Key Takeaways
- Ardian has launched Averrhoa NBS, an SFDR Article 9 impact fund focused on reforestation, wetland restoration, and mangrove recovery, managed in partnership with aDryada Advisory.
- Societe Generale has committed EUR 100 million as anchor investor and will also serve as financial advisor to Ardian through its affiliate Societe Generale Investment Solutions.
- The fund targets the sequestration of 85 million tons of carbon over a 40-year horizon, alongside co-benefits including water preservation, soil and air quality improvement, and support for local communities.
- As an Article 9 vehicle — the highest classification under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation — the fund is required to pursue sustainable investment as its primary objective.
- The partnership combines Ardian's infrastructure investment expertise with Societe Generale's structuring and advisory capabilities to address a market that both organizations describe as still developing.
New Ardian Impact Fund: Targeting Large-Scale Carbon Sequestration
Ardian and Societe Generale have announced a nature-based solutions equity partnership centered on Averrhoa NBS, a new impact fund managed by Ardian's Infrastructure team alongside aDryada Advisory. Societe Generale has committed EUR 100 million as the fund's anchor investor and will provide financial advisory and structuring support through its affiliate, Societe Generale Investment Solutions.
Averrhoa NBS holds an SFDR Article 9 classification, the highest designation under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, which requires the fund to treat sustainable investment as its core objective rather than a secondary consideration.
Reforestation, Wetlands, and a 40-Year Carbon Target
The fund's strategy centers on reforestation and the restoration of wetlands and mangroves, using natural ecosystems to capture and store carbon over the long term. Ardian is targeting the sequestration of 85 million tons of carbon across a 40-year investment horizon. Beyond carbon, the fund is designed to deliver broader environmental outcomes, including improvements to water resource management, soil health, air quality, and local biodiversity.
The approach reflects growing demand from corporations and financial institutions for credible, large-scale nature-based pathways as part of net-zero commitments. Investors in this space — which spans agriculture, forestry, and natural capital — are increasingly looking for long-duration vehicles backed by structured frameworks and measurable environmental outcomes.
What the Ardian & Societe General Said
“Ardian is establishing itself as a key player in nature-based solutions by developing carbon capture projects that address climate challenges while restoring natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Beyond targeting the sequestration of up to 85 million tons of carbon, these initiatives are designed to deliver lasting benefits to local communities and meet the growing demand for solutions supporting net-zero ambitions. We are particularly pleased to welcome Societe Generale as a trusted partner, whose support reflects strong conviction in Ardian's investment capabilities.” — Mathias Burghardt, Executive President and CEO of Ardian France
“Nature-based solutions are an emerging investment area, where robust frameworks and long-term approaches are essential. This partnership reflects a shared conviction on how this market needs to develop, with a focus on large-scale, well-structured projects supported by strong underlying demand. Building on our leadership in project and infrastructure financing, and our expertise in nature-related transactions, we are contributing capital, advisory and structuring capabilities alongside Ardian to support the scaling of this market over time.” — Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions, Societe Generale
