Ardian and Societe Generale combine expertise to scale nature-based solutions investments

Ardian and Societe Generale announce today the launch of a nature-based solutions (NBS) equity partnership, aimed at supporting the development and scaling of projects focused on the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems.  As part of this partnership, Societe Generale will invest EUR 100 million as an anchor investor in Ardian’s “Averrhoa NBS” fund and act as financial advisor to Ardian, supporting the structuring and deployment of the fund, through its affiliate Societe Generale Investment Solutions.

Averrhoa NBS is a SFDR¹ Article 9 impact fund managed by Ardian’s Infrastructure team in partnership with aDryada Advisory. The strategy is dedicated to investing in projects to reforest and restore wetlands and mangroves, aimed at protecting biodiversity while enabling carbon sequestration through natural sinks, with a target of 85 million tons of carbon over 40 years². These projects also contribute to climate mitigation by preserving water resources, improving soil and air quality, and supporting local ecosystems and communities, in a context where global ecosystem degradation and forest loss continue to represent significant environmental challenges.

Through this partnership, Ardian and Societe Generale are joining forces, combining infrastructure investment and structuring expertise to develop high-quality nature-based projects addressing growing demand from corporates and financial institutions. Together, they aim to contribute to the development of nature-based solutions as an investable asset class, while supporting projects with long-term visibility.

Mathias Burghardt, Executive President and CEO of Ardian France, Ardian commented: “Ardian is establishing itself as a key player in nature‑based solutions by developing carbon capture projects that address climate challenges while restoring natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Beyond targeting the sequestration of up to 85 million tons of carbon, these initiatives are designed to deliver lasting benefits to local communities and meet the growing demand for solutions supporting net-zero ambitions. We are particularly pleased to welcome Societe Generale as a trusted partner, whose support reflects strong conviction in Ardian’s investment capabilities.”

Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions at Societe Generale commented: “Nature-based solutions are an emerging investment area, where robust frameworks and long-term approaches are essential. This partnership reflects a shared conviction on how this market needs to develop, with a focus on large-scale, well-structured projects supported by strong underlying demand. Building on our leadership in project and infrastructure financing, and our expertise in nature-related transactions, we are contributing capital, advisory and structuring capabilities alongside Ardian to support the scaling of this market over time and help our clients integrate nature into their adaptation and transition strategies.”

Important notice: This press release is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or interests in any fund. Investments in private equity involve risks, including the risk of partial or total loss of capital. Any investment decision should be made solely on the basis of the fund’s official offering documentation. The fund referenced herein is intended exclusively for professional investors within the meaning of Directive 2014/65/EU or equivalent investor categories under the laws of the relevant jurisdictions.

Press contacts:

Societe Generale: Benjamin Fayol _+33 1 42 13 08 11_ benjamin.fayol@socgen.com

Ardian: Headland – ardian@headlandconsultancy.com 

^1. Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 on sustainability‐related disclosures in the financial services sector. The European Union sustainable-finance rules are still evolving. Hence, it cannot be excluded that future changes in law or guidance may not support the Fund’s current categorization under SFDR.

^2. Indicative figures based on current pipeline of project. Post ramp-up phase and assuming 40 years project life.