$1.24B Fund to Restore 660K Acres Across Latin America

A record-breaking investment is about to transform nearly 660,000 acres of damaged land across Latin America into flourishing forests, wildlife corridors, and sustainable tree plantations.

BTG Pactual's Timberland Investment Group closed a $1.24 billion fund in April 2026, making it the largest reforestation and restoration fund ever assembled. The money comes from a coalition of global investors including the International Finance Corporation, development banks from Germany, the Netherlands, and Brazil, plus conservation-focused private investors.

The ambitious plan splits its focus right down the middle. Half of the 660,000 acres will be dedicated entirely to protecting and restoring native forests and natural habitats where wildlife can thrive. The other half will establish Forest Stewardship Council-certified commercial plantations, demonstrating that environmental restoration and profitable forestry can work hand in hand.

The work has already begun. More than 53,000 acres are now under active conservation, and restoration has started on over 50,000 acres. Ecological surveys have identified more than 1,000 plant and animal species already living in these recovering landscapes.

The project is creating ecological corridors spanning over 100,000 acres, roughly one-third the size of Rio de Janeiro. These connected habitats give wildlife room to roam and help ecosystems stay resilient as the climate changes.

Local communities are central to the effort. BTG partnered with the Mato Grosso do Sul Native Seed Network to train 26 new seed collectors who have already gathered 5.6 tons of native seeds. These collectors earn sustainable income while helping forests regrow with plants that naturally belong there.

The fund has also extended protection to over 400 miles of streams, creating buffer zones up to 1,300 feet wide—nearly seven times what local law requires. These expanded riparian zones improve water quality, prevent erosion, and create vital pathways for animals moving between forest patches.

The Ripple Effect

This project shows institutional investors worldwide that nature-based solutions deserve serious capital. When a fund this large commits to both conservation and responsible commerce, it signals that protecting the planet can align with financial returns.

The restoration work will generate high-quality carbon removal credits that meet rigorous standards, building trust in voluntary carbon markets. Conservation International is tracking climate, biodiversity, and community impacts to ensure the fund delivers on all its promises.

Meanwhile, researchers at Brazil's Federal University of Viçosa are using the project sites to test different restoration techniques. Their findings will be shared openly, helping future reforestation efforts worldwide learn what works best.

As these forests regrow, they'll absorb carbon, shelter endangered species, purify water, and provide sustainable livelihoods for generations—proof that investing in nature is investing in our collective future.