Forest Invest

Episode

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  Scellec Teca with Michael Hayden 05.10.2026 1j 11mnt

  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not an endorsement for this opportunity, nor is it an investment recommendation or investment advice.Send an email to [email protected] to learn how to applyWatch on You TubeThe ForestLink newsletter sign-upScellec TecaThe Ask: Up to $60M EUR to acquire land and establish high value teak plantations in ColombiaBlurb: Today on Pitch Pod, I'm joined by Michael Hayden, CEO of Scellec Teca to explore the company’s investment model for developing high-quality teak plantations in Colombia. Building on a first project that has deployed €32 million across nearly 4,000 hectares, Michael introduces Project Two – a greenfield teak investment seeking up to €60 million in institutional capital. We discuss why Colombia’s Caribbean region offers attractive growing conditions for teak, Scellec's approach to land acquisition and plantation management, and the role of FSC certification and carbon credits in the investment model. Michael explains the long-term supply and demand dynamics behind teak, including opportunities in Asian roundwood markets and higher-value end uses. We also dig into projected returns, timber growth and price assumptions, land values, currency and operational risks, and potential exit pathways. Finally, Michael shares lessons learned from Project One and explains why strong relationships with employees and local communities are fundamental to managing forestry assets for the long term.“We would go as far as saying that the world needs Latin America to plant three million hectares of commercial teak. That is the only real solution we see as being able to take the pressure off the natural tropical hardwood forests.”Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesSound LibraryEcology-Agriculture-Environment via PixabaySign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Numbers proving that Natural Capital Investment is on the Rise - with Genevieve Bennett 28.09.2026 1j 1mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upForest Trends (LinkedIn)Read the reportToday, I’m joined by Genevieve Bennett, Senior Advisor and Interim Director at Forest Trends’ Ecosystem Marketplace. In this conversation, we unpack findings from the State of Private Investment in Nature 2026 report and the numbers behind the rapid growth of natural capital investing. Genevieve explains why private investment in nature has grown five-fold over the past decade, where capital is being deployed, and how institutional participation has evolved. We discuss evidence that the repositioning of Timberland around natural capital is more than a branding exercise, with carbon and other natural capital revenues increasingly incorporated into forest investment strategies and underwriting. We also explore the growing sophistication of investors, why impact measurement and diligence can slow capital deployment, and the role of catalytic capital in building the next generation of nature investment opportunities."Deployed capital in 2025 exceeded $14 billion. And on top of that, we tracked more than ten times that $14 billion figure in publicly announced planned allocations for the next three years. So there is a lot of dry powder.""When you look at the share of forestry deals that are layering carbon revenue or other natural capital revenue onto timber revenue, they have jumped from one in five deals five years ago to half of deals in the last couple of years.”00:00 Introduction 01:09 Genevieve Bennett and Forest Trends 06:05 Who benefits from Ecosystem Marketplace's data? 08:35 Why private investment in nature matters now 13:39 Defining nature finance: the six categories 19:13 Report methodology and data sources 21:41 Private investment in nature grows fivefold 23:08 Which nature finance strategies are growing? 28:44 The impact of large transactions and institutional investors 31:57 Forestry investment: three case studies 34:39 How forestry's share of nature investment has changed 38:47 Is natural capital changing forestry underwriting? 45:34 Investor priorities, impact and due diligence 49:40 Where is nature investment heading? 50:41 Looking ahead to 2036 55:33 The role of catalytic capital 59:19 Advice for new forest investors 01:00:29 Where to find the report and learn more 01:01:13 ClosingFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Building an Impact-driven Natural Capital Investment Strategy – with Chris Larson 07.09.2026 52mnt

  Forest Invest Connect – What’s happening in carbon markets? With Margaret Morales, Maria Filmanovic and Renat Heuberger. Attendance is limited. REGISTER HEREWhen: Wednesday, September 30th, 16:00-17:00 CETThe ForestLink newsletter sign-upAlder Point Capital on LinkedInToday, I’m joined by Chris Larson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Alder Point Capital. In this conversation, Chris shares the journey behind launching Alder Point and its approach to investing across timberland and farmland. We discuss where the team sees opportunities to create value in non-core and sub-institutional timberland markets through land aggregation, conservation transactions, carbon, and hands-on operational improvements. Chris explains Alder Point’s approach to impact investing, including its focus on biodiversity, climate resilience, and rural prosperity, and why intentionality matters when investing for environmental and social outcomes. We also explore the importance of showing up in rural communities, building trust with local stakeholders, and considering aligned exit opportunities with tribes, nonprofits, and community organizations. Finally, Chris reflects on moving from the allocator to the GP side of the table and shares his advice for investors considering their first allocation to forest investment.