Introduction

[00:35] Geoffrey's Favorite Tree

[01:25] Geoffrey’s Role at New Forests

[02:15] Emerging Markets vs. Developed Markets

[03:55] Positive Impact & Mixed Landscape Approach

[05:12] Introduction to the Future Forest Innovation Fund (FFI)

[05:34] Origins of the OG Partnership

[06:58] High Sustainability Standards & FSC Certification

[07:53] OG's 2030 Climate Goals & Role of New Forests

[08:51] Vertical Integration & Local Economic Impact

[10:13] Defining “Innovation” in FFI

[11:18] Permanent Capital Vehicle Explained

[12:56] The Case for Investing in Emerging Markets

[13:25] Why Open-Ended Funds Work for Forestry

[15:34] Institutional Appeal & Long-Term Stewardship

[17:23] African Fund & Perpetual Management

[18:44] Building a Global Forestry Portfolio

[22:01] Regional Allocation Breakdown

[23:38] Why Latin America is Next

[25:00] Asset Characteristics: Species, Maturity & Market Access

[28:03] Certification: FSC, Carbon Standards, and SFDR

[30:20] Carbon Insetting vs. Offsetting

[32:28] OG’s Role & Future Investors

[35:30] Corporate vs. Institutional Investors

[38:35] Voluntary Carbon Markets & Paris Targets

[40:25] Meeting Different Investor Needs

[41:36] Lessons from Infrastructure & Forestry Growth

[43:42] Final Advice for New Investors

[47:25] Where to Learn More

[48:00] Closing Remarks

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

"Continuous cover forestry is about managing complexity—with biodiversity, resilience, and timber income all improving over time. It’s not just sustainable—it’s sensible."

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

SLM Partners

White Paper: Investing in Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) in Europe

Darius Sarshar on LinkedIn

Favorite tree: Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction

[00:31] Darius’ Favorite Tree: Sitka Spruce

[01:44] Darius’ Career Journey & About SLM Partners

[04:11] Emerging vs. Core Markets: Lessons from the Tropics

[05:24] Why Europe Is Underrepresented in Forest Investment

[08:12] Challenges & Opportunities in European Forestry

[11:08] Intro to Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF)

[13:39] Where is CCF Applicable? Site & Species Suitability

[16:04] Policy, Regulation & Societal Drivers for CCF

[18:01] Why SLM Adopted CCF: Research & Evidence

[19:52] Financial Performance: CCF vs. Clearfell

[23:54] Monocultures to Mixed Forests: The Transition Strategy

[25:40] Carbon Benefits & Carbon Credit Eligibility

[28:55] Timber + Carbon Strategy: Is the Regime Different?

[30:42] Active Management Benefits: Timber, Carbon & Biodiversity

[33:14] Social Impact of CCF: Jobs, Communities, and Recreation

[35:44] Addressing Concerns: Disturbance & Soil Compaction

[39:07] Investor Education: Risk, Data & Demand for Authenticity

[42:14] Final Reflections & The Growing CCF Movement

[44:33] Darius’ Actionable Advice to New Forest Investors

[45:28] Closing & Next Episode Teaser

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

“Sustainable forestry means managing commercial forests at a landscape level, with the catchment area as the key management unit to monitor and guide the impacts of forestry activities.”

Harvest less than the forest grows each year, and that’s a basic principle of sustainable forestry."

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Marcos on LinkedIn

Indicators - Biodiversity | Stora Enso

Biodiversity indicators for plantations - Biodiversity | Stora Enso

Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric

Investor News: Stora Enso partners with IUCN to advance positive impacts on biodiversity

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps/Chapters

[00:00] Introduction  

[01:00] Marcos' Career Journey  

[03:45] What is Sustainable Forestry?  

[05:20] Global Examples of Sustainable Practices  

[09:10] Plantation vs. Natural Forest Management  

[12:00] Key Considerations for Forest Investors  

[15:30] The Truth About Eucalyptus  

[21:30] Forest Management Across Spatial and Temporal Scales  

[28:30] Sustainability in the Boardroom  

[31:30] Nature-Positive Commitments by Large Companies  

[33:40] Sustainability for Public Market Investors  

[36:20] Final Reflections and Where to Learn More

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

"If you're not talking about risk early on, that’s a red flag. Every project has risk—it’s how you acknowledge and plan for it that matters."

