BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) and the International Woodland Company (IWC) announce the completion of the BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund’s first two investments, encompassing 8,550 hectares of sustainably managed timberland across the United States. These landmark acquisitions represent a major step forward in the fund’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for timber, generating long-term financial value for its investors, and contributing to tangible climate and conservation benefits.
First Investment: 3,550 hectares in the US Northeast
The fund’s first acquisition is a 3,550-hectare FSC[1]-certified timberland property located in Southwest Maine. This asset offers a well-diversified and ecologically valuable forest composition, with strong potential for both steady income generation and long-term capital appreciation through active, sustainable management.
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High-Value Timber Resources: The property is rich in commercially valuable tree species, including spruce-fir, white pine, and northern red oak, well-regarded for their strong market demand. The mix of age classes across these species provides both immediate harvesting opportunities and long-term forest productivity.
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Sustainability and Climate Alignment: Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), this forest is managed in accordance with internationally recognized environmental and social standards. The asset contributes to regional biodiversity conservation, supports climate mitigation through carbon sequestration, and complies with ESG-integrated forest management protocols.
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Operational Efficiency: The property benefits from proximity to established mills and an extensive internal road network, enabling cost-effective timber transport and logistics. This enhances both economic performance and the ability to implement best-in-class sustainable forestry practices at scale.
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Additional Revenue Opportunities: Beyond timber income, the asset offers alternative revenue streams through potential recreation leases, eco-tourism initiatives, and participation in voluntary carbon markets.
The property sits in a landscape rich in history and is a hallmark example of 100 years of private landscape restoration. Since 2013, it has been safeguarded under a multi-partner conservation easement, preserving vital ecosystems and endemic plant species.
Second Investment: 5,000 hectares in the US Southeast
The fund’s second acquisition comprises of 5,000 hectares of high-quality timberland across Southeast Alabama and Mississippi – a region known for its high timber productivity and well-developed forestry infrastructure. This investment is structured to deliver both near-term cash flow and long-term forest asset growth, supported by climate-resilient management.
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Established and Emerging Timber Assets: The property consists predominantly of planted pine forests, with a well-balanced mix of mature timber ready for harvest and younger stands that will contribute to future growth. This composition supports a sustainable harvesting cycle and ensures a consistent, long-term supply of timber.
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Sustainable Income Streams: Income is driven by productive timber operations and established lease revenue, underpinned by a resilient model that aligns long-term environmental and market trends.
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Climate-Smart Forestry: The property is being managed under forest practices aligned with FSC certification and will become FSC certified as part of the onboarding process. The asset combines income from timber and recreation with robust environmental stewardship – including adaptive strategies that re-establish native pine species, protect water, preserve wildlife, and maintain forest health in a changing climate.
“These foundational acquisitions demonstrate the fund’s strategic focus on high-quality, productive forest assets that align financial performance with environmental responsibility,” said Erik Anderzén, Fund Manager of the BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund. “By investing in sustainably managed forests, we aim to provide our investors with nature-based solutions that drive long-term value and measurable climate impact”.
“Our partner IWC is bringing the strategy to life with a strong commitment to sustainability.” said Robert-Alexandre Poujade, biodiversity lead at BNP Paribas Asset Management and member of the Investment Committee of the BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund. “The first dedicated actions have been carefully crafted alongside site-specific monitoring protocols to enhance forest resilience, habitat quality, and carbon storage in both assets”.
Expanding Global Reach
In addition to the two US acquisitions, the BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund has two other timberland assets under contract in New Zealand, pending Overseas Investment Office approvals, totaling 1,200 hectares. These assets will strengthen the fund’s portfolio and commitment to sustainable forestry practices.
About BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund SLP
The BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund was launched in November 2024[2] to invest in sustainable forestry to generate financial returns to investors and combine sustainable investment practices to combat climate change, improve asset resilience, and enhance biodiversity. The fund is classified as Article 9 under SFDR[3] and has raised about USD 145 million to date.
The fund is the first launched by BNPP AM in partnership with natural capital expert IWC. IWC is majority owned by BNPP AM, with over 30 years’ experience in providing investment management and advisory services within sustainable forest investments, agriculture investments, and ecosystems restoration.
This press release and the information included herein is intended exclusively for use by journalists or other members of the media acting in their professional capacity. It is intended solely to provide them with general information and enable them to have an overview of the funds described herein for the purposes of their own independent editorial. It may relate to funds that are not authorised for distribution in the country in which it is being issued.
It does not constitute an offer or solicitation, nor may it be treated as such in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is against the law or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. BNP Paribas Asset Management assumes no liability whether direct or indirect that may result from using any information contained in this document. In no circumstances may BNP Paribas Asset Management be held liable for any decision taken based on this information.
This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the fund’s prospectus and key information document before making any final investment decision.
Footnotes
- [1] Forest Stewardship Council ↑
- [2] BNP Paribas Asset Management launches the BNP Paribas Future Forest Fund to answer global demand for sustainably managed timberland investments – Press – BNP Paribas Asset Management – Corporate EN ↑
- [3] Sustainable finance disclosure regulation ↑
