It invests in companies that benefit from the transition to a nature-positive world, the firm said in a statement.
 
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, the firm added. 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, the firm added. It targets 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 along with Robeco’s thematic investment team of 16 professionals in Zurich. The team has more than 20 years of expertise in running a suite of strategies with over €12 billion ($11.89 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, the firm said. 
 
David Thomas, senior portfolio manager, RobecoSAM Biodiversity Equities strategy, said: “The potential market for new biodiversity-friendly investments by 2030 is more than $10 trillion, according to the World Economic Forum.” 

“Protecting biodiversity is therefore not just a means of saving nature, it is also one of the largest investment opportunities of our times. Together with my colleague Aaron Re’em and the wider team of investment and SI specialists, we aim to deliver to our clients an exciting and meaningful opportunity,” he added.
 
Aaron Vermeulen, green finance director, WWF-NL, added: “We are losing nature at an unprecedented rate and we are already paying the price. The financial sector is vital in turning the tide. By integrating biodiversity into financial decision-making and redirecting capital flows, the financial industry has tremendous leverage.” 

“This can be used to build a nature-positive economy. RobecoSAM Biodiversity Equities can act as an example for financial mechanisms that look beyond climate to nature and biodiversity objectives, informed by conservation expertise,” he said.