BTG Pactual's $1.5 Billion Bet on Latin America's Green Future

NEW YORK & SÃO PAULO – April 16, 2026 – By Pamela Cox

BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG), one of the world's largest timberland managers, has signaled a massive vote of confidence in Latin America's natural resources, securing US$370 million in an initial close for its newest investment strategy. The move is the first step toward a larger goal: deploying US$1.5 billion over the next five years into sustainably managed forests across Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. This infusion of capital underscores a powerful trend where institutional investors are increasingly looking to the region's 'green gold' as a source of both robust financial returns and tangible environmental impact.

With US$7.5 billion in global assets, the firm is leveraging its two-decade history in Latin America to double down on an asset class that is becoming indispensable in a world grappling with climate change and supply chain volatility. The strategy aims for broad diversification across geographies, tree species, and end-markets, from construction materials to packaging and bioenergy.

A Strategic Bet on Natural Capital

The move is a calculated one, capitalizing on a convergence of favorable conditions. Latin America offers some of the world's most advantageous biological growing conditions for timber, allowing for faster crop rotations and higher yields compared to other regions. This inherent productivity is a core component of its appeal to large-scale investors.

Furthermore, timberland is increasingly valued as an inflation-resilient real asset. As a physical resource with intrinsic value, it provides a hedge against economic uncertainty, a quality that has become paramount for institutional portfolios. This is coupled with soaring global demand for wood products, driven by a growing population and a shift toward renewable materials.

“This first close reinforces our conviction in Latin America as a compelling opportunity for timberland investment, due to its unique biological and structural attributes,” said Matheus Moura, Head of Latin America Investment Management for BTG Pactual TIG, in a recent announcement. “At the same time, rising local demand and continued institutional investor interest for natural capital investments—including natural climate solutions, carbon credits, and inflation-resilient real assets—continue to support our long-term view.”

The Plateau Partnership: A Blueprint for Scale

The first major move under this new strategy has already been made, providing a concrete blueprint for the firm's ambitions. In August 2025, BTG Pactual TIG announced the formation of Plateau, a platform created in partnership with Brazilian pulp and paper giant Klabin S.A. and the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), one of Canada's largest institutional investors.

Representing an investment of approximately US$700 million, the Plateau platform encompasses nearly 100,000 hectares of mature, sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus forests in Brazil’s southern state of Paraná. The deal was hailed as one of the largest timberland transactions ever completed in Latin America, demonstrating the scale and complexity of the investments being pursued. The partnership is strategic, combining TIG's investment and sustainable management expertise with Klabin's deep industry knowledge and BCI's long-term institutional capital.

This collaboration is not the first of its kind for the partners. BCI and BTG Pactual TIG have previously joined forces on timberland investments in North America and Chile, indicating a proven and repeatable model for acquiring and managing large-scale forestry assets.

Beyond Timber: Investing in Impact

While the financial logic is clear, BTG Pactual TIG is framing its strategy as one that delivers more than just monetary returns. The new fund incorporates a 'dedicated impact framework' designed to generate positive outcomes for the climate, local communities, and biodiversity. This approach aligns with a growing demand from investors who are required to meet stringent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates.

“Our newest core Latin America strategy builds on decades of work across the region,” noted Gerrity Lansing, Head of BTG Pactual TIG. “We aim to advance our long-term, diligent approach to deliver essential renewable materials, and make a positive impact as a competitive market actor.”

The firm's commitment to sustainability is backed by a robust set of policies and affiliations. Through its parent company, BTG Pactual, it is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and an early adopter of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This commitment to transparency is further evidenced by a separate, impact-oriented Latin American Reforestation Strategy launched in 2021. In partnership with Conservation International, that $1 billion initiative aims to restore degraded lands, with its first project converting a nearly 60,000-acre cattle ranch in Brazil into a managed landscape for forest restoration and enhanced biodiversity.

Fueling Regional Economic Engines

The influx of US$1.5 billion is poised to have a significant ripple effect on the economies of Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil. These countries already host technologically advanced forest product industries and possess strong domestic and export markets. Long-term, large-scale investment in the sector helps create stable, skilled jobs, supports local infrastructure, and strengthens a key pillar of their economies.

Uruguay, in particular, stands out as a model for how forestry can drive national development. With a stable regulatory environment and strong government support, the country's forestry sector contributes significantly to its GDP and exports. High rates of sustainable certification are the norm, attracting foreign direct investment from major global players and making it a prime target for funds like the one managed by BTG Pactual TIG.

By investing in sustainably managed timberlands, the firm is not just acquiring assets but is also helping to secure a long-term supply of renewable materials for a global economy looking to decarbonize. This dual focus on financial performance and environmental stewardship places Latin America at the very center of the evolving landscape of global investment.