Why Nature Finance Deals Succeed or Stall – with Ivo Mulder

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Today, I’m joined by Ivo Mulder, Co-Founder and Partner at Perennial Nature and former Head of Climate Finance at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). In this conversation, Ivo shares his motivation for launching Perennial Nature and its mission to accelerate investment in nature and climate-positive projects. We discuss the barriers preventing mainstream capital from reaching forest and nature-based solutions, from perceived risk and investor unfamiliarity to regulatory disincentives and mismatched investment horizons. Drawing on his experience structuring blended finance initiatives, Ivo shares lessons from two contrasting examples, exploring why some deals succeed while others struggle to achieve their ambitions. We discuss the importance of aligning partners, building trust, and structuring investments that meet the needs of different capital providers. We also explore the complementary roles of development finance institutions and the private sector.

"There is more and more data available and that data can also be translated into standard financial metrics, meaning how would a climate risk translate into impact on EBITDA, for example, or on future sales. If you move towards that, at least you speak the language that analysts and financial specialists understand."

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud Ambient 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.