Tag Archives: Forestry

FRA response to US Global Warming Report

February 9, 2013 staronepr Leave a comment

FRA analysis partner Peter Collins offers his response to the US Department of Agriculture report into global warming and its impact on forestry.

Seattle, United States, February 9, 2013 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has issued a response to the recent US Department of Agriculture report on the impact of global warming on forestry.

The report compiled over 1,000 scientific studies and is designed to serve as a roadmap for managing forests in North America in the years ahead. Unfortunately, it has some difficult truths to convey, including news that the area burned by wildfires is expected to at least double within the next 25 years, while insect infestations look set to become an even bigger problem, affecting more land per year than fires.

Peter Collins, analysis partner at FRA, offered his view: “America’s forestry industry has the potential to provide raw materials for trade and incomes for thousands of employees. But perhaps its most important responsibility is to provide a sustainable resource that can help to tackle global warming”.

“We all know it’s true but it is easy to forget the role that trees play in managing and absorbing the planet’s emissions. Forests really do act as the world’s lungs and this report highlights the problems that lie in wait if we refuse to step up and accept the responsibility that is inherent in managing forests.”

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
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

AAA welcomes news that Investors are interested in Tasmania Plantations

October 12, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, has announced that it is welcoming the news of potential buyers for plantations owned by a collapsed forestry firm in Tasmania.

Boston, MA, USA, October 12, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), an alternative investment advocacy group, has announced that it is welcoming the news of potential buyers for plantations owned by a collapsed forestry firm in Tasmania.

The 100,000 hectares of plantation space is thought to still be managed by the insolvent Tasmanian firm, called Gunns. The firm entered administration in late September and potential buyers for the plantation land, which could be very lucrative and attractive to investors, are being looked into by receiver KordaMentha.

There is already interest from clients of the New Forests investment fund in Sydney, manager David Brand has claimed. Brand stated that the price of the plantation land is still unclear, however, with prices ranging from a few hundreds Australian dollars to as much as A$8,0000 per hectare being mentioned.

He added that the value of the plantation that will be manageable under the new certification from the forestry Stewardship Council, which shows that the plantations are managed sustainably.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that the news that FSC-certified plantations are more attractive and possibly more valuable than forests that are not managed sustainably is great news for the environment. “Not only is it good news from an environmental perspective, but it also means that sustainable management may become increasingly popular in countries like Brazil, where the future of the local communities can rely on the industry.”

The government of Tasmania is, in the meantime, hoping that an investor from china may pay up to A$2.3 billion for the pulp mill that was owned by Gunns.

The popularity of sustainable forestry as an alternative investment choice is growing all the time, claims AAA, which supports plantation projects like the ones operated by Greenwood Management in Brazil. These projects provide alternative timber products to those produced using native forests, which are vulnerable and extremely valuable from a ecological point of view.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

Safeguarding Sustainable Forestry is Vital, claims FRA

October 11, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

A recent article in The Guardian’s blog by Peter Holmgren, director general for the Center for International Forestry Research, has been warmly welcomed by FRA for providing some useful ideas on how we can further promote sustainable forestry.

Seattle, United States, October 11, 2012 — A recent article in The Guardian’s blog by Peter Holmgren, director general for the Center for International Forestry Research, has been warmly welcomed by Forestry Research Associates for providing some useful ideas on how we can further promote sustainable forestry.

Mr Holmgren cited the results of a study by his organization, which recently found that people living near forests rely on forest income for a fifth of their total household income, on average. “This research illustrate how incredibly important the forestry industry is for those living in these regions,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

He added, “Holmgren points out how forestry provides so much for so many people and that safeguarding its future is vital for communities all over the world, but especially in developing countries.”

Forestry as a means of reduce climate change through carbon absorption is now very much in the public consciousness. Carbon trading means that wealthy, industrial countries can pay developing countries with large amounts of forestry land to keep their forests standing to offset the impact of their industrial practices. In addition, Mr Collins and Mr Holmgren both point out that forestry is not disconnected from other industries. Holmgren explained to Guardian readers: “Forestry is not an isolated sector disconnected from the world beyond the trees. For local people, the forest is a source of renewable energy, food and livelihoods.”

Holmgren claims that there is a strong link between forestry and food security and that this, alone is a good reason to keep forests standing.

FRA claims that investing in sustainable plantations projects in countries like Brazil, that have large amounts of vulnerable natural forests, can help reduce deforestation. Mr Collins concluded: “Projects like the eucalyptus and teak plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada are lucrative choices for alternative investors, while being an ethical choice for those who want to safeguard the future of forestry.”

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
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

New Survey ‘Shows Alternatives are Becoming the Norm’, says AAA

October 6, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A recent survey that found that non-stock-based investments are proving more popular among US institutional investors, has been endorsed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, Massachusetts, United States, October 05, 2012 – A recent survey that found that non-stock-based investments are proving more popular among US institutional investors, has been endorsed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the results of the latest survey from Natixis Global Asset Management shows that more and more investors are turning to alternative investments due to the volatility of the stock and bond markets.

The survey questioned some 151 fund managers about their investing habits and found that 76 per cent said that investing in alternatives is an essential part of protecting their portfolio against risk. In addition, 73 per cent said they are critical in outperforming the general investment market.

“These results are among the most convincing we have seen in recent years and suggest that alternatives are quickly becoming the ‘norm’ among everyone from charities and pensions schemes to endowments and trusts,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

Although, overall, stock markets have produced some more solid results this year, they are still vulnerable to major, sudden value losses in response to fluctuations in the economic conditions in countries like China and the US. As a result, many investors still see investing in asset classes like forestry, hedge funds, real estate and even gold, art and wine, as a lot less risky.

“It’s partly about getting something more tangible, with an intrinsic value, in exchange for your investment,” added Mr Johnson.

Of the managers surveyed in the Natixis study, some 88 per cent said they were satisfied with how their alternatives are performing. A huge 93 per cent said they would happily increase the amount invested in alternatives, or at least keep their investment level the same.

Forestry is a solid option for those looking at their first foray into alternative investment. Through firms like Greenwood Management, investors can own their own slice of plantation land with an initial investment of less than $20,000.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

FRA Supports Kenya Campaign against Illegal Logging

September 28, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

A move in Kenya to strengthen laws that prohibit illegal logging has been praised by Forestry Research Associates (FRA). The Kenya Forestry services is arranging for timber and charcoal dealers across the globe to work together to outlaw the illegal practise. The Kenya Forestry Services Act stipulates that anybody engaging in cutting timber or burning charcoal unlawfully will be fined Kshs 50,000.

Seattle, United States, September 28, 2012 — A move in Kenya to strengthen laws that prohibit illegal logging has been praised by Forestry Research Associates (FRA). The Kenya Forestry services is arranging for timber and charcoal dealers across the globe to work together to outlaw the illegal practise. The Kenya Forestry Services Act stipulates that anybody engaging in cutting timber or burning charcoal unlawfully will be fined Kshs 50,000.

FRA advocates sustainable forestry in all its forms and supports environmental conservation and the international requirement of ten per cent tree cover, which Kenya is working towards.

Africa has made great improvements in its green policies in recent times and this latest campaign encourages local people to work with Kenya Forest Services (KFS) and Community Forest Associations (CFA) to embrace conservation.

Busia County Forestry Services Coordinator James Were points out that the Forestry Act amendment of 2005 requires formation of registered groups to deal in charcoal and timber. “Anyone caught masquerading in the timber business without a license of origin from KFS, will face the law non-selectively,” he said.

The Kenya government policy supports commercial forestry either by individuals or groups as long as green measures are adhered to. Timber investment is growing in popularity across the globe and FRA recommends sustainably managed plantations, such as the Greenwood Management scheme operated in Brazil.

Here, investors can strengthen their portfolio and snap up a piece of forestry land for as little as $10,000, which is a lot less than is involved when buying forestry independently. Greenwood manage these plantations and support the local community by offering jobs.

