When it comes to nature, we all share the same goals

Author: Ellen Van, Principal, Mekong Capital

July 14th, 2024

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I have three beliefs that, on a challenging day, would help me be grateful that my work is aligned with my purpose: 1) Nature heals, 2) When we replenish nature, we create value for ourselves and future generations, and 3) We share the same goals.

Nature heals.

I believe that nature has the ability to heal the body and soul and that all living things should have access to and the right to enjoy nature. Nature also has the ability to heal itself and regenerate; we simply need to give her the chance. We are a piece of nature. Our health and well-being are interconnected with the well-being of our environment, and we cannot thrive without the whole ecosystem thriving.

When we replenish nature, we create value for ourselves and future generations.

The planet has given us plentiful natural assets that we have been extracting almost for free. If we take into account the cost of these natural assets, many of the investments we believe to be profitable might not be sustainable. Conversely, if we invest in replenishing natural assets, then we have created lasting values for ourselves and our future generations.

We share the same goals.

I once told a friend that I was working in investing and promoting regenerative agriculture, and he was perplexed, “Why? That makes no money”. At first, it may seem that he and I wanted different things. But we don’t; we both agreed that wealth is measured not only by money but also by our health and well-being, our ability to enjoy nature, and our time with our loved ones. We are working towards the same goal.

Interestingly, we were also having this discussion over a meal. We consume agricultural products daily, yet sometimes there is a disconnect between what we purchase and the farmers and farms on which they are grown. When there is a connection, there is gratitude—gratitude for the flowers and the pollinators, gratitude for the farmers and their families, and gratitude for the soil and nutrients on which they are grown.

I get asked questions about pesticides and chemicals – are they the enemy? Absolutely not, there is no doubt that these chemical innovations have helped increase the productivity of farms all over the world. However, it did come at a cost, the cost of the health of the farmers, the soil, and all of us consumers. The first people impacted by the use of chemicals are the farmers themselves. A farmer shared that when they reduced the use of chemicals on their farm, they got fewer skin rashes, so the benefit for them was immediate.

Another question I get asked is “Isn’t it challenging to get farmers to change to regenerative practices?” Farmers, most of whom have lived on their land their entire lives, know exactly what their land needs, the care, and the nurture that it requires for the land to generate an income that takes care of their family. Healthy soil, forest, and ecosystem are pathways to increasing the productivity of their land.

It seems there are many questions, coming from the assumption that we want different things. But I believe, at the core, we share the same goals. And I will continue to do my part and, together with you, achieve our shared goals.

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Mekong Capital makes investments in consumer-driven businesses and adds substantial value to those companies based on its proven framework called Vision Driven Investing. Our investee companies are typically among the fastest-growing companies in Vietnam’s consumer sectors.

In January 2022, Mekong Capital founder Chris Freund published Crab Hotpot, a story about a bunch of crabs who found themselves stuck in a boiling pot. The colorful cover of “Crab Hot Pot,” complete with expressive cartoon crustaceans, looks like a children’s tale at first glance. But as one continues reading, it becomes clear that the work has an important message about organizational transformation, leadership and focusing on a clear vision for the future.

The book is available on Tiki (Hard copy): bit.ly/38baF8a (Vietnamese) and Amazon: amzn.to/3yWunzG (English)