Robeco launches Biodiversity strategy

Biodiversity loss is a global environmental urgency. Population and economic growth continue to severely impact ecosystems and biodiversity, accelerating mass extinction and jeopardizing nature’s ability to support the economy and society. Solutions are therefore critical to curb biodiversity and habitat loss for a sustainable future.

The RobecoSAM Biodiversity Equities strategy invests in companies that support the sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystem services, as well as technologies, products and services that help to reduce biodiversity threats or restore natural habitats. It specifically targets for alpha generation opportunities in the structural growth trend created by governments, corporates and consumers that is increasing focus on supporting biodiversity and the transition to a nature-positive world.

It forms part of the RobecoSAM-branded range of impact investing strategies which aims to generate attractive long-term, risk-adjusted returns while simultaneously making a difference on the ground. David Thomas, Senior Portfolio Manager and Aaron Re’em, Co-Portfolio Manager manage the strategy within Robeco’s thematic investment team of 16 professionals in Zurich that has more than 20 years of expertise in running a suite of strategies with over EUR 12 billion in assets under management.

The strategy’s investable universe is arranged in four clusters covering sustainable land use, freshwater networks, marine systems, and traceable products. Engagement forms a vital part of this strategy; Robeco’s Active Ownership team will engage with up to 25% of portfolio holdings to further improve their contributions to biodiversity. For the fund design and active ownership, Robeco has sought advice from World Wide Fund for Nature Netherlands (WWF-NL) on biodiversity issues. WWF-NL and Robeco have a partnership aimed at integrating biodiversity protection and restoration into asset management.