“Demand for timber is rising and this is an investment that can help you beat inflation,” said FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. “Alternative investments are becoming more popular and the Kenyan government’s green policies prove that it is essential to work with companies that actively advocate sustainable forestry.”

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
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

Impact Investors can help to Protect Valuable Environments

September 26, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Impact investing can help environmentalists to protect vulnerable and valuable land from being destroyed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, MA, USA, September 26, 2012 — Impact investing can help environmentalists to protect vulnerable and valuable land from being destroyed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Environmental groups have always relied quite heavily on philanthropists and private sector sponsors to protect land. In a number of incidents, groups have paid millions of dollars for areas of land, simply to protect them as habitats for species. The Nature Conservancy is one such group that believes this is a good approach to protecting wildlife and precious eco-systems.

Recently, the Nature Conservancy’s Mark Tercek claimed that the money is drying up and that impact investing could provide the solution. AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group based in Boston, agrees. The organisation’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said: “There is a shortage of funds for these kinds of projects these days and it is now necessary to try to attract investors into this kind of investment.”

AAA claims that a large number of investors are now looking to align their investments with social and environmental projects that will do good over the long run. Some projects are far from lucrative, but will at least protect money from being lost in the volatile stock markets.

Investing in projects like the sustainable forestry project being managed by Greenwood Management in Brazil is a good option for those who are environmentally conscious but cannot afford for their investment to not deliver returns. Those who invest in timber or in forestry projects tend to see better returns than those investing in stock and bonds, according to figures taken over several years.

Investing in timberland also has other benefits. From a social perspective, it helps to encourage sustainability which can help local communities to safeguard the forestry industry for generations to come. From an environmental perspective, managed forests provide timber that can be used instead of timber from vulnerable forests.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

UK Crack-down on Mis-sold Alternatives Supported by AAA

August 25, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

News from the UK that its financial regulator is to clamp down on the mis-selling of alternative investments, has been welcomed by AAA.

Boston, MA, August 25, 2012 – News from the UK that its financial regulator is to clamp down on the mis-selling of alternative investments, has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group claims that the crack-down on the mis-selling of products know as Unauthorised Collective Investment Schemes (UCIS). In the UK can only be a good thing for the alternative market in general.

“We are pleased to see that more is being done to protect those opting for alternative investments,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

“The more that can be done to stop unscrupulous businesses from putting the hard sell on investors, the better the reputation of the valid industry players.”

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK claims that the market for UCIS, which are products that are often worthless if the seller goes into administration, is worth around £2.5 billion. the funds invest is a wide variety of asset classes and when they are mis-sold, the reputation of these asset classes can fall.

Many of these products are not based in the UK and are therefore not included under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which reimburses investors should they lose cash because a company or bank collapsing.

A statement from the FSA said it was taking action because “of the high levels of unsuitable advice it has uncovered and the potential for customer detriment.

‘Examples include: pensioners being advised to invest all of their wealth in a single, illiquid UCIS with a view to generating income; and a customer being advised to borrow money to invest in UCIS and to service the debt with withdrawals from that investment.’

AAA advocates ethical and alternative investments, that are valid and sold the right way. Projects such as the managed forestry fund offered by Greenwood Management, for example, offer alternative investments from as little as $10,000.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Business

FRA Claims Report Shows More Support for Forestry Investment Returns

July 13, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

FRA has said that further evidence to illustrate the potential returns involved with timberland investments has been published this week.

Seattle, United States, July 13, 2012 — The research and analysis consultancy is referring to a new report that shows that forestry investors putting their cash in Scottish forests last year, saw healthy returns. The JPD UK Forestry Index has reported that forestry investments in Scotland saw returns of 34.8 per cent in 2011, according to reports in The Scotsman newspaper.

“This kind of rate of return is very impressive and will prove an extremely attractive draw for anyone considering alternative investments going forward,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner Peter Collins.

FRA advocates alternative investments and, in particular, forestry investment as a means to generating good returns while ensuring that investments help to maintain forested areas safeguard the industry for generations to come.