“We take what we call a ‘listen first’ approach. It’s never a good move to show up and start explaining why you think you’re going to save the day. Learn and understand what the local perspective is and how you might fit into that.”Chapters00:33 – Welcome to Forest Invest00:52 – Chris Larson and Alder Point Capital04:54 – Why Alder Point Was Founded06:15 – Launching a New Investment Strategy09:16 – How Alder Point Creates Value13:23 – Operational Improvements in Forestry15:33 – A Look at a Timberland Investment18:42 – Community Forests and Local Land Ownership20:11 – Who Invests in Alder Point?24:24 – Measuring Impact in Forest Investments26:30 – What Makes Alder Point’s Impact Strategy Different?29:41 – Finding Biodiversity Opportunities30:51 – Where Alder Point Invests33:38 – Managing Climate Risk35:16 – Investing in Climate-Risky Areas37:13 – Working With Rural Communities42:23 – Building Relationships for Successful Exits44:25 – Lessons From the Allocator Side48:04 – What’s Next for Alder Point?50:14 – One Piece of Advice for New Forest Investors52:17 – Where to Learn More52:41 – ClosingFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Salesforce is Investing in Nature as Infrastructure - with Tim Christophersen 31.08.2026 55mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upForest Invest Connect - Virtual Round Table - Register here: https://lnkd.in/ewDKg5bqWhen: Wednesday, September 30th, 16:00-17:00 CETToday, I’m joined by Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action at Salesforce and author of Generation Restoration. In this conversation, Tim makes the case for seeing nature not simply as a commodity but as our most basic infrastructure – and investing in it accordingly. We discuss Salesforce’s nature-positive strategy and its work to catalyse forest landscape restoration, alongside the role of carbon markets, technology, and public-private partnerships in building a restoration economy at scale. Tim explains why resilience and diversity should be fundamental to forest investment decisions and what investors should look for to distinguish genuine ecological restoration from projects that simply look good in a sustainability report. We also explore the risks of scaling restoration badly, the need for patient capital, and why inaction may now be the biggest investment risk of all.“We need to move beyond the 'charity and nature as a charitable cause' mindset into a mindset of the regenerative, the restoration economy taking off, where you can restore all that degraded land into healthy, productive landscapes.”00:00 – Introduction 01:33 – Tim Christophersen’s journey from forestry to Salesforce 08:00 – Generation Restoration: the relationship crisis with nature 11:28 – Personal action and restoring nature at home 15:12 – Nature as infrastructure and the restoration economy 19:40 – Salesforce’s nature-positive strategy 22:04 – Empowering companies and customers to take action 26:26 – Scaling restoration: lessons from Brazil 29:23 – Investing in nature and the challenge of measuring returns 35:50 – Getting nature onto the corporate agenda 37:33 – What makes a nature-positive forest investment? 39:55 – When should investors reject a forest investment? 41:03 – The risks of scaling restoration badly 43:31 – Identifying genuine ecological restoration 46:05 – The future of forest investment and the cost of inaction 48:13 – The future of carbon markets 49:46 – Lessons learned and avoiding past mistakes 51:20 – Restoration as a social movement 53:16 – Humans as ecosystem engineers 53:48 – Final advice for investors 55:04 – Closing and where to find Tim’s workFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Natural Capital Investment: What Happens Beyond Timber and Carbon Objectives with Cakey Worthington 10.08.2026 1j

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upAurora Sustainable LandsAurora on LinkedInToday, I'm joined by Cakey Worthington, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Natural Capital at Aurora Sustainable Lands. In this conversation, Cakey explains how Aurora has evolved from a carbon-focused investment strategy into a broader natural capital approach—one that values biodiversity, water, recreation, and other ecosystem services alongside financial returns. We discuss why carbon stewardship is replacing carbon maximization, how active forest management can strengthen both ecological resilience and long-term investment performance, and what investors should look for when evaluating natural capital asset managers. Cakey also shares how Aurora integrates field data, AI, remote sensing, and biodiversity monitoring across 1.65 million acres of forestland and why partnerships, transparency, and measurable outcomes will shape the future of institutional forest investment."Our investors didn't invest in a fund—they invested in Aurora. That gives us the freedom to think beyond short-term returns and make management decisions that improve forest health, carbon outcomes, and ecosystem value for decades."0:00 – Intro & favorite tree (the American white oak) 2:48 – Cakey's background and Aurora's origin story 8:01 – Investor profile and company structure 10:49 – From carbon strategy