International pledge to fund forest rights exceeds target, but direct funding remains low
Donors exceeded a $1.7 billion target for funding Indigenous and local communities' land rights between 2021 and 2025, but only a small portion of the money went directly to these groups. A new pledge aims to improve direct funding and support more communities. The report highlights ongoing challenges with funding distribution and access.
Donors provided $2.35 billion for Indigenous and local communities' land rights between 2021 and 2025, surpassing a $1.7 billion goal. However, only 7.2% of 2025 funding went directly to these groups, with most flowing through intermediaries. A new pledge aims to increase direct and flexible support.
The funding helps protect land rights and forests, which are critical for climate and biodiversity. But unequal distribution and reliance on intermediaries limit the impact, especially in underfunded regions.
The story highlights progress in global funding for Indigenous communities and shows efforts to improve direct support, offering a constructive look at how resources can better serve those on the front lines of conservation.
upbeatBytes summarizes in its own words and links to the original publisher — it doesn't host the article.