The JPD Index was at its highest ever last year, with analysts claiming that this reflected the fact that timber prices and demand are rising off the back of the growing appetite for raw materials in developing economies, such as China and India.

The demand for timber in the UK has also grown off the back of a rise in the use of wood as fuel and the growing efficiency of the sawmill facilities in Scotland, which help to generate strong yields from timber harvests.

FRA supports sustainable forestry projects, such as the non-native plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. This kind of project allows people to invest directly in timberland without having to wait until their trees mature to enjoy the returns.

“Forestry investment in growing increasingly popular as people want something tangible in exchange for their investments following the economic crisis,” added Mr Collins. “Forestry investments regularly outperform more traditional asset classes, including property, stocks and bonds, in terms of ROI.”

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
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA Welcomes New Forestry Fund in Asia

July 11, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

A new forestry investment fund has been launched in Asia and is being welcomed by FRA, which claims the fund offers an ethical choice to investors who want to diversify their investment portfolios.

Seattle, United States, July 11, 2012 — A new forestry investment fund has been launched in Asia and is being welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA), which claims the fund offers an ethical choice to investors who want to diversify their investment portfolios.

“This is a Private Equity Fund being run on a hedge proposition basis to consolidate assets within the emerging markets on a project by project investment strategy,” explained the CEO of the Asia Renewable Resource Fund (ARRF), Andrew Steel. The fund is being launched by Treedom Investment, which is keen to ensure that people have access to investments into sustainable forestry in Asia.

FRA claims that investing in sustainably managed forestry and timberland projects in emerging markets is a good move for investors all over the world. Its analysis partner, Peter Collins explained, “Investing in sustainable forestry not only helps to safeguard the future of forestry for generations to come but also offer investors strong returns with a low level of correlation to other economic trends and the equity markets.”

“These are forestry investments made with due regard for people, communities, the environment and profit,” added Mr Steel.

Investing in trees can be a good option for a long term investment, as they simply grow in size and value if left alone for many years,. However, FRA is keen to point out that there are a growing number of opportunities that allow investors to start to see returns within a few years. The scheme run by Greenwood Management in Brazil, for example, allows investors to invest in existing plantations of non-native trees that are grown in a cyclical way, meaning that as soon as the first trees are mature, all investors start to see returns on their investment, despite the fact that it is also a direct investment model.

AAA is a research and analysis consultancy group specialising in timberland investment and sustainable forestry.

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
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Business

FRA Welcomes Figures on English Forestry Sustainability

July 5, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

England is fairing extremely well when it comes to sustainable forestry, according to a new report, which is being welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Seattle, United States, July 4, 2012 — England is fairing extremely well when it comes to sustainable forestry, according to a new report, which is being welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The new figures published by the Forestry Commission England show that only 0.04 per cent of trees that are chopped down are felled illegally. “The sustainable approach to forestry and the gradually expanding wooded areas in the country have all contributed to the increase in local timber being used instead of imported timber,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

FRA is a research and analysis consultancy that specialises in advocating timberland investment as a strong alternative asset class. It has welcomed the news that England is investing in its conservation habits, such as increasing the amount of land given over to woodland and restoring heathland.

Simon Hodgson from the Forestry Commission explained, “For the first time we have been able to publish a suite of new statistics to show what is happening to woods and forests in England and how Forestry Commission England is performing.

“The overall picture is great news for us. Protection of our woods and forests is strong with minuscule amounts of illegal felling.”

Although timber imports are falling in England, other nations, such as China, import much more timber than they used to, with much coming from the US, South America and Canada. China and other emerging economies are using more and more timber in the development of their infrastructure and housing in response to their recent economic growth.

FRA says that the increasing demand for sustainable timber in developing nations is great news for those investing in plantation projects in countries like Canada and Brazil. Firms like Greenwood Management are providing investors with the chance to directly invest in sustainably managed plantations of non-native species that help to reduce the pressure on natural forests in Brazil.

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
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com