Sustainability

Dick Molpus says increasing participation of women, minorities and first-generation college students is part of a comprehensive approach to keeping up with the demands of an evolving forest products industry.

The firm is also gearing up to launch a venture capital vehicle that will make complimentary agtech investments.

Cordiant managing director Cédric Garnier-Landurie says the business wanted non-dilutive capital to support its growth plans but the firm could make an equity investment in the future.

goFARM and Nuveen Natural Capital told the Global Food Forum in Melbourne that sustainable agricultural practices were attractive to investors.

Christof Kutscher has stepped down from the role and Berg will move up from his position as chief investment officer for the firm’s nature based carbon strategy.

Climate Fund Managers structured Ecuador’s $656m debt-for-nature conversion – the largest in the world – and the firm wants to see more involvement from institutional LPs.

The Kilter Agriculture Fund will invest in farmland water and is targeting A$65m in a first fundraise that will close later this month.

Mekong Earth and Forest Fund will target companies that help mitigate climate change through the regeneration of forests and soil in the lower Mekong region.

The speed at which trees grow and carbon credits can be generated on the continent is a big draw, while some LPs seek alternative emerging markets to China.

BTG Timberland Investment Group head Gerrity Lansing says increased appreciation of forestry’s sequestration potential, new entrants and shifting geopolitical sentiment are helping bring about an exciting time for timberland.