#None #Silvania #Conservation International #Race to Belém

Silvania Expands Global Nature Investment Initiative

Silvania, a burgeoning global platform dedicated to investing in natural capital, is on a mission to restore the earth’s ecological balance. Launched with a substantial initial investment of USD $500 million from Mercuria and its co-founders, Silvania leverages innovative financing approaches, market knowledge, advanced technology, and community engagement to promote large-scale biodiversity and nature restoration projects.

Recently, the organization has taken significant strides to enhance its leadership structure, appointing Eelco Hoekstra as the new Chief Executive Officer. Hoekstra, who boasts over three decades of experience across energy and sustainability sectors, is well-equipped to steer Silvania through its next developmental phase. His extensive background in managing large asset portfolios is expected to greatly benefit Silvania’s ambitious growth objectives. Under his leadership alongside Enric Arderiu and the existing team, Silvania aims to compellingly exploit its operational expertise to drive greater investments into nature-focused initiatives.

To further fuel its expansion, Silvania is pursuing deeper alliances, ensuring that scientific rigor, Indigenous wisdom, and community input are integral to its operations and initiatives. A benchmark collaboration was established with Conservation International (CI), announced during the prestigious London Climate Week at the UK Government’s International Nature Finance event, which was graced by the presence of His Majesty the King. This partnership will leverage CI’s robust science-based insights and community connections to guide the strategic deployment of Silvania’s capital, thereby acting as a catalyst for additional funding into natural restoration efforts.

Silvania's recent partnerships entail several notable initiatives in Brazil, such as:

• - A partnership with the Brazilian State of Maranhão aimed at supporting their ambitious Floresta Viva program, which seeks large-scale forest restoration.
• - Collaborative efforts in Tocantins, where plans are underway to address landscape-scale programs across 28 million hectares, focusing on reducing deforestation in vital ecosystems like the Cerrado and Amazon.
• - Launching the Race to Belém campaign, built in partnership with Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), targeting the mobilization of billions in private financing for critical rainforest conservation and restoration in Brazil.

During the London Climate Action Week, the Race to Belém campaign gathered business, NGO, and government leaders, showcasing inspiring messages including those from David Attenborough. His latest production, Our Story, a fully immersive experience highlighting the planet’s biodiversity and its importance for sustainable living, was made possible through support from Silvania. Prominent figures in attendance included Dr. M Sanjayan (CEO of Conservation International), Marcello Lelis (Secretary of the Environment in Tocantins), and youth climate advocate Xiye Bastida, who emphasized the necessity of framing nature investments as viable and sustainable asset classes.

The overarching message resonated throughout the event was clear: establishing sustainable investment in nature is pivotal for attracting the necessary capital to protect and restore the planet's ecosystems. Silvania’s bold leadership changes and multifaceted partnerships pave the way for innovative solutions aimed at preserving our natural environments, thus catering to both ecological sustainability and economic viability. With a steadfast commitment to investing in nature, Silvania is poised to play a critical role in fighting against environmental degradation and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.