Developer, carbon indices publisher invests in Cambodia nature projects

Quantum Commodity Intelligence - Australia's Viridios Group said this week it had participated in the fundraise for three REDD+ projects being developed in Cambodia.

The investment was announced at COP27 and also involved carbon marketing firm Everland, which already operates three projects in Cambodia (Keo Seima, Southern Cardamom, Tumring).

Viridios did not specify how much the investment will be.

"By helping to fund REDD+ projects we are working to protect some of the most vulnerable forests in Cambodia, and support communities in stopping deforestation," it said.

The company is split in half between an advisory group (Viridios AI) that publishes pricing information and an investment business (Viridios Capital).

Last month, it raised AUD55 million to boost company growth, citing development needs on both sides of the business.

At the time, it said Viridios AI has aggregated information on more than 6,900 carbon credit projects globally.

The company's website lists a plethora of advisory activities including the creation of new financial instruments through structured notes, advisory on carbon offset portfolio formation, risk management, trade execution and the design and formation of carbon markets indices.

Despite being a project developer and seller of credits, the company also publishes carbon offset price indices in partnership with oil benchmark provider S&P Global Platts.

Sources said the company also brings carbon credits to AirCarbon Exchange (ACX).