to natural capital 13:27 – What "natural capital" signals for the industry 16:56 – Harvesting operations and the evolving carbon strategy 19:42 – What to look for in a natural capital asset manager 23:56 – Data collection and operational decision-making 32:03 – Ecosystem services: insurance, communities, and other stakeholders 33:23 – Carbon stewardship vs. carbon maximization 40:08 – Lessons from adaptive, landscape-scale management 42:44 – Combining field data, remote sensing, and AI for monitoring 50:56 – The ISFC Natural Capital Project 53:37 – Balancing commercial returns with ecological outcomes 55:50 – Optimism for the future of natural capital 58:46 – Advice for investors new to forest investment 59:44 – Where to learn more about Aurora Sustainable LandsFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Scottish Forestry Investment: Timber Security, Commercial Forestry & the Future of Productive Forests with David Robertson 03.08.2026 51mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upScottish WoodlandsDavid Robertson on LinkedInToday, I'm joined by David Robertson, Director of Investment and Business Development at Scottish Woodlands. In this conversation, David provides an inside look at Scotland's commercial forestry sector, explaining how productive forestry, biodiversity, and climate objectives can work together rather than compete. We discuss Scotland's timber supply, afforestation ambitions, forest investment opportunities, and how the UK remains heavily reliant on imported wood products. David also shares his perspective on balancing timber production with carbon projects, the evolution of modern plantation design, and why productive forests remain critical to long-term climate and economic resilience. We explore the challenges of public perception, community engagement, and the realities of managing forests in Scotland's unique landscape and climate."The best advisors you can get are people who've got muddy boots but clean spreadsheets."00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome03:10 – David Robertson's background and Scottish Woodlands06:07 – Scotland's forests: native vs commercial forestry08:58 – Timber production, imports, and future supply challenges11:15 – Government planting targets and afforestation ambitions15:01 – Who invests in Scottish forestry?17:13 – Timber production vs carbon projects19:14 – Modern forestry: biodiversity and mixed-species planting22:40 – Land ownership, leases, and carbon agreements24:42 – Public access and Scotland's right to roam26:57 – Community concerns and public perception of forestry31:14 – Anti-forestry activism and the challenge of communication32:48 – Why clear-cutting is still necessary in Scotland39:17 – Changing public opinion through engagement40:28 – Continuous cover forestry: opportunities and limitations45:05 – The future of Scottish forestry over the next 20 years48:38 – Advice for new forestry investors50:57 – Where to learn more and closing remarksFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Impact Advantage of Investing in Naturally Regenerating Forests with Jim Hourdequin 27.07.2026 53mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upThe Lyme Timber CompanyToday I'm joined by Jim Hourdequin, CEO and Managing Director of The Lyme Timber Company, one of the pioneers of institutional timberland investing and impact forestry. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, Jim reflects on the investment philosophy that has guided Lyme since 1976 and explains why naturally regenerating forests create unique opportunities to deliver both attractive investment returns and meaningful conservation outcomes. We discuss how conservation easements have become a cornerstone of Lyme's strategy, why the firm invests beyond the forest gate into logging businesses and sawmills, and the opportunities and trade-offs presented by forest carbon markets. Finally, Jim shares why evergreen investment structures, patient capital, and investing in people are essential ingredients for building resilient forests—and resilient forest businesses."We have to make logging safer. We can't expect people to work eighty-hour weeks. If we invest in people, pay attractive wages and adopt better technology, we'll recruit outstanding professionals and build stronger forestry businesses over time."00:00 – Introduction and Lyme Timber's 50-year anniversary02:30 – Jim Hourdequin's background and the evolution of Lyme Timber06:30 – Building a long-term investment philosophy in timberland11:30 – Pioneering impact investing through conservation17:00 – Conservation easements: how they work and why they matter29:55 – Carbon markets: opportunities, limitations, and trade-offs36:40 – Investing beyond forests: strengthening the timber supply chain40:55 – Mechanized logging, safety, and innovation on steep terrain45:05 – Addressing labor shortages and the future of forestry operations47:45 – Lyme's new evergreen fund and long-term vision51:45 – Advice for new forest investors and closing remarksFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Take-aways from London Climate Action Week 2026 - carbon market demand is strengthening with Jen Stebbing 06.07.2026 47mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upJen Stebbing on LinkedInSotora GlobalAFF's Permanence Trust's preliminary findingsClimate CollectiveSHIFT-CM's Buffer Pools & BeyondRMINature's Echo - Prof. Thomas CrowtherToday, I'm joined once again by Jen Stebbing, CEO and Co-Founder of Sotora Global, to unpack the biggest conversations