Global non-profit The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has opened offices in Singapore with plans to hire at least 20 staff members in order to roll out nature-based projects and activities across the Asia-Pacific region to address climate change and biodiversity loss.
The move is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) as part of the city state’s plans to establish itself as a carbon services hub in Asia.
“We are excited to build on The Nature Conservancy’s seven decades of experience with our expansion into Singapore, a crucial piece of the ecological puzzle in Asia-Pacific,” said TNC CEO Jennifer Morris.
“We understand the pressing challenges faced by this rapidly growing region, and we look forward to our work with partners in Singapore to further strengthen the deployment of nature-based solutions that deliver triple benefits for climate, nature, and people.”
TNC is part of the recently-launched Scene Coalition, which aims to support the development of a high-integrity nature-based carbon market in Southeast Asia.
In a statement, the group also said it will work to bridge the gap between the need for climate and conservation funding in the region and the growing interest from private sector investors.
“Partnering with NatureVest, its in-house impact investment team, TNC aims to develop impact-investable products and raise investment capital for initiatives that deliver positive conservation outcomes,” it said.
Among the issues TNC plans to address through its presence in Singapore is commodity-driven land conversion, such as clearing of forests, peatland, mangroves, and other natural areas for agriculture.
“With increasing urgency on climate action, Singapore hopes to play a role in accelerating the low-carbon transition in Southeast Asia, leveraging our strengths in innovation, financing and professional services,” said Damian Chan, executive vice president of the Singapore Economic Development Board.
“As we grow as a hub for the region in carbon management, we welcome the addition of TNC, bringing with it global conservation experience and research and project development capabilities.”
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