Wednesday 19 December 2012

Consider How important Trees are for our everyday needs?




Consider How important Trees are for our everyday needs?


If you consider the situation with the depletion of our natural forests, it is not hard to foresee how it is massively important to start the process of afforestation projects.


Oil, Gas, Iron Ore etc.,etc. can (ultimately) all be replaced with alternatives no matter how unstable the world may become due to their scarcity. However, trees are not a natural resource that can be depleted to near extinction. Obviously, we need them to exist. Unless, we as a race, find an alternative to oxygen!


Logically, it can be seen that trees will, in fact, be more precious and usable in the future, especially within an ever growing population.


Why?
Well think of all the uses of trees.


Heat
Wood to many people is still the primary source of heat.
Going back to basics, wood was the first material used for heating and at present it is making a marked comeback in the form of wood pellets for their use within industrial power generation and also within the home using wood burning stoves. This is not just in the industrialised countries but also, increasingly, within developing nations. Charcoal is still, a regulary used form of fuel for heating and cooking. Wood is recognised as an environmentally safer material when contrasted against other raw materials i.e. oil or coal. With the cost of oil, coal and gas increasing, it is also economically viable.




Construction
It seems obvious that wood will remain the main source material in the construction industry. What is likely to replace it? As population and demographics explode this will put a massive strain on supply and demand. Unless, that supply is illegally sourced from existing forests causing further depletion to one of our greatest natural resources.




Furniture
I would suggest that the need for wood in this sector is likely to increase further as man-made materials are in some way linked to the expensive raw material, Oil. We know oil can't last forever. It won't be long before it is just too uneconomic to use Oil. Unlike wood, Oil takes many thousands of years to form.


Paper
This is likely to rise and then fall in demand as most text will be electronic. However, packaging and tissue usage will likely increase. This is a reality and again linked to population and economic issues. Paper is likely to be a major industry for many years to come.


Transport
Consider how many pallets are used to transport goods worldwide and within a local economy. Again, what is a likely alternative.


With worldwide government intervention trying to halt illegal logging and also with the introduction of Carbon Credits as an Asset class, I believe that the afforestation of large swathes of land is likely and necessary. Don't forget timber is the worlds third biggest commodity traded.


Thought? If carbon emissions are a major factor in #climate change and #trees are a major sequester of carbon why don't we plant more trees?




Forestry Plantations are potentially a solid long term investment. You can find information of Sustainable Forestry Investments at www.silvinvest.co.uk

Monday 17 December 2012

A Brief History of Agarwood and the Aquilaria Tree

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REF: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilaria

History





Formation








Conservation of agarwood-producing species




Currently the demand for Agarwood and its products including Oudh oil, far exceeds the available supply. Oudh oil is used in some of the most expensive perfumes in the world, Lacoste, Tom Ford, Versace and Yves St. Laurent. The wood itself also has many other uses such as medical, religious and is carved into many different items. Today Agarwood is recognised as the most precious wood in the world, an extremely high value with being sold for as much as $5,000 USD.1kg and the essential oil can be worth anything up to $80,000 per kilo depending on quality.

The Opportunity is a forward purchase contract where you purchase saplings at a set price, the more you purchase the cheaper the saplings are. You are then given a forward purchase price at which the product provider will buy the trees back from you at maturity in 6yrs time. This means the returns of 72%+ for the 6yr term are guaranteed, backed by a company with a great reputation of plantation management and of producing quality grade Oudh oil.

Underlying Asset is the Agarwood trees, they are held by the customer, the returns are guaranteed by the current sale of the Oudh oil at today's price.

Security

A Guaranteed Return
Ownership and harvesting rights
Replacement of dead or damaged trees






Monday 10 December 2012

Alternative Investments - GOLD

Video of Gold Inside the Bank of England - BILLIONS

alternative investmentscapital gains taxgoldInvestInvestinglong term investmentspension transfersPersonal Pensionssippsstatustax efficient  

When income is not a requirement but long term stability and growth is the aim, Gold is an attractive and simple investment tool that has a strong reputation for building a consistent foundation on which to build a portfolio of investments.
 
Gold is the basis of our entire financial structure and provides a safe haven, whether Governments or retail investors. When the stock market is particularly turbulent and economies are faltering, Gold is the investment of choice.
 
As a limited commodity, Gold is continuously in high demand, creating a value to the commodity which is forecast for growth both in the short and long term.
 
Stability Of Investment
 
As the global reserve currency, Gold is always going to have an inherent value which means that any direct investment in the physical product will create a tangible commodity that maintains its structural worth and creates a viable safe-haven for those that continue to choose to invest in it.
 
As we move into times of economic uncertainty, investment in such a stable commodity acts as a buffer against the ravages of inflation and global market events to create a more certain opportunity for growth than a high proportion of other more liquid forms of venture.
 