from London Climate Action Week 2026 and what they mean for forest investors, carbon markets, and nature finance.Jen shares why this year's discussions marked a noticeable shift from questioning whether carbon markets work to focusing on how to scale them with greater integrity. We explore the emerging demand signals from corporate buyers, the evolving role of standards such as SBTi, and why a communications gap—not necessarily a market gap—may be holding back investment confidence.We also take a deep dive into one of the week's most promising developments: the concept of Contracted Durability and the Permanence Trust, an innovative approach that could fundamentally change how reversal risk is managed in forest carbon markets. Along the way, we discuss portfolio approaches to climate investing, REDD+, forest carbon pricing, nature-based removals versus avoided emissions, and why protecting existing forests remains just as critical as planting new ones.If you want a concise overview of where climate finance, forest carbon, and nature markets are heading—and what investors should be watching next—this episode provides an invaluable temperature check from one of the sector's most connected voices"I think there's now a communications gap between where carbon markets actually are and where people think they are. Much of the public narrative is still stuck in 2023, while the market itself has moved forward substantially."00:00 – Introduction and overview of London Climate Action Week01:00 – What London Climate Action Week is really like03:33 – The biggest takeaway: markets and finance are working05:16 – Missed sessions, FOMO, and key workshops on permanence06:28 – Permanence, durability, and the Permanence Trust explained10:04 – Demand-side challenges and signals from carbon buyers12:42 – New standards, policy developments, and future demand drivers16:47 – Reframing carbon market risk for investors18:33 – Why buyers remain cautious despite growing confidence20:27 – Portfolio investing and emerging buyer strategies22:08 – Practical successes and innovations from the field24:23 – REDD+, governance improvements, and social value measurement25:46 – The true cost of high-integrity forest carbon26:56 – Major announcements and promising new initiatives28:00 – Policy discussions and the European outlook30:22 – Investor preferences across forest carbon project types33:28 – Super pollutants as an entry point to carbon markets35:36 – Behind-the-scenes conversations and AI in climate finance37:01 – Frustrations and three key messages from the week38:29 – Looking ahead to London Climate Action Week in 203640:13 – Book recommendation and final reflections40:51 – Revisiting the Permanence Trust and contracted durability46:47 – Investment advice for newcomers to forest finance47:44 – Closing remarks and where to learn moreFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  From the Vault: Plantation Carbon Forestry in Australia with Andrew Morgan 29.06.2026 50mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upSFM AgribusinessFrom the Asset Vault: In this conversation, I'm joined by Andrew Morgan, Managing Director of SFM Agribusiness, one of Australia’s leading forest management operators - both for traditional timberland management and more recently, in plantation forest carbon projects. We explore the evolution of Australia’s compliance carbon forestry market and the benefits and challenges of the system's standards and methodological approaches for generating Australian Carbon Credit Units (or ACCUs). Andrew explains the mechanism of the market, pricing, and who the main buyers are. He goes on to describe SFM's “ActivAcre” model and how it is enabling landowners to partner with institutional investors for new forest investments. Andrew walks us through the logistic, regulatory, and social factors impacting land aggregation and how carbon credits are reshaping institutional forestry portfolios in Australia."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."00:12 – Introduction and guest overview00:48 – Andrew Morgan's background and SFM Agribusiness03:17 – History of carbon forestry in Australia06:31 – The four plantation carbon methodologies explained09:06 – Why Australia needs more plantation forests10:46 – How Australia's carbon market works13:48 – Carbon credit buyers and market demand15:20 – Voluntary vs compliance carbon markets16:22 – Strengths and weaknesses of the compliance system20:39 – Future supply and demand for Australian carbon credits21:50 – Lessons from developing plantation carbon projects23:44 – The Active Acre landowner partnership model29:37 – Landowner engagement and scaling plantations30:52 – Landowner concerns and long-term risk35:21 – Institutional investor perspectives38:39 – Evaluating land and building project pipelines40:51 – Why major emitters invest directly in carbon projects42:22 – Unlocking Australia's plantation forestry potential44:34 – Emerging trends in carbon, biomass and biodiversity48:51 – Advice for new forest investors50:11 – Closing remarks and where to learn moreFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The EU Climate Law and Timber Harvest Debate with Peter Holmgren 22.06.2026 52mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upFutureVistashttps://holmgrenpeter.