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

Today I’m joined by Jasper Renk, Senior Investment Manager for Illiquid Assets in Natural Capital at MEAG. In this advice-packed episode, Jasper shares MEAG’s 15-year experience in investing in Timberland. He explains the most critical determining factors in deciding MEAG’s forest investment jurisdictions and describes how the organisation is well equipped to address climate risks, sitting on 140 years of climate data. Jasper shares his thoughts on how to house your forest investment and sheds light on why forest investment isn’t the most suitable for debt instruments. We talk about sustainability and how it is a core tenant of how they invest, emphasising that prioritising sustainability reduces risk and secures return expectations.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.Important linksMEAGMEAG on LinkedInJasper Renk on LinkedInFavourite trees: SpruceProduction 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)16:33 Risk return profile of MEAG19:22Operational side of owned forest assets 22:57Functioning transactional market24:38Investment vehicles, e,g. debt instruments27:45Sustainability 32:00Sustainability objectives34:28Beneficiaries stand on sustainability39:08Actionable advice39:50Contact 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.