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
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Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
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