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-holmgren-ab58319/?Today, I’m joined by Peter Holmgren, Founder and Senior Advisor at FutureVistas, former Head of Climate Change at the FAO, and former Director General of CIFOR. In this conversation, Peter unpacks the growing debate surrounding the EU’s Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) regulation and its implications for forest management, timber production, and climate policy. We discuss the scientific controversies behind forest carbon accounting, the risks of short-term climate targets, and why reducing timber harvests may not deliver the climate benefits policymakers expect. Peter explains concepts such as leakage, substitution, and additionality, and shares his perspective on how current policy frameworks could affect forest owners, processors, and investors. We also explore the role of wood-based products in reducing society’s dependence on fossil-based materials and why production forestry remains central to Europe’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness.Quote 1: "We need to move the forest out of the environment corner and put it as an asset for society as a whole, and raise the issues to that level."Quote 2: "If we talk about investments and value adding to the produce of the forests, then it's interesting that only less than five percent of the value is realized when the wood is harvested and put by roadside, and only ten percent is realized after the primary forest industry. Ninety percent of the value added is happening after that when a myriad of different products are being produced, marketed, sold and used by Europeans... One way to put it is that every European uses forest products every day throughout their lives, and that's where the real economic importance of the forest is visible." 0:12 Introduction and guest welcome1:08 Peter Holmgren's forestry career and current work2:18 What LULUCF means and why it matters3:47 Is LULUCF a European or global issue?5:40 Where policymakers have gone wrong7:45 Scientific controversies around forest harvest and carbon neutrality11:04 Short-term climate targets versus long-term forest management13:10 Swedish example of reduced harvest and alternative management16:06 Overview of the EU climate law and LULUCF regulation20:57 Why reducing harvest is seen as the main tool to meet targets22:04 Climate goals versus conservation goals23:41 Which EU member states are struggling with LULUCF targets25:25 Impacts on private forest landowners29:36 Leakage, processing facilities, and competitiveness30:42 What the regulation means for forest investors33:05 Which countries are pushing for production forestry34:46 How stakeholders can influence policy36:43 Forests as a broader economic asset38:24 Peter's current work with industry and policy40:41 Do we have a sustainability problem in European forestry?42:43 Substitution and reducing fossil dependence44:48 Packaging, paper products, and climate benefits46:06 Using every part of the tree and integrated value chains48:01 Bio-based fuels and climate policy incentives50:15 Advice for new forest investors51:44 Where to learn more and closing remarksFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  From the Vault: Multilateral Investment in Forestry - with Daniel Farchy 15.06.2026 43mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upWorld Bank Group - International Development, Poverty and SustainabilityInternational Finance Corporation (IFC)Homepage | European Investment BankIn this episode from the asset vault, I’m joined by Daniel Farchy, an expert in multilateral finance who has worked across the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). In this conversation, Daniel describes the development and impact mandate behind most multilateral finance institutions. We talk about blended finance (particularly what structure works well for forestry) and the power of concessional capital to crowd in more risk-averse investors. Daniel explains the conundrum of the finance available in capital markets compared to the relatively small need for climate and nature solutions – where legally restricted allocations mean the finance pool is not as big as we think. We discuss the heavy lifting that multilateral or DFI finance can do in screening and due diligence. Conversely, this can also be perceived as a downside, as the investment process in such a partnership takes more time.Quote: For asset owners, that's [forest investment] very attractive because if you're a pension fund, and you need to be able to deliver, a boring, steady, predictable return over 10 number of years, it's great to have that kind of thing in your portfolio because that gives you a certain degree of sustainability of return, which you will not get in much more volatile sectors.00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background03:30 – Understanding Multilateral Development Finance Institutions07:05 – Returns, Capital Structure & Investment Mandates09:50 – How to Partner with Multilateral Investors12:00 – Due Diligence, Safeguards & Approval Processes17:20 – Blended Finance Explained19:35 – First-Loss Capital & Risk-Sharing Structures23:30 – The Limits of De-Risking Capital26:30 – Capital Allocation Trends in Climate & Nature28:30 – Public-Private Partnerships: Opportunities & Challenges34:30 – Do DFIs Slow Down Investment?36:30 – The Untapped Potential of Sustainable Forestry38:00 – Advice for Fund Managers Seeking DFI Capital40:00 – Why Forestry Appeals to Long-Term Investors41:40 – Future Demand for Wood & Forest Products42:25 – Closing Remarks & Further ResourcesFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  From the Vault: Technical considerations for evaluating forest assets with Dr. Colin Smith 08.06.2026 46mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter [email protected] this episode from the asset vault, I'm joined by Dr. Colin Smith of Paperbark Consulting. Colin is an expert soil scientist, and in this conversation he shares his vast experience in plantation forestry, giving insights that will support investors (and forest managers for that matter) with what considerations should be made and questions should be asked when evaluating several technical plantation management factors. We talk about where certain tree species do best and get into specifics on soil, water, climate, the importance of research, ecological deserts and more."The most dangerous thing in a forestry investment plan is a spreadsheet"00:08 Introduction & Guest Overview00:43 Colin Smith’s Forestry Background and Consulting Work05:37 Lessons from Forestry Failures and Investment Due Diligence08:50 Key Factors in Evaluating Plantation Forest Investments13:07 Site-Level Management, Silviculture & Weed Control15:25 Native Species vs Commercial Plantation Species17:33 Eucalyptus, Water Use & Sustainability Myths22:41 Does Irrigation Make Sense in Forestry?30:12 Climate Change, Species Selection & Risk Management35:55 Why Forestry Projects Need Research & Development Trials39:02 Biodiversity, Soil Health & the ‘Ecological Desert’ Debate43:21 Colin’s Top Advice for New Forest Investors44:34 How to Contact Colin Smith45:34 Colin’s Favourite Tree Revisited46:26 Closing Remarks & OutroFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Sustainability at Scale in Forest Ownership - with Ara Erickson 01.06.2026 53mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upWeyerhaeuserToday, I’m joined by Ara Erickson, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at Weyerhaeuser. In this conversation, Ara explains how one of the world’s largest private forest landowners approaches sustainability across more than 20 million acres of managed forests in the US and Canada. We discuss the evolution of sustainable forestry over the past century, the realities of managing forests for multiple values, and why healthy, actively managed forests are critical for climate resilience and wildfire mitigation. Ara shares insights into timber REIT structures, forest certification, carbon markets, renewable energy opportunities, and the growing role of forests in delivering climate and nature solutions. We also explore the future of wood as a sustainable building material and the increasing importance of integrating environmental, social, and financial outcomes in forest investment strategy.“I think there is still yet a full recognition of how hard it is to manage for multiple values. Forests are being asked to provide so many solutions at once, and all of those values are fully integrated — they can’t really be separated.”00:00 – Introduction & Meet Ara Erickson01:58 – Weyerhaeuser's History & Legacy06:23 – Weyerhaeuser's Forest Holdings10:54 – Beyond Timber: Additional Revenue Streams12:18 – Understanding the Timber REIT Model18:33 – Sustainability in a Public Company27:24 – The Evolution of Sustainable Forestry33:16 – Wildfire, Forest Health & Forest Management41:03 – Weyerhaeuser's Sustainability Initiatives46:02 – The Future of Forestry & Sustainability50:43 – Advice for New Forest Investors52:11 – Final Thoughts & ResourcesFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  From the Vault: An Institutional Investor’s Approach to Forest Investment - with Jasper Renk of MEAG 25.05.2026 40mnt

  From the Vault - Jasper RenkMEAGMEAG on LinkedInJasper Renk on LinkedInFavourite trees: SpruceIn this rerun, I’m joined by Jasper Renk, Senior Investment Manager for Illiquid Assets in Natural Capital at MEAG. In this advice-packed episode, Jasper shares MEAG’s 15-year experience in investing in Timberland. He explains the most critical determining factors in deciding MEAG’s forest investment jurisdictions and describes how the organisation is well equipped to address climate risks, sitting on 140 years of climate data. Jasper shares his thoughts on how to house your forest investment and sheds light on why forest investment isn’t the most suitable for debt instruments. We talk about sustainability and how it is a core tenant of how they invest, emphasising that prioritising sustainability reduces risk and secures return expectations.QuoteSo what I'm getting at is that for us to retain the environmental functions and to retain a functioning ecosystem, that then. in turn, provides a renewable resource such as roundwood to the market – to retain that even in changing climates. It's not something that we must balance against return, but that ensures that in 10,20, 50, 100 years, we will still be able to provide that resource to the market. This is kind of the difference maybe in our thinking as opposed to some other market participants.Essentially, it goes hand in hand.Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesDetails01:02Background to MEAG & Jasper04:06Decision to move into timberland investments05:11MEAG's perception of timberland allocation performance07:58Shift in how assets are housed in portfolio10:51Learning curve for institutional investor12:52Risk-reduced way to gain exposure13:44Best instrument to get started (and trajectory)16:33Risk return profile of MEAG19:22Operational side of owned forest assets22:57Functioning transactional market24:38Investment vehicles, e,g. debt instruments27:45Sustainability32:00Sustainability objectives34:28Beneficiaries stand on sustainability39:08Actionable advice39:50Contact detailsSound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudSign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Generation Forest with Andreas Eke 18.05.2026 1j

