Financing Standing Forests: TFFF and the Central Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

The Tropical Forest Finance Facility (TFFF) represents an important opportunity to mobilize long-term finance for tropical forest protection while strengthening the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in forest and climate governance.

As the TFFF moves from commitment toward implementation, a key challenge is ensuring that its governance, safeguards, and access to finance translate into meaningful participation and tangible benefits for the peoples and territories that have protected tropical forests for generations

Held at the RCF Philanthropies Pavilion during COP31, this session will mark the international launch of the English version of iCS’s TFFF booklet for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Developed through a collaborative process involving experts from different fields, the booklet translates a complex financial mechanism into accessible and actionable information, highlighting opportunities and pathways for participation.

The session will bring together perspectives from government, multilateral institutions, Indigenous Peoples, and Local Communities to discuss the next phase of TFFF implementation and how to advance effective participation, equitable access to resources, strong safeguards, and inclusive governance.

Event Objectives

• Mark the international launch of the English version of the iCS TFFF booklet for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
• Discuss the transition from TFFF commitments to implementation.
• Explore pathways for meaningful IPLC participation in governance and access to resources.
• Discuss safeguards and benefit-sharing arrangements.
• Strengthen dialogue among governments, multilateral institutions, Indigenous Peoples, and Local Communities.