DFCD consortium Asia visit

Last month, representatives from the DFCD consortium and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs embarked on a multi-country trip to Nepal, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The visit aimed to assess progress made by the DFCD, explore new pipeline opportunities, and engage with EU delegations following the launch of DFCD Aya in September last year. A general video introducing the DFCD and its successes so far is available here.

Below, each partner shares reflections from key moments of the trip.

Part 1: FMO reflections on Nepal

The Nepal leg of the journey brought together colleagues from SNV, FMO, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions with SNV Nepal and Bangladesh teams focused on DFCD Aya, its impact measurement framework, and pipeline projects. The group met with several organisations and individuals, including Muktinath Bikas Bank, Muktinath Krishi, NMB Bank, entrepreneurs, and the EU delegation.

Irene Barnhoorn, Impact Officer at FMO, shared highlights from several key meetings: “A delegation of Muktinath Bikas Bank (Land-use Facility investment) presented their activities in the Nepalese highly regulated financial sector. They are shifting from microfinance loans to loans to cooperatives (which is interesting for DFCD because cooperatives are easier accessible for TA, and a multiplier effect of cooperatives is also that members know each other, come together and exchange knowledge).

She continued, “we were invited to the offices of NMB bank (Land-use Facility investment and supported by SNV through the Origination Facility), where we discussed how NMB’s activities fit into the government’s goals to increase renewable energy, retain forest and ambitions to be net zero by 2045. We discussed possibilities to combine renewable energy and agriculture in projects and were surprised by a heart-warming presentation of the founder of Nepali Mann Udhyog who presented to us her journey of setting up her own home-made pickle company (we all received spiced pickles to take home).”

Outside NMB bank in Nepal.

Part 2: SNV reflections on Indonesia

The Indonesia visit was marked by the signing of an origination project for Forest Carbon’s Forest and Biodiversity Bond, a significant step toward enhancing forest conservation and biodiversity. Albert Bokkestijn, SNV-DFCD Project Manager, said, “Meetings were held with several businesses, including Frisian Flag Indonesia (FrieslandCampina Group), FSC Indonesia, Big Tree Farms, and Kayu Lapis, underscoring that there is good (potential) pipeline for the DFCD in the country. A meeting with the Netherlands Embassy highlighted potential DFCD participation in the upcoming trade mission of the Dutch Minister to Indonesia in June. Additionally, discussions with the EU Delegation focused on maintaining regular engagement to share updates on DFCD progress.”

 Jeffrey Chatelier, CEO of Forest Carbon (left) with Albert Bokkestijn, SNV-DFCD Project Manager (right), at the Forest Carbon-DFCD signing ceremony.

Part 3: WWF reflections on Vietnam

Jaap de Jong, WWF-DFCD Project Manager, shared, “It was a huge privilege to visit Vietnam and see firsthand the incredible people and landscapes we are supporting there. Vietnam is a breathtakingly beautiful country, home to some of the world's most threatened species. Increasingly however, the effects of climate change are harming the crucial ecosystems which communities and wildlife rely on. In this context, it was inspiring to meet our WWF Vietnam colleagues and the companies they are working with to scale business activity that benefits nature, people and climate.”

He continued, “One such company is Vinasamex, an organic spice producer in the North-West. With an innovative business model that is tackling deforestation, they are set to work with DFCD on enhancing farming practices, biodiversity impact, community engagement and overall climate resilience as they look to build a new factory. Our journey also had us on the water in the stunning Bai Tu Long bay, where we met with STP. They showed us how sustainable seaweed production can be scaled while collaborating with dozens of farmer cooperatives. The visits made me very excited for the ongoing success of our work in Vietnam, where opportunities to drive change and impact are plentiful.”

Sustainable seaweed production with STP in Vietnam.

Insights from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 “This time, the ministry joined the DFCD consortium in their mission to gain deeper insight into the implementation of DFCD,” said Sophie van den Ende, Senior Policy Officer on Climate Finance at the Ministry. “It was highly valuable to see the consortium in action: each member brings a different perspective, creating a collaboration where one plus one truly equals three. DFCD promotes green entrepreneurship, and to support innovative businesses in scaling up their impact, we must ensure that technical assistance is followed by future investments. The mission reaffirmed this importance while demonstrating the dedication and perseverance of the consortium in identifying viable deals within complex environments.”

ESG deep dive

DFCD organized two ESG Masterclasses in Indonesia and Vietnam. Amos de Jong, Senior Advisor on ESG, said “During interactive and gamified sessions, the merits of adequate ESG risk management were discussed, priorities in risk screening and assessment were jointly identified, and risk-commensurate and adaptive management responses were drafted mimicking actual cases of the Origination Facility and the de-risking milestone plans.” He continued, “the ESG reference framework, including the IFC Performance Standards, were outlined and put to practice through real-life case-studies covering corporate/project and FIs. Participants showed great engagement which fueled a dynamic and vivid atmosphere, with great laughs around an all-encompassing ESG quiz at the end. Overall, participants stated that the ESG deep-dives were as much entertaining as relevant, rendering different learning outcomes useful for the ESG de-risking pathways of the Origination Facility and the alignment between the OF-partners and the Investors including FMO and CFM. Given this success, DFCD FMO is looking to provide the ESG Masterclass to the partners in Africa and Latin America as well.”

Partners from FMO and WWF met with Vinasamex in Vietnam. 

Looking ahead

The DFCD consortium’s visit reinforced the fund’s vital role in supporting businesses that drive climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable economic growth. The mission underscored the commitment of all partners in identifying and de-risking high-potential investments while fostering collaboration with governments, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs.

With fresh insights and strengthened partnerships, DFCD is well-positioned to continue catalysing impactful investments in the region and beyond. Stay tuned for further updates as we build on the momentum of this trip!