  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not an endorsement for this opportunity, nor is it an investment recommendation or investment advice.Send an email to [email protected] to learn how to applyWatch on You TubeThe ForestLink newsletter sign-upGeneration ForestGeneration Forest on LinkedInThe Ask: $25M USD to acquire land in Panama and establish more permanent, productive biodiverse forests in PanamaToday on Pitch Pod, I’m joined by Andreas Eke, CEO of Generation Forest Invest. In this conversation, Andreas presents Generation Forest’s approach to building permanent, productive, biodiverse forests in Panama through a combination of land acquisition, native species reforestation, carbon finance, and long-term timber management. We discuss how the model is designed to generate returns from both timber and premium-priced carbon credits, while restoring degraded cattle land into permanent forest assets. Andreas explains the organization’s cooperative and institutional investment structures, the role of carbon pre-sales in financing expansion, and the strategy behind building a 50,000-hectare forest corridor supporting biodiversity, watershed protection, and rural livelihoods. We also explore the operational realities of managing mixed-species forestry, land acquisition due diligence, and why biodiversity and permanence may become increasingly important drivers of long-term forest value.Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesSound LibraryEcology-Agriculture-Environment via PixabaySign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  TRAILER Pitch Pod: Forest Investment Opportunities & Nature-Based Solutions Pitches 11.05.2026 2mnt

  www.youtube.com/@Resources_TheForestLinkThe ForestLink newsletter sign-upPitch Pod is the new spin-off from Forest Invest, hosted by Shauna Matkovich, showcasing investment-ready forest and nature-based solutions opportunities.Each episode features a project pitch followed by a practical Q&A exploring strategy, impact, scalability, and commercial potential, giving investors, founders, and practitioners a behind-the-scenes look at real-world nature finance deals.New episodes drop alongside Forest Invest, with video versions available on YouTube.Pitch Pod is an awareness platform only and does not provide investment advice or endorsements.Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesSound LibraryEcology-Agriculture-Environment via PixabaySign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Symbiosis is Building Demand for High-Integrity Forest Carbon 04.05.2026 50mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upSymbiosis CoalitionToday, I’m joined by Julia Strong, founder and executive director of Symbiosis Coalition. In this conversation, Julia explains how buyer-led demand can help scale high-integrity forest carbon projects and mobilize capital into nature-based carbon removal. We talk about the role of long-term offtake agreements, the quality criteria Symbiosis uses to evaluate developers, and the common reasons projects fall short in the RFP process. Julia also shares what investors and project developers need to understand about readiness, benefit sharing, and the future of forest carbon as an investable asset class.“Carbon finance is one of the most promising tools that we have in our toolkit to mobilize billions of dollars for nature, climate, and people. It hasn’t yet lived up to its potential, and that was a key reason for starting Symbiosis.”00:13 Introduction to Forest Invest00:34 Julia Strong’s favourite tree01:21 Julia’s background and the launch of Symbiosis03:13 Sending a clear demand signal for high-integrity carbon removals04:17 The four core components of Symbiosis05:20 Unlocking capital through buyer confidence and quality07:17 The 20 million ton commitment by 203009:42 What makes a developer a good fit for Symbiosis 12:17 How developers can access the Symbiosis RFP 14:42 The chicken-and-egg problem in project finance 17:03 Symbiosis quality criteria and project evaluation 24:01 How the RFP process can help shape the market 25:23 Symbiosis’ role after offtake agreements 26:39 Common reasons projects do not advance 31:01 Why pilots and local track records matter 32:16 Bridge capital and the valley of death 35:01 How long the diligence process can take 37:53 Living Carbon and Mombak project examples 41:27 Building a diversified carbon removal portfolio 43:47 How to accelerate buyer demand 47:09 What is next for Symbiosis 48:00 Advice for new forest investors 49:28 Where to learn more about Symbiosis 49:57 Closing thoughts from Shauna MatkovichFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How BIOFIN is tackling the biodiversity finance gap 27.04.2026 54mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upBIOFINToday, I’m joined by Abbie Trinidad, Anabelle Plantilla, and Niran Nirannoot from the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), a UNDP-led programme now active in 131 countries. In this conversation, we explore how BIOFIN is tackling the biodiversity finance gap through practical ecotourism and conservation finance models in the Philippines and Thailand. We discuss community-led approaches in Sibalom Natural Park, tourist user charges and coral reef restoration on Koh Tao, and mangrove conservation in Phetchaburi. Along the way, we examine what it takes to attract private sector