LGT Wealth Management and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust – in conversation with Siobhan Archer.
Wetlands play a vital role in our ecosystems and economies: not only are they our planet’s most effective carbon sinks, but they support biodiversity, provide natural flood defences and improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of people across the world. In recognition of the importance of wetland conservation, LGT is proud to partner with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT). In this week’s article, The Brief sits down with Siobhan Archer, our Global Stewardship Lead, who shares insights from the collaboration and explores how it aligns with LGT’s broader sustainability goals and strategies.
Our collaboration with WWT began in 2022 when one of our Bristol-based colleagues introduced us to the charity following the work we had been doing in the Blue Carbon space. As an active player sourcing carbon credits, LGT actively seeks strong partnerships with those pioneering new marketplaces for high-quality carbon removals—critical to achieving our ambitious 2030 climate targets. It quickly became evident that there was a strong alignment between our organisations, given LGT’s growing expertise in carbon markets and WWT’s groundbreaking work in saltmarsh carbon sequestration.
Earlier in 2022, LGT had announced its role as an anchor buyer for the newly created NextGen Carbon Dioxide Removals Facility—a first-of-its-kind initiative uniting multinational buyers across Asia, Europe and North America to scale the market for high-quality, certified carbon removals (CDRs)1. Since then, LGT has built its own framework for the verification and due diligence of high-quality carbon credits, based on the Oxford Principles. This structured approach is essential to securing the volume and quality of credits needed to support our pathway to net zero.
As our discussions with WWT progressed, and after visiting several of their centres, we were deeply impressed by their contributions to the scientific community in blue carbon and nature restoration. Recognising the potential of their work to shape the future of natural climate solutions, we solidified our commitment to supporting WWT’s efforts—further reinforcing our role in catalysing innovative, high-impact carbon marketplaces.
Wetlands are unique ecosystems where land meets water, encompassing lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, wet grasslands, estuaries, saltmarshes and even human-made sites such as ponds and reservoirs. These habitats hold much of our planet’s natural capital—vital assets such as soil, air, water and biodiversity that underpin our economy – and provide essential ecosystem services that address pressing environmental and societal challenges. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and function as natural sponges, reducing flood risks, improving water quality and supporting biodiversity. Additionally, wetlands contribute to human well-being by offering spaces for recreation and mental health benefits. Their conservation is crucial in mitigating the climate and biodiversity crises while improving livelihoods worldwide.
Despite their essential role in climate resilience and ecological balance, wetlands have historically been overlooked in environmental policy and funding. In fact, they are the earth’s most threatened ecosystems, disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests (since 1970 we have lost nearly 35% of the world’s wetlands and in England alone, 90% of wetlands have vanished over the past 400 years). The primary threats include unsustainable development, agricultural expansion, pollution, invasive species and climate change. Greater recognition and investment into wetland restoration are needed to ensure these vital ecosystems are protected and restored, which is why supporting organisations like WWT is so important.
Our partnership with WWT focuses on the Blue Recovery Fund, which aims to create and restore 100,000 hectares of wetlands across the UK. The first phase of this initiative, the Roadmap Project, identifies the optimal locations for wetland restoration to deliver the greatest benefits to society. In 2023, WWT conducted extensive mapping to determine areas where large-scale wetland creation could maximize impact in four key areas: urban well-being, carbon storage, flood protection and water quality.
Additionally, WWT has collaborated with environmental economists to assess the economic benefits of wetland restoration. Their natural capital accounting research estimates that 100,000 hectares of wetland could generate approximately GBP 18 billion in societal benefits.
One particularly exciting project is in Bridgwater, Somerset, where WWT is working with the local community to restore and re-wet an area of low-lying farmland. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity but also provides natural flood defences, addressing an urgent concern for the town.
A fascinating element of WWT’s work is their Blue Prescribing project, which explores the mental and physical health benefits of exposure to wetlands and nature. Historically, doctors prescribed seaside visits for their health benefits, and we are rediscovering the scientific links between nature and well-being. This initiative could pave the way for more holistic healthcare approaches, reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation in public health.
LGT employees have participated in multiple volunteering days with WWT, including events in London and other locations. These experiences provide hands-on opportunities to support the charity’s conservation efforts while deepening our understanding of wetland ecosystems. Volunteering fosters a stronger connection between our team and the natural world, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.
One personal highlight from volunteering was witnessing the return of sand martins to man-made nesting banks at a WWT site. These small brown and white birds, which winter in Africa, have faced severe population declines due to droughts. Seeing them thrive in habitats created by WWT volunteers was a tangible reminder of the positive impact conservation efforts can have on biodiversity in such a short amount of time.
By supporting WWT’s work, LGT demonstrates its commitment to working to support sustainability, biodiversity and nature restoration, demonstrating how financial institutions can play a role in climate mitigation.
[1] NextGen https://www.nextgencdr.com/
“Our collaboration with WWT aligns with LGT’s 2030 strategy, which seeks to reach net zero for our operations and own investments, for which projects like innovative blue carbon credits will be essential.
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