Tax Relief
 
When investing in certain gold coins, there is no demand to pay either VAT on the purchase or Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any growth within the portfolio.
 
This offers significant savings for tax payers, especially those that are liable for a higher rate in the UK, and makes the investment in Gold even more attractive.
 
Though coins are ineligible for pension investment which means pension holders cannot take advantage of VAT and CGT benefits, the up to 40% tax relief that is available within a pension acquisition does ensure a discounted rate for the gold purchased or enable a greater quantity of gold to be bought for the same price.
 
Direct Ownership
 
Whether coins or gold bars are chosen, when capital is placed into physical gold the investor himself becomes the legal owner of the asset.
The gold can then be stored on the owner's behalf or alternatively cash investors are able to take physical ownership of their asset whenever they so wish.
 
This creates a certainty of wealth in the investment that is simply not possible with so many other alternative ventures.
 
Infinite Term
 
The term of any investment in gold is also purely down to the financial decisions made by the investor himself.
 
The asset can be sold at any point in time either privately or back to the gold broker in question. This means that any cash investor can place their wealth into gold when interest rates are low and then liquidate their asset when they so wish or at a point in time when they feel their investment has reached an expected level of growth.
 
Flexible Investment
 
An investment of this type requires no minimum level of capital and can be extended to a substantial level. Furthermore, cash investments can be made directly into gold, or gold bars can be bought within both a SIPP and SASS pension to create wealth for retirement and stable growth for the future.


Thursday 6 December 2012

China timber trade 'fuels climate change' - Features - Al Jazeera English

China timber trade 'fuels climate change' - Features - Al Jazeera English


Shanghai, China - China's skyrocketing demand for timber to fuel its economic boom is driving illegal logging and contributing to the destruction of forests in Asia and Africa, needed now more than ever to halt climate change, a new enivironmental report says.
China is now the biggest international consumer of illegal timber, according to the report from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), which adds that the trade is causing the destruction of vast tracts of forest in developing countries.
Globally, the trade in illegal timber is worth between $30 billion and $100 billion a year, according to an Interpol and United Nations Environment Programme report.
"Illegal logging now accounts for between 15 and 30 per cent of the global legal trade and significantly hampers the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) initiative."
- Interpol-UNEP report
Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, as the trees that soak up carbon dioxide disappear.

Sunday 2 December 2012

http://paper.li/ianharlock1/1340092169


WELCOME - Silvinvest has put together an Environmentally biased news-feed and mixed it in with Politics, Business and Education. Sustainable Investments Lasting Value.

Trying to save like minded people time by sourcing interesting material in one place.

S ustainable I nvestments
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Wednesday 28 November 2012

Oud Oil produced from #Agarwood

http://silvinvest.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/magical-oud-oil-and-modern-production.html




As Thailand’s largest supplier of high grade quality Oud Oils, Treedom is poised for further expansion in 2013, launching what is widely expected to be an extremely successful year with its first Oud Oils for the consumer under the brand Dar al Oud.

Launching at Kuwait’s Autumn Consumer Festival in November, and initially available for retail purchase online through www.daraloud.com, additional outlet channels are currently under discussion. Dar al Oud is a prestigious brand of 100% pure Oud oil, dedicated to only the finest quality and purity. Satisfying the demand for unique, high quality premium products, Dar al Oud will, in the future, also offer a wide range of oud related products such as incense, body butter and shower gels. 


Three premium fragrances are to be offered by Dar al Oud:


فخامةالعود : Glory of Oud


Our finest Oud oil, born from the premium Cambodian Agarwood, selected from our oldest Agarwood trees, filled with dark concentrated resin. This oil is produced with such high viscosity that it is known as royalty within the Oud oil industry. 
The caramel coloured oil has a rich, warm, woody scent. Once known to be used by King Louis XIV of France to wash his clothes, Glory of Oud is a pure luxury from our premium edition range. 


سماحالعود: Grace of Oud


The graceful aroma and therapeutic scent begins with a deep smoky, bitter-sweet tobacco and woody note, followed by a sweet floral scent. This oil is extracted from Agarwood grown near the Thai-Cambodian border. 
This charming scent stays with you throughout the day, and is recognised as a pleasing aroma by collectors around the world. 


أناقةالعود:Elegance of Oud

This limited edition represents the pure beauty of Oud oil. The amber brown liquid has a well-blended texture, which is very smooth when stirred.  The unique refreshing yet spicy scent will have you intrigued. 
As energizing as it is, the elegant saffron fragrance of this Oud oil is known to reflect the liveliness and confidence of the person who wears it. 


Gold Will Soon Break to the Upside: Pro

Gold Will Soon Break to the Upside: Pro


Tuesday 27 November 2012

Forestry Investing for the High and Mighty!!



http://www.efinancialnews.com/story/2012-11-26/church-seeks-alternative-commissioner

The Church of England is no stranger to such alternative investment strategies, having begun making investments in them in the last few years. Last year, it bought 13,700 acres of Scottish forestry plantations.


