MEKONG EARTH REGENERATION FUND (MERF) LCFP

Promoter – Financial Intermediary

ACCEPTABLE CORPORATE(S)

Location

• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Lao People's Democratic Rep.

Description

The operation concerns an investment in the Mekong Earth Regeneration Fund (MERF), a fund investing in sustainable forestry and regenerative agriculture projects in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Objectives

MERF seeks to transform agri-commodity value chains to regenerate forest and soil, enhance climate resilience and promote social inclusion. The Fund will focus on projects aimed at preserving or regenerating forests and soil that also generate financial returns, enhance the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities, and contribute to reducing or sequestering carbon.

Sector(s)

• Agriculture, fisheries, forestry - Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Proposed EIB finance (Approximate amount)

USD 10 million (EUR 9 million)

Total cost (Approximate amount)

USD 200 million (EUR 176 million)

Environmental aspects

The Fund will be required to have an environmental and social policy and the appropriate management systems in place so as to comply with the EIB's social requirements. The assessment of the environmental, climate and social impacts and risks will be part of the standard due diligence process that the fund will have to carry out for each portfolio company and any underlying investment and, thereby ensuring that the portfolio and these investments are in compliance with national law and in line with the principles and standards of relevant EU environmental legislation as well as the EIB's Environmental and Social Standards.

Procurement

The EIB will require the promoter to ensure that implementation of the project will be done in accordance with the EIB's Guide to Procurement.

Status

Under appraisal - 19/02/2025