Over 35 government and philanthropic funders organised by the Forest Tenure Funders Group (FTFG) have announced a new, five-year, $1.8 billion pledge to support Indigenous Peoples, local communities and, for the first time, Afro-descendant communities in securing land rights across an expanded range of ecosystems, including forests, mangroves and savannahs.
The first-ever Forest and Land Tenure Pledge was announced in 2021; this new pledge provides an additional $1.8 billion on top of those funds already delivered.
Securing Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ land rights is one of the most effective investments the world can make in climate action, according to a significant body of scientific evidence. Indigenous Peoples and local communities safeguard around 40% of the world’s remaining intact ecosystems, yet less than half of their lands are legally recognised.
Forests managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities have consistently lower deforestation rates than other areas. With tropical forest loss reaching record levels in 2024, land tenure is a key lever to preserving lands around the globe while also securing the lives and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and local communities who use and steward forests sustainably. A new body of research shows that Afro-descendant territories offer significant biodiversity and climate benefits as well.
Levi Sucre Romero, from the Mesoamerican Alliance of People of Forest (AMPB), said: “By making this commitment, major governments and funders recognise the crucial role we play in the fight against climate change and acknowledge the efforts our communities have made to create our own funds that reach our people without unnecessary bureaucracy. We welcome this with cautious optimism, knowing that promises alone cannot stop the deforestation, fires, and unprecedented violence we face today in our territories.
“The funds must reach Indigenous Peoples and local communities directly, without getting stuck in bureaucracy. Land titling processes must treat us as partners and value our deep knowledge of the territories. These promises give us hope, but only the actions taken from today onward will give us a real chance to preserve the forests that protect not only us, but the entire planet, from catastrophic climate change.”
The new pledge builds on the success of the original $1.7 billion COP26 commitment, which has channeled $1.86 billion to support Indigenous Peoples and local communities in securing land rights and protecting forests. The FTFG’s contributions over the past few years have helped drive a 36% increase in climate funding for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Nancy Lindborg, President and CEO of the Packard Foundation, said: “This pledge brings to life a shared vision for protecting critical ecosystems and supporting the people who steward them. Through deep and sustained collaboration, we’re working to shift policies and align funding in ways that support lasting solutions for both people and nature – from securing land rights for Indigenous Peoples, local communities and Afro-descendant communities, to strengthening institutions, and advancing climate resilience.”
The renewed Forest and Land Tenure Pledge will mobilise funding that reaches communities directly and advances land tenure, supporting long-term access to finance for communities that are too often excluded from direct climate and forest financing. Also of note is that the new pledge will include more than just forests, to honour the way in which Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendants and local communities manage multiple ecosystems adjacent to one another – for example, savannahs and rainforests – which leads to greater carbon storage overall.