Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers specializing in sustainable investment, has finalized its acquisition of Mirova Natural Capita,  formerly known as Althelia Ecosphere. The firm said that this latest move confirms its intention of increasing its natural capital investment.

The backstory is that two years ago, Mirova announced that it had acquired a 51 percent ownership stake in Althelia Ecosphere, an investment manager specializing in natural capital. Both the founders of Althelia Ecosphere, Sylvain Goupille and Christian Del Valle, retained stakes in the company. Althelia Ecosphere has since become Mirova Natural Capital.

Today’s announcement that the firm has acquired the remaining stake in Mirova Natural Capital “reflects Mirova’s desire to improve its positioning on natural capital” according to the firm.

Mirova currently manages $400 million worth of investments within this sector and it said that it remains in line with its goal of reaching a billion euros worth of investments in nature-related projects by 2022.

Over the last two years, preserving natural capital and biodiversity has emerged as a major challenge on par with the fight against climate change. This growing political and economic awareness is encouraging the acceleration of natural capital investment. Althelia Ecosphere and Mirova were pioneers in this asset class, working to develop investment strategies to allow public and private investors to finance sustainable land and sea management solutions.

Philippe Zaouati, CEO of Mirova, commented: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to accelerate our natural capital investment, with the help of Sylvain Goupille and Christian Del Valle. This acquisition very much reflects our ambitions concerning natural capital.”