Useful resources

Margaret Morales on LinkedIn

Trellis (the company where Margaret is a director)

Alexandra Holmlund (Biodiversity credit methodologies)

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps

[2:07] Shauna’s background – from forester to investment professional

[4:11] Types of clients Shawna works with (traditional vs. new investors)

[6:14] Return expectations in forest investments

[7:38] Multi-revenue stream projects – timber + carbon

[10:11] Carbon as a “sweetener” in early-stage projects

[12:20] Timeline expectations – 10 to 15 years typical hold period

[13:50] Explaining greenfield vs. brownfield forest projects

[16:57] Growing interest from new climate-focused investors

[18:47] Geographic trends in forest investments

[20:40] Afforestation projects: high impact, high capital need

[21:22] How developers can solve early-stage funding gaps

[25:45] Typical capital stack in forest funds

[27:40] Blended finance and concessional capital in forest investment

[30:00] Why debt is rare in early forest projects

[31:33] Biodiversity credits – demand, challenges & local approaches

[34:44] Sustainable community credits & the role of community

[36:49] What investors want to see on community engagement

[37:09] Pure carbon funds – challenges and exit strategy concerns

[40:53] Biodiversity credit methodologies (e.g. Alexandra Holmlund's work)

[42:23] Carbon price projections – conservative modeling advice

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

“This is really a sea change—almost $10 billion in new capital has been committed to timberland, much of it targeting natural capital and climate-based solutions.”

Useful Resources

Timberlink

Tracy’s email: tevens@timberlink.net

Tracy on LinkedIn

Favorite tree: Ginkgo Biloba tree

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps

01:03

Overview of Timber Link

02:58

Recent survey for investors and TIMO’s - what is the biggest challenge you face with your timberland portfolio?

09:36

Five key themes in responses

11:05

Do TIMO’s have insight into clients’ struggles?

12:50

Any follow-up questions?

13:49

Are timberland allocations decreasing, increasing, or staying the same?

18:16

Clarification about the seeming discrepancy between investor concerns about returns and new investors and capital who seek new assets?

22:15

The challenge of the difference between timberland valuation and timber prices - is the market saturated or is the climate spin creating new assets?

26:02

Consolidation in smaller plots?

27:06

How does this tie into the challenge of valuations?

29:47

What caveats should new investors consider, and how can these concerns be addressed?

31:55

ESG concerns (incl. carbon credits and biodiversity calculations and reporting)

37:40

Thoughts on approaches to investing in forests

40:33

Evergreen vs. closed-end structures?

42:58

Concerns around uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment 

44:45

Actionable advice to new investors

45:37

Contact details

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Forest 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 down the topic of quality prevalent in the forest carbon market and the Fund’s answer to this. Not only that, but we also discuss how Manulife IM is addressing investor concerns over wildfire risk and carbon market certainty. Eric closes by reminding us that sustainable timberland is a proven asset class, well-positioned to meet financial and climate objectives, as well as other impacts, such as biodiversity and social benefits.

"I think we need to have every realistic and cost-efficient approach on the table if we're going to effectively combat climate change."

"I will be the first to say I'm not a forester by training, and I stand on the shoulders of giants. It's unbelievable what you can learn and the science and the rigor that forestry as a discipline has incorporated into it."

Useful Resources

Manulife

Manulife Investment Management on LinkedIn

Eric Cooperstörm on LinkedIn

Favourite tree: Redwoods (Sequoioideae)

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Timestamps

01:47

Eric’s professional background

05:18

Exciting trends in natural climate solutions

07:27

Funding strategy & Manulife’s suite of services

10:31

Ensure high-integrity carbon credits in forest fund that also targets timber production

15:48

Co-benefits/Core benefits

19:52

Structure of the fund

22:10

Carried interests of the fund

23:05

Targets for carbon credits

24:10

Investor concerns re. fire risks and manageme nt

29:30

Help investors to build confidence in new strategy

33:18

Existing timberland clients moved across?

34:28

Competition?

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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Quote

Blended finance is really about partnerships—about working together with different stakeholders coming under one roof and coming up with solutions.

Useful resources

Convergence

Email: heiner.skaliks@convergence.finance

Favorite tree: Evergreen

Production team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Timestamps

01:08

History of Convergence & Heiner’s professional background

08:30

Definition of blended finance

14:09

Two components of the finance structure

16:59

Six archetypes of blended finance

29:33

Examples in forestry

36:53

How do you bring different partners together?

40:20

Advice for investors concerned about blended finance structures

43:29

Lessons learnt across 10 years of Convergence’s existence

48:33

Actionable advice for new investors

49:55

Contact details

Sound library

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Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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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.

Useful Resources

Green Climate Fund (GCF)

LinkedIn: Daniel Farchy

Favourite tree: Diterocarp

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Timestamps

01:20

Daniel’s career path

03:44

Multilateral funding & its limitations

07:36

What happens with ROI?

10:14

What should investors be aware of when exploring an partnership with a multilateral

16:18

Spectrum of investor profiles

17:49

Blended finance definition

22:24

An alternative way – a waterfall

27:29

Pension funds – allocating more capital to nature forestry, regenerative agriculture

29:39

Where do negotiations get sticky between multilaterals and private investors?