interest into biodiversity projects, the importance of policy and local institutions, and why conservation is increasingly an economic issue as much as an environmental one."Conservation is not just an environmental issue, it is actually an economic one" - Anabelle00:05 – Intro & BIOFIN guests00:36 – Favourite trees (icebreaker)01:48 – What is BIOFIN?05:53 – Why private investment matters07:56 – Biodiversity investment opportunities09:13 – Philippines: Sibalom Natural Park12:11 – Community ecotourism model18:36 – Early biodiversity outcomes23:15 – Carbon credits & policy gaps29:24 – Thailand: Koh Tao case32:29 – Tourist fee & fintech system39:00 – Impact: waste & coral recovery42:03 – Mangroves, co-investment & carbon48:36 – Key challenges & investor mindset52:55 – Final takeaway: nature as investmentFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Industrial Buyers in European Forest Investment - with Jyri Hietala and Tapani Pahkasalo 20.04.2026 41mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upCapMan Natural CapitalToday, I’m joined by Jyri Hietala and Tapani Pahkasalo, Managing Partner and Co-Managing Partner of CapMan Natural Capital. In this conversation, we discuss CapMan’s approach to active forest investment management across Europe and unpack the recent sale of a Baltic forest portfolio to Inter IKEA. Jyri and Tapani explain how they build institutional-scale portfolios, create value through forest management, renewable energy, and other ecosystem services, and position assets for different buyer profiles at exit. We also talk about what this transaction may signal for the future of European forest investment. From industrial demand for long-term wood supply to the growing importance of biodiversity, carbon, and natural capital value creation, this episode explores why high-quality forestry assets are attracting attention from both financial and strategic buyers."You need to understand who your future buyers are—financial, strategic, or impact-driven—because the way you structure your assets today, including contracts and value streams, can directly influence your exit opportunities.” - Jyri"This transaction is a strong example of building an industrial-scale portfolio and finding the right buyer who understands the value created—not just in timber, but across the entire asset, including sustainability and long-term management.” - Tapani0:11 Introduction to the episode0:20 Meet Jyri Hietala and Tapani Pahkasalo from CapMan Natural Capital0:37 Favorite trees: pine and cork oak1:46 Guest backgrounds and introductions3:52 Why Dassos joined CapMan7:07 CapMan Natural Capital’s investment approach9:37 Value creation beyond timber12:46 Current investment markets in Europe13:40 The Inter IKEA transaction14:35 How the Baltic portfolio was built17:34 Previous owners and local forest management20:12 Why Inter IKEA was the right buyer21:22 What made the transaction successful23:19 What the deal signals for European forestry25:09 Forest health, bark beetles and wood supply27:00 Industrial buyers and vertical integration29:05 Biodiversity and ecosystem services31:15 How buyer types shape portfolio strategy37:02 Offtake agreements and exit flexibility38:03 Why Europe remains attractive for investors39:32 Advice for new forest investors40:29 Where to learn more about CapMan Natural CapitalFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Cumberland Forest Project with Greg Meade 13.04.2026 45mnt

  The ForestLink newsletter sign-upNatureVest (The Nature Conservancy)The Cumberland Forest ProjectBlended FinanceToday, I’m joined by Greg Meade, Cumberland Forest Project Director at NatureVest. In this conversation, Greg explains how the Cumberland Forest Project was structured as a closed-end private investment fund designed to put conservation and community outcomes on equal footing with financial return. We talk about blended finance, sustainable timber harvesting, carbon offsets, conservation easements, renewable energy, and the project’s community fund in rural Appalachia. Greg also shares what NatureVest has learned from building this model, how the fund is performing relative to US timberland benchmarks, and what investors and forest managers can take away from this whole-forest-value approach.“What makes this project different is that we didn’t treat conservation as an add-on—we embedded it directly into how the asset operates, which allowed us to attract concessional capital and approach forest management in a fundamentally different way.”00:12 – Introduction to Forest Invest  00:34 – Greg Meade’s favorite tree: sourwood  01:32 – Greg Meade’s background in forestry  03:07 – What NatureVest does  03:30 – Overview of the Cumberland Forest Project  04:38 – Fund assets and geography  05:51 – Blended finance and concessional debt  09:49 – Who invested in the fund  11:54 – How the project differs from traditional TIMOs  13:27 – Exit strategy and protecting long-term impact  15:48 – Forest management and revenue streams  18:05 – Community fund and local economies  20:41 – Mineral royalties and reclaimed coal revenue  23:35 – Revenue diversification across the portfolio  26:21 – Investor concerns about geographic concentration  27:40 – Local staff and operational setup  29:54 – Impact outcomes achieved so far  33:37 – Financial performance  34:06 – Lessons learned  38:32 – Advice for replicating the model  40:40 – What’s next for NatureVest  43:37 – Advice for new forest investors  44:52 – Closing remarks  Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.