Due Diligence in Forestry Nature-based Solutions - with Jamie Lawrence

Today, I’m joined by Jamie Lawrence, Co-Founder of Xilva. In this conversation, Jamie describes the project evaluation process taken by Xilva, which evaluates nature-based solutions projects for numerous capital providers, from investors to corporates and donors. Jamie describes the six categories of Xilva’s Due Diligence Framework and explains the reasoning for interconnecting these in an assessment. After evaluating more than 300 projects, he explains the three common mistakes project developers make when preparing for funding. He also stresses the merits of the promising projects that cross the Xilva desk. We talk more about the importance of a good strategy on the side of the capital provider to prevent a project from stalling due to misalignment in internal processes.QuoteAssets 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 linksXilvaXilva on LinkedInJamie Lawrence in LinkedInFavourite tree: Cork tree (Quercus suber)Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesDetails01:13 Background of Xilva & Jamie03:19Silva;s services in nature-based solutions space05:09Profiles of clients - capital providers06:49How do you find projects?08:06Screening strategy for projects10:27Due diligence to support clients  - six categories of framework16:24Clients bring own criteria17:50External collaborations or expertise, leverage global assets20:44Types of projects21:52What makes a strong project - and which issues exist in practice/ignored factors24:50Communication on the ground, challenges, & risk management30:11Strengths in projects, makes projects shine32:27Reasons for projects getting stuck37:14Effect of voluntary and carbon markets on supply and demand of nature-based  solutions. Difference in perceptions in different markets (Global North/Global South)41:59Next for Silva44:43Actionable advice47:08Contact 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.