In a world where environmental conservation and sustainable development are increasingly critical, individuals with a passion for both finance and impact are driving change. One of these persons is Nanno Kleiterp, the Chairman of Form International’s advisory board. With a career dedicated to sustainability and an impressive track record in finance, Nanno Kleiterp brings a unique perspective to Form International’s mission. In this article, we would like to introduce Nanno Kleiterp and share more about his vision and passion related to his work for Form International.
Throughout his professional life, Nanno Kleiterp has been immersed in the realm of sustainability. He firmly believes that achieving a balance between impact and financial success is essential for long-term sustainability. This conviction led him to play an important role in incorporating sustainability into the core strategy of FMO, the Dutch Development Bank, where he worked for 21 years.
Kleiterp’s dedication to sustainable practices extended beyond his financial career. He spent a decade working in Latin America, including extensive time in the Amazon region of Peru. This firsthand experience made him aware of the critical importance of forests and trees for the planet. When he left FMO, he was determined to continue contributing to these vital causes, and he now engages in various endeavours, including serving on the advisory board of Form International.
In 2018 Kleiterp became member of the Advisory Board at Form International, and since 2022 he holds the position of Chairman, a role that resonates deeply with his commitment to forest and landscape restoration. As an advisory board, their primary function is to provide guidance and counsel to Treevive and Form International. They contribute to shaping strategies, identifying potential partners, addressing governance matters, and exploring avenues for increased blended finance. Beyond the operational aspects, they also delve into the substantive aspects of the organization’s work, ensuring that the right course is charted.
One of the projects at Form International that particularly captures Kleiterp’s interest at the moment is the commercial forestry initiative in Peru. His connection to the country and region, coupled with his awareness of the challenges it faces, makes this project particularly meaningful to him. He applauds Form International’s efforts in contributing to sustainable landscape restoration in Peru, emphasizing the importance of such projects in shaping the future. The organization’s model focuses on scaling up activities, expanding areas under their influence, and attracting large-scale financing, all with the aim to prevent further deforestation and increase forest cover. It’s not about short-term gains but long-term landscape and forest restoration, a mission that he passionately supports.
Kleiterp underscores that it is very important to ensure that local communities benefit from and improve their livelihoods through the projects of Form International, and in general. He believes that addressing the social challenges is just as vital as tackling the technical and financial aspects. A heartening example he knows from the Peruvian Amazon illustrates this point brightly. In the Tambopata region, where local farmers were encroaching upon protected natural areas, the introduction of income generation through carbon credits allowed these farmers to shift their focus to sustainable cacao cultivation. This, in turn, created a buffer zone around the forest, safeguarding it from further encroachment. Sustainable cacao production not only provided economic security but also acted as a deterrent to other forms of deforestation. This project’s financing through carbon credits serves as a beautiful example of how impactful and sustainable change can be achieved.
Nanno Kleiterp’s journey from finance to sustainability is a testimony to the potential for meaningful transformation when passion, expertise, and dedication converge. His role as the Chairman of Form International’s Advisory Board showcases his commitment to the restoration of forests and landscapes, emphasizing that the path to a sustainable future lies in the balance between impact and finance. Through projects like the one in Peru and the focus on new projects with the sale of carbon credits, Kleiterp and Form International exemplify how sustainable development can benefit both the environment and local communities, ultimately creating a more harmonious and prosperous world.