In this episode, I’m joined by Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director and Head of Emerging Markets at New Forests, to discuss the Future Forest Innovations Fund — a global, open-ended forestry vehicle co-developed with Oji Holdings. Geoffrey explains how the Fund aims to meet climate targets through a high-integrity insetting strategy and achieve full FSC certification across its portfolio. We explore how the open-ended structure supports long-term forest stewardship and enables net carbon sequestration under the GHG Protocol and steady timber returns. Geoffrey also shares how corporate capital is driving forest expansion in emerging markets and reshaping the future of forest finance.

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Geoffrey Seeto on LinkedIn

News: New Forests partners with Oji Holdings to establish a forestry fund to help meet 2030 goals

Favorite tree: Eucalyptus

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

[00:00] Welcome & Guest Introduction

[00:35] Geoffrey's Favorite Tree

[01:25] Geoffrey’s Role at New Forests

[02:15] Emerging Markets vs. Developed Markets

[03:55] Positive Impact & Mixed Landscape Approach

[05:12] Introduction to the Future Forest Innovation Fund (FFI)

[05:34] Origins of the OG Partnership

[06:58] High Sustainability Standards & FSC Certification

[07:53] OG's 2030 Climate Goals & Role of New Forests

[08:51] Vertical Integration & Local Economic Impact

[10:13] Defining “Innovation” in FFI

[11:18] Permanent Capital Vehicle Explained

[12:56] The Case for Investing in Emerging Markets

[13:25] Why Open-Ended Funds Work for Forestry

[15:34] Institutional Appeal & Long-Term Stewardship

[17:23] African Fund & Perpetual Management

[18:44] Building a Global Forestry Portfolio

[22:01] Regional Allocation Breakdown

[23:38] Why Latin America is Next

[25:00] Asset Characteristics: Species, Maturity & Market Access

[28:03] Certification: FSC, Carbon Standards, and SFDR

[30:20] Carbon Insetting vs. Offsetting

[32:28] OG’s Role & Future Investors

[35:30] Corporate vs. Institutional Investors

[38:35] Voluntary Carbon Markets & Paris Targets

[40:25] Meeting Different Investor Needs

[41:36] Lessons from Infrastructure & Forestry Growth

[43:42] Final Advice for New Investors

[47:25] Where to Learn More

[48:00] Closing Remarks

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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