In the lead-up to COP30, Brazil and partners launched the Tropical Forest Forever Facility — a multibillion-dollar initiative that rewards countries for keeping forests standing and channels funding directly to Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Brazil, in partnership with international allies, launched the Tropical Forest Forever Facility in 2025 as part of preparations for the COP30 climate summit. The multibillion-dollar mechanism represents an innovative approach to forest conservation: rather than paying for reforestation after trees are cut, it rewards countries financially for keeping their forests standing. The fund is designed to create a sustainable income stream for tropical nations whose forests provide critical carbon sequestration and biodiversity services to the entire planet.
Crucially, the facility channels a significant portion of its funding directly to Indigenous Peoples and local communities — the true stewards of the world's forests. Research consistently shows that forests managed by Indigenous communities have lower deforestation rates and higher biodiversity than even government-managed protected areas. "This innovative initiative recognizes what scientists have known for years: the most effective forest protection comes from empowering the people who have lived in and cared for these ecosystems for generations," said a WWF representative. The fund has already attracted commitments from several European nations and multilateral development banks.
“The multibillion-dollar mechanism represents an innovative approach to forest conservation: rather than paying for reforestation after trees are cut, it rewards countries financially for keeping their forests standing.”
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