FRA
has backed moves to add Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM) to the open
source ImpactAssets 50 2012 (IA 50) database of socially responsible
impact investing funds.
Seattle,
United States, October 18, 2012 -- Forestry Research Associates
(FRA) has backed moves to add Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM) to the
open source ImpactAssets 50 2012 (IA 50) database of socially
responsible impact investing funds.
The
list is created each year and gives investors a guide to the top
investment products that can deliver good returns, while delivering
social and environmental benefits.
The
funds listed under the IA 50 have a total of $10.2 billion invested
in them and cover a huge range of geographical locations. A
spokesperson for EFM, its CEO, Bettina von Hagen, stated, "EFM
is honoured to be named among the 50 best impact investment fund
managers in the world. We are committed to demonstrating an
alternative approach to managing forests in the region - one that can
be financially competitive, while at the same time beneficial to the
health and resilience of ecosystems and rural communities."
FRA
supports a wide range of forestry investment initiatives, including
plantations run by firms like Greenwood Management in countries like
Brazil and Canada, which are densely forested. The fact that
plantations growing alternative, non-native timbers are managed in
these locations, helps to protect the native forests against illegal
logging.
In
Brazil, Greenwood Management's plantations produce charcoal that is
used by the Brazilian steel industry, which used to use native
forests to produce their charcoal. "In this way, plantation
projects, if sustainably managed, can help to reduce the impact of
deforestation," stated FRA's analysis partner, Peter Collins.
Investing
in impact investment funds and ethical investment products has become
more popular since the economic crisis as a reaction to the
volatility of the stocks and bonds market. Mr Collins added,
"Investors want something more tangible in exchange for their
investment and forestry funds offer just this. Investors with
Ecotrust Forest Management and Greenwood
Management are investing in timberland with
established and growing trees."
About
Forestry Research Associates
Forestry
Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that
focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry
investment around the globe.
Media
Contact:
Peter
Collins
Forestry
Research Associates
620
Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge
Island, WA 98110
(206)
316 8394
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