BioCarbon attracts new investment

Macquarie Global Investments (Macquarie) have announced that BioCarbon Group Pte Limited (BioCarbon) has agreed to terms with investors for a combined investment of $US25 million to target global forest carbon projects known as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD).

The investments, provided by a timber investment fund managed by US based Global Forest Partners LP (GFP), IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Macquarie, which also established the company, will enable BioCarbon to identify and invest in large scale REDD projects. The first project is expected to be in Indonesia, one of the first countries to establish a legal framework for REDD.

Macquarie Global Investments Associate Director, Brer Adams, said bringing together global leaders in sustainable forestry investment and investment in developing countries means BioCarbon is very well placed to create and sustain significant REDD investments.

“BioCarbon is a pioneering company that is demonstrating the ability to link carbon finance to forest conservation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity and provide returns for its investors,” Mr Adams said.

“This investment will enable BioCarbon to develop large scale REDD projects and meet demand for forest carbon credits, which we believe will be an increasingly important part of global carbon markets.”

Peter C. Mertz, Chief Executive Officer of GFP noted that, “GFP’s investment in BioCarbon continues our 25 year commitment to investing in sustainable forestry projects that meet the highest environmental standards and support local economies. We look forward to our collaboration with Macquarie and IFC in this important and developing sector within our industry.”

BioCarbon will also benefit from a collaboration with Fauna & Flora International (FFI), a relationship established by Macquarie Group in 2008. FFI CEO Mark Rose said that this unique partnership is central to the organisation’s REDD programme.

“Fauna & Flora International is delighted to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative, which demonstrates how FFI and Macquarie Group have been at the forefront of commercial investment in REDD. Together we will be demonstrating the potential to reduce deforestation, conserve biodiversity and combat climate change, while providing significant benefits to communities living in or near forests,” Mr Rose said.

BioCarbon will be seeking to accredit its forest carbon projects with leading international standards including the Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard.