Key Takeaways
- Inaugural TNFD-Aligned Disclosure: Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) has published its first disclosure aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), highlighting its commitment to responsible stewardship of natural resources.
- Global Natural Capital Management: Manulife IM, the world’s largest manager of natural capital, oversees approximately 5.5 million acres of timberland and 400,000 acres of farmland, with assets totaling over $15 billion.
- Sustainability and Certification: The firm emphasizes sustainable practices, with 100% of its forests certified under Sustainable Forestry Initiative® or Forest Stewardship Council®, and a significant portion of its farmland investments certified to the Leading Harvest Farmland Management Standard.
- Long-Term Investment Horizon: Manulife IM adopts a long-term view in its investment strategies, with financial models and asset management plans forecasting up to 50 years for timberland and 30 years for agriculture.
- Alignment with TNFD Recommendations: The firm supports TNFD’s aim of integrating nature-related considerations into financial decision-making and corporate reporting.
Manulife IM’s TNFD-Aligned Nature Disclosure
Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) has taken a significant step in sustainable investment practices by releasing its inaugural timberland and agriculture nature disclosure. This report aligns with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) recommendations, demonstrating Manulife IM’s dedication to responsible environmental stewardship and transparent financial reporting.
Manulife IM’s Role in Natural Capital Management
As the world’s leading manager of natural capital, Manulife IM manages a vast expanse of natural resources. The firm oversees approximately 5.5 million acres of timberland across diverse geographies, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, and Chile. Additionally, it manages around 400,000 acres of prime farmland in critical agricultural regions of the United States, Canada, Chile, and Australia, with these assets constituting a significant part of Manulife IM’s comprehensive private markets strategies.
Commitment to Sustainability and Certification
Manulife IM’s approach to investment and operations underscores its commitment to sustainability. The firm utilizes a proprietary sustainability tool kit to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into every transaction. Moreover, it has achieved significant milestones in sustainability certifications, with all its managed forests certified under major sustainability standards and most of its agriculture investments meeting the Leading Harvest Farmland Management Standard.
Long-Term Vision in Investment Management
Manulife IM’s investment philosophy is grounded in long-term sustainability and stewardship. The firm’s financial models and asset management plans are designed with foresight, extending up to 50 years for timberland and 30 years for agriculture investments. This long-term perspective is critical for the sustainable management of natural resources.
Support for TNFD Framework and Future Outlook
Aligned with the TNFD’s guidelines, Manulife IM is at the forefront of incorporating nature-related risks and opportunities into its business model. The firm’s TNFD-aligned nature disclosure is a testament to its ongoing efforts in responsible operations, transparent reporting, and commitment to supporting global initiatives like the TNFD framework. This aligns with the broader objectives of promoting sustainable practices and addressing climate change and biodiversity concerns.
Manulife Investment Management’s pioneering efforts in aligning with the TNFD and its steadfast commitment to sustainable stewardship of natural resources set a high standard for the financial industry. Its focus on long-term sustainability, transparent reporting, and alignment with global environmental initiatives underscores its role as a responsible leader in natural capital management.
Image provided by Manulife IM
