Manulife’s 480M Forest Climate Fund - with Eric Cooperström

DISCLAIMERForest 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 ResourcesManulifeManulife Investment Management on LinkedInEric Cooperstörm on LinkedInFavourite tree: Redwoods (Sequoioideae)Production TeamFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesTimestamps01:47Eric’s professional background05:18Exciting trends in natural climate solutions07:27Funding strategy & Manulife’s suite of services10:31Ensure high-integrity carbon credits in forest fund that also targets timber production15:48Co-benefits/Core benefits19:52Structure of the fund22:10Carried interests of the fund23:05Targets for carbon credits24:10Investor concerns re. fire risks and manageme nt29:30Help investors to build confidence in new strategy33:18Existing timberland clients moved across?34:28Competition?Sound LibraryNature 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.