Private markets investment firm Ardian has launched a new nature-based solutions fund, Averrhoa NBS. The fund aims to accelerate investment in projects that restore and preserve natural ecosystems while supporting climate goals. Societe Generale has committed €100 million as an anchor investor. This launch shows the increasing interest in nature-based solutions, carbon capture, biodiversity restoration, sustainable finance, and climate investment. Financial institutions are looking for opportunities that provide both environmental and economic benefits.

The new fund will support large-scale projects focused on ecosystem restoration and carbon removal over the long term. Ardian aims to reduce or remove up to 85 million tonnes of carbon over 40 years through investments in projects that improve natural carbon sinks. The fund's creation reflects a broader trend in sustainable finance, with investors wanting to address climate risks and support environmental resilience.

Strategic Partnership with Societe Generale

The fund is launching alongside a dedicated nature-based solutions partnership between Ardian and Societe Generale. Beyond its €100 million investment, the French bank will help with the fund's structuring and deployment through its affiliate, Societe Generale Investment Solutions.

This partnership emphasizes the growing role of financial institutions in supporting environmental projects that deliver measurable climate and biodiversity outcomes. As regulations and corporate sustainability commitments change, investors are paying closer attention to projects capable of providing verified environmental benefits while also delivering potential financial returns.

Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions at Societe Generale, stated that nature-based solutions represent a rapidly emerging investment area. She highlighted the need for strong governance frameworks and long-term planning. The partnership reflects a shared vision on how the market should develop, stressing the importance of large-scale projects backed by robust structures and growing market demand.

Focus on Reforestation and Ecosystem Restoration

Averrhoa NBS will be managed by Ardian’s Infrastructure team in collaboration with nature-based solutions project developer aDryada Advisory. The fund is classified as an Article 9 fund under the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). This category is reserved for investment products focused primarily on sustainable investment.

The strategy will target projects that aim to restore and protect natural ecosystems. Planned investments include reforestation initiatives and projects focused on restoring wetlands and mangrove ecosystems. These natural environments are crucial for capturing and storing carbon while providing habitats for wildlife and supporting biodiversity.

Reforestation projects will absorb carbon dioxide through tree growth and forest regeneration. Wetlands and mangroves are noted as some of the most effective natural carbon sinks. Besides carbon capture, these ecosystems help with flood protection, water filtration, and biodiversity preservation.

Ardian stated that the projects supported by the fund will be chosen to deliver measurable environmental outcomes and assist broader climate mitigation efforts.

Environmental and Community Benefits

In addition to carbon capture, the fund’s investment strategy aims to produce various environmental co-benefits. Ardian expects the projects to help preserve water resources, improve soil quality, and enhance air quality. These results are increasingly viewed as essential for long-term environmental resilience, especially as many regions face rising challenges from climate change and ecosystem degradation.

The company also emphasized the need to support local ecosystems and communities. Nature-based projects often involve land restoration, conservation efforts, and sustainable land management practices. These initiatives can create jobs and boost local economic development.

By incorporating environmental and social aspects into project design, the fund seeks to ensure that ecosystem restoration projects provide benefits beyond just carbon reduction. This approach aligns with the growing focus among investors and policymakers on creating positive impacts for both nature and local communities.

Growing Demand for Nature-Based Investments

The launch of Averrhoa NBS occurs as demand for nature-based solutions increases among investors, corporations, and governments working to meet climate and biodiversity goals. As organizations pursue net-zero commitments, interest has grown in projects that can deliver verified carbon removals while also restoring ecosystems.

Mathias Burghardt, Executive President and CEO of Ardian France, mentioned that the firm is positioning itself as a key player in the nature-based solutions sector. It aims to develop carbon capture projects that not only tackle climate issues but also restore ecosystems and biodiversity.

He noted that these initiatives are designed to support the capture of up to 85 million tonnes of carbon while creating lasting benefits for local communities. They respond to the increasing demand for solutions that contribute to net-zero goals.

With financial institutions exploring investments linked to climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and carbon removal, the launch of this new fund reflects the growing role of private capital in supporting environmental restoration efforts. Through its partnership with Societe Generale, Ardian plans to direct long-term investment into projects that align ecosystem recovery with measurable climate outcomes. This reinforces the significance of nature-based solutions within the broader sustainable finance landscape.