SILVINVEST Ltd

Marketing and Distribution Hub for Alternative Investments.
S ustainable I nvestments L asting V alue; we promote Forestry Investments, Green Oil and Farmland. Products for the Modern Day Investor.
info@silvinvest.co.uk



Paulownia Investments - The Princess Tree




We offer for sale a forestry business with Quick growing trees to be harvested for timber. You are buying;

A fully functional Bulgarian Ltd company. 
100 % of the shares of the company are transferred into your name and you are signed as director of the company. You will become the sole owner of the business!

The company owns 100 % - 1 000 sq. m. FREEHOLD plot of land.

In the land are planted 110 quick growing PAULOWNIA trees.

The company has a signed contract with a managing company that will take care of your trees for the first three years – it includes planting, regular watering, pruning and security of your trees. If any trees perished, for whatever reason, within the first three years of planting, will be replaced for free.

You will receive an optional future buyback timber contract to secure your investment returns!!
The All inc. price of the package is only  £5,900. You receive a 5% discount if you pay in full.  

WHY PAULOWNIA, THE PRINCESS TREE

Strength - Known in the industry as the "Aluminium of Timbers", Paulownia is 30% lighter than any comparable hardwood, it is durable, strong, twist / warp-resistant and virtually rot free, very low thermal conductivity.

Growth Speed - The Princess Tree is known as the fastest growing hardwood in the world /reaches 25 – 30 m height and 70 – 80 cm. thick/ and in comparison to other timbers can be harvested in a quarter of the time /7 – 10 years/. Studies on various existing plantations have shown that the Paulownia produces an average of at least one cubic meter of processed timber per 10 year old tree.

Care and Treatment – The first three years the tree needs a lot of water and regular pruning. There are no special treatments after that. Because the tree regenerates from its roots, and does not deplete soil quality, it will re-grow to be harvested again, and so on every 7 - 10 years.

Investment Value - As an asset class, timber has consistently out-performed most stocks and commodities for the last 100 years, including oil, gas and gold. Its price on the European market is 300 EURO – 500 EURO m3.

Supply & Demand - Paulownia is native to China and the Far East and has been used in Japan for centuries as a furniture wood; chests of drawers called “Tansu” are made from this wood and nearly every Japanese home has one. Paulownia timber is currently being developed into an efficient and valuable biomass fuel.

Carbon Sequestration - Paulownia absorbs more CO2 than any other plantation tree. 

Environmental Regeneration Quality - Paulownia’s deep running roots increase the organic content of degraded soils by processing and filtering contaminants through the uptake of its vascular system, also protecting the land from soil erosion and maintains watersheds.

Physical properties of Paulownia:

Paulownia is light weight 17 to 21lbs per cubic foot as compared to Appalachian Red Oak at 39 to 41 lbs per cubic foot.


Paulownia air dries in 30 to 60 days without cupping, warping, cracking or splitting. Kiln drying takes 36 to 60 hours depending on Dry kiln configuration, horsepower and dimension of lumber.


Paulownia is resistant to decay and rotting provided it is not in permanent contact with the ground.


Paulownia species vary in porosity according to Variety but range from 75 to 88% in comparison with poplar 70 to 72%.


Fire resistance is a feature of all Paulownia, Ignition temp 420 to 430 deg Celsius as compared to Average hardwood at 220 to 225 deg Celsius.


Density of Paulownia species @10% moisture content ranges from 17.8 to 23.2 depending on Variety and growing conditions.


Thermal conductivity of Paulownia is very low thus giving it excellent heat/cool insulation properties.


Chemical composition of Paulownia Varieties: Hemicellulose Pentozan 22 to 25%. Cellulose 46 to 49%. Lignin 21 to 23% Water 7 to 8% Ash .50 to 1.1% Fiber 58.5 to 60.1%

INVESTMENT SECURITY & BENEFITS

• Land and Tree Ownership

The Investor will fully own the land and all trees planted on it. Plot remains under the Investor’s control at all times! All contracts ensure that the Investor has sole legal rights to the property and that no-one can sell, let or use the land for any purpose without your permission. You are free to sell or lease the plot or use it for the purpose of this project unless you sign a Buy back timber contract

• Timber Sale Price Contracted

The contractor has a forward purchase contract with four big European timber trading companies, who have agreed to buy the timber. The decision to sell the timber produced from your plot to them is completely yours. From forecasts one plot of 110 trees will produce 110 m3 of processed timber over 10 years.  At the moment the price of Paulownia timber is £225 – £425  a cubic meter depending on the quality. 

Developer Experience

The project developer has 11 years experience in the forestry sector and 4 years experience in growing Paulownia. The team is made up of highly motivated stuff trained in Europe and China – the native land of Paulownia.