35:16

Examples where investors pulled out?

38:43

Tips on engaging institutions for fund managers

40:16

Actionable advice

42:33

Contact details

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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If you're raising capital for a forest investment strategy, forest business, or forest assets, and you think part of the reason you might be struggling could be due to sustainability.

 I'm offering 6 sessions to spring your sustainability into action.

 Over this free 45 minute advisory call, we'll go over what's working, what isn't, and I'll provide tailored recommendations.

Useful resources

Free advisory call: Click on the link to book a time

Posaidon Capital: Nature Finance Market Outlook 2025

Production team

Host and Forestry Investment Expert: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Time stamps

01:34

Quote – Nature Finance Market Outlook 2025

03:03

Interesting time for forest investment (great opportunities) 

03:48

Questions to ask —  when investment strategy does not succeed in raising capital

04:19

Sustainability factors holding back forest investment strategy from landing investors

05:13

Reason # 1: weak sustainability ethos

07:04

Possible solutions

08:22

Reason #2: no point of difference in sustainability strategy objectives from peers

09:06

Possible solutions

09:48

Reason #3: SFDR Article 8, 9, or EU Taxonomy alignment

10:27

Overview – SFDR Article 8

10:38

Overview – SFDR Article 9

10:48

EU Taxonomy

11:19

Possible solutions

12:12

Reason #4: weak sustainability track record

13:06

Possible solutions

14:33

Reason #5: wrong investors

15:07

Possible solutions

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru/Pixabay

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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.

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.

Useful resources

Greenbelt

Maurice email: maurice@greenbelt.ie

Apple tree (Malus domestic)

Production team

Host/Expert: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Timestamps

01:50

Intro to Maurice and Greenbelt

04:20

Production forestry in Ireland &

08:33

Definition of biodiversity net gain

11:27

Approach in operations under regulations

14:12

Main challenges with approach

17:16

Corporate or institutional investors?

19:06

Irish governmental initiatives?

21:06

Best type of land for project

24:12

Assessments?

27:42

Costs and additionality?

31:48

Local land ownership & expansion of more biodiversity-enriching projects

36:52

Insights gained that can be used by other jurisdictions

39:14

Exciting time in forestry

40:23

Actionable advice

41:34

Contact details

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co

Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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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.

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.

Resources

Renoster

LEAF Coalition

Symbiosis Coalition

Trees: American chestnut (Castanea dentata) & Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Production team

Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Timestamps

01:44

Elias’ professional background & Renoster

03:05

Mary’s professional background & Renoster

05:34

Long term impacts should investors consider? Understand complete theory of change

09:13

But, what is the reality?

11:28

Investor coalitions

13:44

How would KPIs differ depending on the context, including small hold participants? (US market)

16:48

And any differences between the Global North and South?

19:43

Different KPIs in these regions?

22:36

Need both productive active timber management and forest carbon management

25:30

Balance between raising the value and bringing down costs

30:10

Percentage of these are avoided deforestation projects versus afforestation reforestation projects?

34:47

Questions of additionality and leakage are inherently financial

36:08

Carbon credits today

37:32

Applications of tools in Renoster’s work?

39:04

Project developers or buyers?

39:28 

Future of carbon markets

43:05 

Future of Renoster

44:09

Actionable advice

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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Today, I’m joined by Craig MacKenzie, Senior Lecturer in Nature Finance at the University of Edinburgh Business School. Over Craig’s career, he has worked in asset management and transitioned to academia. He also advises several public bodies on land use change. From this vantage point, Craig shares his insights on the opportunities and challenges for scaling UK Carbon Forestry, where a significant roadblock is attracting institutional investors. We talk about the massive reduction in forest cover that has taken place in the UK over the centuries, and how the UK’s commitment to net zero is starting to reverse this trend. Despite the primarily well-received Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) and other favourable policies, the economics still don’t stack up to meet investors’ return requirements when compared to the risks associated with carbon credit price volatility and the long horizons for generating credits in the UK. But things are changing. Tune in to find out what’s in the pipeline for the sector that may make UK carbon forestry much more attractive to institutional investors, and support turning the UK’s net-zero ambitions into reality.

Quote

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?

Can we create a data room for UK carbon forestry for our big pension funds, so that we can make it easy for the due diligence to happen?

I'm quite excited about the potential for UK carbon forestry to move from being uninvestable to being attractive. But it would be tragic if we do that, but then nobody turns up because they just haven't been able to do the work.

