This episode flips the usual format. Instead of hosting, I’m the one being interviewed by Margaret Morales during a live webinar, which is now being shared with you in this special release. We dive into the evolving landscape of forest investment, where carbon and timber strategies increasingly overlap with climate and impact goals. I share what I’ve learned from advising asset managers and project developers across geographies: from return expectations and capital stacks to risk mitigation and community engagement. If you're navigating nature-based solutions and forest finance, this conversation is full of practical insights.

Margaret Morales on LinkedIn

Trellis (the company where Margaret is a director)

Alexandra Holmlund (Biodiversity credit methodologies)

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Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

[2:07] Shauna’s background – from forester to investment professional

[4:11] Types of clients Shawna works with (traditional vs. new investors)

[6:14] Return expectations in forest investments

[7:38] Multi-revenue stream projects – timber + carbon

[10:11] Carbon as a “sweetener” in early-stage projects

[12:20] Timeline expectations – 10 to 15 years typical hold period

[13:50] Explaining greenfield vs. brownfield forest projects

[16:57] Growing interest from new climate-focused investors

[18:47] Geographic trends in forest investments

[20:40] Afforestation projects: high impact, high capital need

[21:22] How developers can solve early-stage funding gaps

[25:45] Typical capital stack in forest funds

[27:40] Blended finance and concessional capital in forest investment

[30:00] Why debt is rare in early forest projects

[31:33] Biodiversity credits – demand, challenges & local approaches

[34:44] Sustainable community credits & the role of community

[36:49] What investors want to see on community engagement

[37:09] Pure carbon funds – challenges and exit strategy concerns

[40:53] Biodiversity credit methodologies (e.g. Alexandra Holmlund's work)

[42:23] Carbon price projections – conservative modeling advice

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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