Alessandro Materni, Managing Partner at FLS Forestry Linked Securities, joins me on The Forest Investment Podcast. Today, we explore how securitization can revolutionize forest investment in the Global South, making it more accessible to institutional investors. Alessandro breaks down the mechanics of forestry-backed securities, the unique advantages of reforestation in Paraguay, and the safeguards needed to mitigate ESG and political risks. We also discuss FLS's mission-driven strategy, seeking long-term investor returns with biodiversity, climate, and social impact goals. If you're interested in learning alternative approaches to structuring finance in a forest investment, this episode offers great lessons.

Quote

We try to shield assets from political risk and local idiosyncrasies as much as possible, to make them securitizable, and ultimately investable.

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

Alessandro Matterni LinkedIn

FLS Forestry Linked Securities

FLS on LinkedIn

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) & Lapacho (Handroanthus impetiginosus)

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00 ] Introduction to Forest Invest with Shauna Matkovich

[00:21 ] Meet the Guest: Alessandro Materni of FLS

[00:35 ] Alessandro’s Favorite Trees: Strawberry Tree & Lapacho

[02:05 ] Introduction to Alessandro and FLS Forestry Linked Securities

[04:45 ] Explaining Securitization in Forestry Terms

[07:18 ] Rating Agencies & Forestry Assets

[08:46 ] Scale of Institutional Forestry Investment

[10:06 ] How FLS Aims to Expand Forestry Markets

[12:15 ] Addressing Political Risk in Emerging Markets

[13:49 ] Why Paraguay? Land, Governance, and Risk Mitigation

[17:03 ] Target Wood Markets in Paraguay

[18:35 ] ESG, Carbon Credits, and Conservation Commitments

[21:20 ] Local Community Engagement and Biodiversity Practices

[23:39 ] Reforestation vs. Mature Asset Strategy

[24:39 ] Life Cycle of Forest Investment and Securitization Timing

[27:02 ] Exit Options and Evergreen Structure

[29:39 ] Investor Profiles and Suitability

[32:12 ] Is This Strategy Right for Forestry Newcomers?

[34:12 ] Non-Negotiable ESG Commitments

[36:26 ] Why Securitization Is Less Common in Developed Markets

[38:03 ] Other Potential Jurisdictions Beyond Paraguay

[41:05 ] Carbon Markets and the Bigger Picture

[45:12 ] Final Advice for New Forest Investors

[46:17 ] Where to Learn More About FLS

[47:23 ] Closing Remarks from Shauna

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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