Robeco has launched a biodiversity equities strategy, classified as Article 9 under SFDR.
The RobecoSAM Biodiversity Equities strategy will invest in companies that benefit from the transition to a “nature-positive world”, according to Robeco, and support the use of natural resources and ecosystems services in a sustainable way, in addition to technologies, products and services that help reduce biodiversity threats or reinstate natural habitats.
It seeks to capitalise on structural opportunities created by governments, corporates and consumers increasingly focusing on supporting biodiversity and the “nature-positive transition”.
David Thomas, senior portfolio manager and Aaron Re’em, co-portfolio manager, will manage the strategy.
Its investable universe includes four clusters: sustainable land use, freshwater networks, marine systems and traceable products.
The firm said engagement would form a key part of the strategy and that its active ownership team would engage with up to 25% of portfolio holdings to improve their biodiversity contributions.
Mark van der Kroft, CIO of fundamental and quantitative equity at Robeco, said: “RobecoSAM Biodiversity Equities is the culmination of one and a half years of work to create a product that specifically promotes biodiversity in an impact investing style, rather than just investing in environmental or climate-related stocks generally.”
Thomas added: “The potential market for new biodiversity-friendly investments by 2030 is more than $10 trillion, according to the World Economic Forum. Protecting biodiversity is therefore not just a means of saving nature, it is also one of the largest investment opportunities of our time.”
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