A journey of insights - the UBS climate philanthropy trip to Indonesia

Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to Indonesia with a group of UBS clients some of whom are?part of the UBS Climate Collective. This was far more than a typical field visit—it was an in-depth exploration of the cutting-edge work we’re supporting on the ground and a vital opportunity to connect with the local challenges and solutions in real time. For me, the trip was a masterclass in collaboration, as we not only took stock of the climate solutions being implemented but also brainstormed new ways to scale these efforts. And, of course, there were plenty of moments of joy and reflection that reminded us why this work is so important (because philanthropy is and should be fun!).?

Our journey began in North Jakarta, where we met with Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) to understand the unique climate challenges facing Indonesia. We then dove into technical discussions with partners from Climateworks Centre , Forest Carbon , Earth Security /M40, and CIFOR - Center for International Forestry Research , each offering specialized insights into the country’s blue carbon and nature-based solutions. A highlight of the day was our visit to the Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove Forest, where we participated in a ceremonial planting of mangrove seedlings to celebrate our partnership —a powerful symbol of the hope in nature-based solutions and working together. Mangroves are much more than coastal guardians; they are economic lifelines for communities, contributing to climate resilience and carbon sequestration.?

One critical insight from these discussions was the role philanthropic capital can play in accelerating solutions that may otherwise struggle to gain traction. For instance, the partnership between Global Mangrove Trust and M40 showcases how strategic, catalytic funding can create synergies that drive long-term climate impact. Despite regulatory hurdles, these partnerships are moving forward, and by fostering collaboration across regions, we are laying the groundwork for scalable solutions. Vietnam and Indonesia both face policy challenges, but the strength of our partners and their ability to engage with governments is turning those obstacles into opportunities.?

Day two took us to East Indonesia, where we delved deeper into the mechanics of collective philanthropy with our partners. These discussions underscored the importance of aligning policy, investment, and community engagement to unlock real, systemic change. What struck me was how quickly ideas turned into actionable strategies—funders, partners, and local stakeholders working side by side to design more ambitious climate solutions. This is the power of the UBS Climate Collective: breaking down silos and enabling innovation through collaboration. The take-home message? When we leverage our collective resources and expertise, we can shift the needle on climate action in a meaningful, measurable way.?

The third day was dedicated to exploring sustainable land management and agroforestry at?a?Regenerative Farmstead and Estate. Walking through pristine rainforests and regenerative farms gave us a close-up look at how nature-based solutions can tackle two pressing needs—ecological restoration and economic viability. We saw firsthand how regenerative agriculture is restoring degraded land while supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods. This is a model with immense scalability potential, not just for Indonesia, but for small-scale farmers across the globe who are battling the impacts of climate change.?

On day four, we shifted gears to focus on innovation. A "PechaKucha"-style showcase hosted by our partner terratai featured local entrepreneurs presenting solutions ranging from ecosystem protection to resilience-building—many led by dynamic women. The entrepreneurial spirit in Southeast Asia is palpable, and we are not short on innovative ideas. However, one key takeaway from this session was that carbon revenue needs to be viewed as a bonus, not a dependency. And for long-term sustainability, community-based climate projects must diversify revenue streams and create resilient business models that stand on multiple income pillars. Blue carbon is an exciting opportunity, but we must support it alongside broader sustainable enterprises to ensure economic stability for local communities.?

We concluded the trip with a visit to Potato Head Beach Club, a leader in waste management solutions and the first hospitality company in Asia to go carbon neutral. This was an eye-opener in terms of how the private sector can weave sustainability into its core operations. The hotel has developed a closed-loop system, turning food waste into compost and plastic into building materials and chic design pieces, proving that businesses can drive circular economies without sacrificing efficiency or profitability. Our farm-to-table farewell lunch at the ‘Farm-acy’ was a fitting end to the journey—a reminder of how interconnected our actions are, from the farm to the marketplace.?

Reflecting on this trip, I’m reminded of the tremendous value in taking clients to see the projects they are supporting firsthand. Not only do these visits reinforce the tangible outcomes of their contributions, but they also deepen our collective understanding of the complex challenges at play. The technical learnings were invaluable, especially around how to scale nature-based solutions and foster economic resilience. Yet, equally important were the personal connections and moments of shared optimism that will fuel future collaborations.?

The UBS Climate Collective is more than just a funding platform—it is a catalyst for systems change. By combining the expertise of our clients, the commitment of our partners, and the vision of local leaders and communities, we are unlocking scalable solutions that address both the environmental and economic challenges of our time. Being on the ground, seeing the projects and engaging directly with the people driving these solutions, showed us that we are making real progress. And there is so much more to come.?

Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey. For those who couldn’t make it, we missed you, why don’t you join us next time??

Learn more about our insights trips.

Would you like to join one of our collectives in Climate, Health, Education or Child Protection? Discover our UBS Collectives.

UBS Optimus Foundation

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