Key Takeaways
- BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group receives approval for up to US$56 million from BNDES.
- The strategy aims to mobilize US$1 billion to restore and reforest roughly 270,000 hectares of degraded land.
- Expected outcomes include carbon credit generation, ecosystem restoration, and job creation.
- Conservation International serves as impact adviser for climate, community, and biodiversity benefits.
- Restoration is already underway across more than 12,000 hectares.
BNDES Invests in BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group’s Reforestation Strategy
The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved an investment of up to US$56 million (R$300 million) to support reforestation and ecological restoration across degraded landscapes in Brazil. The funding will accelerate the reforestation strategy managed by BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group, which aims to mobilize US$1 billion to restore approximately 270,000 hectares using nature-based solutions and sustainable land management approaches.
The initiative prioritizes restoring native forests and savannas, generating carbon credits, creating jobs in rural areas, and strengthening biodiversity. Conservation International is serving as impact adviser to help ensure the strategy delivers measurable benefits for climate, people, and nature.
BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group Partnership Recognized as a Public–Private Model
“BNDES has been working on several fronts to support environmental and climate projects, contributing to the ecological transition, decarbonization, and environmental conservation. This investment reflects the Bank's role as an agent for a just transition,” said BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante. He emphasized the need for joint efforts to restore key Brazilian biomes such as the Cerrado.
“Partnerships like this demonstrate how public resources can catalyze sustainable projects with private sector participation,” Mercadante added.
The announcement aligns with new commitments unveiled at COP30 in Belém, where Brazil highlighted initiatives to increase forest preservation and sustainable land-use planning.
BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group Expands Restoration Footprint
“BNDES's support is an important milestone for our reforestation strategy and a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can catalyze institutional investment at large scales,” said Roberto Sallouti, CEO of BTG Pactual. “This investment signals strong alignment with a vision of Brazil’s emerging bioeconomy, and of the potential for private investment to deliver benefits for people and nature alongside economic returns.”
The strategy led by BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group includes restoring about 135,000 hectares of native ecosystems and establishing an additional 135,000 hectares of sustainably managed commercial forests. To date, restoration has already begun across more than 12,000 hectares, with ecological surveys identifying more than 500 plant and animal species across project areas.
The initiative is expected to create over 40,000 hectares of connected habitat—equivalent to nearly one-third of Rio de Janeiro’s land area.
Conservation International Highlights Biodiversity and Climate Gains
“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when finance and conservation work together to address global challenges,” said Daniela Raik, Interim CEO at Conservation International. “By mobilizing investments for the restoration of Brazilian forests, this initiative gathers measurable benefits for the climate and biodiversity, supports local communities, and is a scalable example of how nature-based solutions can support people and planet in Brazil and beyond.”