Useful resources

Craig Mackenzie on LinkedIn

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

UK Woodland Carbon Code

Scottish Land Commission

University of Edinburgh Business School

Peatland

Beach tree (Fagus sylvatica)

Time stamps

01:26

Craig’s background

03:13

What encompasses UK carbon forestry 

06:38

Woodland carbon code

07:43

UK forest cover

10:57

Opportunities to diversify/overlap land use (mostly segregated)

14:33

Invest in UK carbon forestry

18:34

Benefits/subsidies

21:01

Capital providers

26:08

Changes needed to attract more institutional private funding/investment

32:51

Carbon credits insurance products

34:23

Woodland Code UK – insurance

35:56

Biodiversity net gain legislation

41:17

Actionable advise

42:57

Contact details

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Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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Important links:

Finance for Nature Positive paper

PRB Sector guidance for forestry, agriculture, and mining

Short article on this guidance

Finance roadmap

Cali Card Report

Managing biodiversity risk exposure? 

Do investors care about biodiversity? 

UNEP Finance Initiative

Jessica Smith on LinkedIn

Favorite tree: Eucalyptus

Production team

Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Details

01:04

Jessica’s background and work

03:04

Key lessons for nature from global events

05:18

Finance for nature positive

09:04

Principles for responsible banking specter action guidance for agricultural, forestry, mining sectors

11:12

How to  get private investment in nature-based assets

15:31

Strategies to be nature positive in timber-focus investment

21:54

What should asset managers look out for? Red flags

27:44

Importance of data collection

32:34

Blended finance

36:12

Attract impact capital & investors as ecosystems in themselves

38:53

Nature on climate COP agenda 2025 – eliminate deforestation, invest in nature positive solution

40:20

Actionable advice

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Quote

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.

Important links

Paul Brannen on LinkedIn

Book: Timber! How wood can save the world from climate breakdown

The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-BOIS)

Favorite tree: Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Production team

Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Details:

02:06

Paul’s background

05:38

The reason behind writing the book 

09:39

Development of using wood/timber in building homes and construction of bigger buildings

16:12

Roadblocks to progress

21:11

Comparison between wood/timber, concrete, and steel re. durability

23:44

Evidence about carbon footprint between wood vs concrete vs steel

30:42

Is there a case when wood is not the most sustainable option?

37:34

Case for sustainable forest management

43:53

How can we communicate the importance of investing in sustainable forest production

 50:56

A possibly circular process

56:46

Actionable advice

57:06

Contact details

Sound library

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Quote

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. 

Important links

LinkedIn: Eugene Kraamwinkel

Favorite tree: South African yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius)

Production team

Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Details

02:32

Eugene’s background & drive for ethical business practices

4:59

Why is business integrity important in forestry and agribusiness?

07:57

Make investors more confident in emerging markets with ethical business conduct risk

11:44 

Examples of government initiatives to bring about change

15:11

Starting point for ethical business conduct

20:14

How can investors be confident that code of conduct will ensure ethical operations in practice

25:47

Example of shift in from unethical to ethical

27:25

Red flags for investors

Link between ethics and climate change and sustainability impact

33:44

Actionable advice

Sound library

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Quote

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 providing so much more. They could be in a water catchment area, they provide the very air that we breathe, biodiversity, culture, it is a given. 

Important links

Xilva

Xilva on LinkedIn

Jamie Lawrence in LinkedIn

Favourite tree: Cork tree (Quercus suber)

Production team

Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Details

01:13

Background of Xilva & Jamie

03:19

Silva;s services in nature-based solutions space

05:09

Profiles of clients - capital providers

06:49

How do you find projects?

08:06

Screening strategy for projects

10:27

Due diligence to support clients  - six categories of framework

16:24

Clients bring own criteria

17:50

External collaborations or expertise, leverage global assets

20:44

Types of projects

21:52

What makes a strong project - and which issues exist in practice/ignored factors

24:50

Communication on the ground, challenges, & risk management

30:11

Strengths in projects, makes projects shine

32:27

Reasons for projects getting stuck

37:14

Effect of voluntary and carbon markets on supply and demand of nature-based  solutions. Difference in perceptions in different markets (Global North/Global South)

41:59

Next for Silva

44:43

Actionable advice

47:08

Contact details

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Quote

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.

Essentially, it goes hand in hand.

Important links

MEAG

MEAG on LinkedIn

Jasper Renk on LinkedIn

Favourite trees: Spruce

Production team

Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Details

01:02

Background to MEAG & Jasper

04:06

Decision to move into timberland investments

05:11

MEAG's perception of timberland allocation performance

07:58

Shift in how assets are housed in portfolio

10:51

Learning curve for institutional investor

12:52

Risk-reduced way to gain exposure

13:44

Best instrument to get started (and trajectory)

16:33

Risk return profile of MEAG

19:22

Operational side of owned forest assets

22:57

Functioning transactional market

24:38

Investment vehicles, e,g. debt instruments

27:45

Sustainability

32:00

Sustainability objectives

34:28

Beneficiaries stand on sustainability

39:08

Actionable advice

39:50

Contact details

Sound library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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