Mongabay · Climate & nature

Forest Rights Pledge Exceeds Target, Direct Funding Lags

A pledge to support Indigenous land rights surpassed its financial goal, but direct funding to communities remains low, with concerns about regional inequality and transparency.

Donors delivered $2.35 billion (2021-2025), exceeding the $1.7 billion target. However, only 7.2% reached Indigenous/local communities directly in 2025, up from 2.9% in 2021, with most funds flowing through intermediaries.

Underfunded regions remain vulnerable. Funding distribution shows 71% to Latin America, 16% to Asia-Pacific, and 13% to Africa. Support for women and youth is minimal.

A new $1.8 billion pledge (2026-2030) aims to expand reach to Afro-descendant communities and other ecosystems, promising more direct, flexible, and long-term financing.

Experts note direct funding's value but stress the need for recipient capacity and sustained funder engagement.

Concerns exist about intermediaries misrepresenting themselves to access funds, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous-led territorial funds.

Calls are made for greater transparency, respect for Indigenous knowledge, and increased direct funding, with a target of at least 20% for Indigenous-led funds.

While the pledge exceeded its financial commitment, it did not fully meet the needs for sustained tenure security, marking an important but incomplete step.

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