Press release

Carbon Offset Credits the New Investment Commodity

Updated on Thursday 6th of November 2008

Silva Tree

We might as well forget about the property markets for a while, because lets be honest there aren’t many regions in the world that have been unaffected by the current global financial turmoil. However if you want a bona fide investment opportunity in an industry which is expected to reach a global value of over $5.5 billion by 2011, then this is your chance to do something good for the environment and make money in the process!

The carbon offset market is a highly lucrative, topical and high profile industry that has become one of the best investment routes in today’s markets. A carbon offset is a financial instrument representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide. One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide. In the voluntary market, organisations, businesses, individuals and governments purchase carbon offsets to neutralize their greenhouse gas emissions caused by transportation, electricity consumption, travel and other sources.

Artists such as the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have made albums and tours carbon neutral. Events such as the G8 summit and organisations like the World Bank are involved in offset schemes to become carbon neutral. It is accreditation such as this, which has helped make carbon offset credits one of the most lucrative investments available today.

Silva Tree S.A is now marketing the Carbon Offset Forestation Project in Costa Rica. This groundbreaking new product originally created by lawyers, tax advisors and environmental experts is aimed at environmentally-minded individuals or corporations who wish to cash in on the commodity of the future. Silva tree S.A purchases plots of primary rainforest and plots for reforestation which generate varying levels of carbon offset credits. Investors then lease part of the forestry project thus giving them the rights to the credits produced by their land. It is at this point that the simplicity and ingenuity of this product become clear. Whether an individual or a large corporation, this is truly an armchair investment. There is no property, therefore there is no mortgage, upkeep or tenancy worries. As for an exit strategy, this comes in the form of each year when you receive your credits from Silva Tree S.A. Then you are entitled to sell your credits thus providing a yearly income.

Keren Katz, Marketing Director of Silva Tree S.A said, “CO2 credits have become an enormously valuable commodity which you could say have been borne out of thin air! The global market for voluntary carbon offset credits tripled in value last year and this should give potential investors an indication as to just how fast this industry is moving. Endorsed by governments, celebrities, corporations and you the individual investor, it has suddenly become big business, with the demand for carbon offset credits at an all time high. In these troubled times when regular investment avenues continue to fail in the face of unprecedented financial upsets, this has to be one of the safest and most profitable investment opportunities available.”

The primary rainforest creates approximately 360 credits per hectare per year and reforested areas create as much as 1000 credits per hectare per annum, with each credit valued at $10 - $15.

There is a first year guaranteed 8% return with subsequent years projected at a minimum of 15.75% return. Land prices are averaging an 8% increase per annum and credits are increasing by approximately 10% per annum.

Source: Silva Tree