Responsible Investing

Our mission is to create a teak centre of excellence in the Caribbean region of Colombia by producing and processing world-class FSC certified teak which will provide an above average ROI for our investors while combatting climate change, having a positive impact on our environment, and benefiting the communities in which we work.

Environmental Impact

Forestry plantations offer important benefits to the environment and to local populations living in rural areas. Carbon sequestration is one of the most relevant environmental impacts of forests. It is forecast that in the next 50 years, forests can offset circa 15% of global carbon emissions.

We take our social and environmental responsibilities very seriously. From our land choices to our investment in the local community we demonstrate at all times our commitment to making the world we live in a more sustainable one for all species.

• Methane reduction: We are deliberate in how we select our farms – only acquiring land that is grassland or farmland. With this approach, we ensure that our climate impact is maximised and that we are not substituting one type of tree for another, but instead reducing methane production and replacing it with carbon sequestration capability. Our due diligence exercises also endeavour to ensure that we protect existing habitats on our farms.

• Deforestation offsetting: Teak plantations support sustainable forestry practices. Investing in teak means contributing to carbon sequestration and reducing the environmental impact of deforestation. One of the main factors that affects carbon sequestration is a tree’s maturity. Matured trees have more wood and bigger size, leading to more efficient photosynthesis, and greater carbon sequestration. Teak is a fast-growing, fast maturing tree.

• Carbon Sequestration: Project 2 seeks to acquire 6,000 ha of grassland and plant 4,200 ha which will have significant carbon sequestration potential.

• Co-operative Sustainability: Scellec Teca is a member of Genforest, a co-operative of teak plantation growers/owners who share teak genetics by swapping teak clones when possible. This increases variety, diversity and hardiness, and decreases risk. The co-operative shares learnings on how teak behaves in different conditions – resulting in constant improvement of the clonal material. Scellec Teca is satisfied in time it can make use of its membership more and share clones as currently rules for the import of teak seedlings into Colombia is prohibited.