‘From the Amazon to Antalya: COP31 can turn the TFFF from idea into inflection point’
On the opening day of Climate Week NYC, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) hosted a celebration of progress to date on mobilizing the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) – the potentially transformative initiative designed to directly compensate countries and communities for conserving Earth’s irreplaceable tropical forests. Commenting on the event, TNC’s global climate lead Clare Shakya said:
“As we approach the first anniversary of the TFFF breaking cover in Belém, we should celebrate the progress already made while also recognizing that now is the time to rally behind this groundbreaking conservation mechanism. The next two months represent a vital window of opportunity for additional governments to join the coalition forming around this powerful movement that rewards tropical forest countries and their stewards for preserving standing forests.
“A defining feature of the TFFF is its commitment to allocate at least 20% of forest payments to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, recognizing their essential role in conserving tropical forests.
“The Nature Conservancy commends the governments of Brazil, Indonesia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and the UK for already backing-up their positive rhetoric with significant support. These important commitments, alongside philanthropic pledges from the likes of Minderoo Foundation, have given us a runway toward success; now, we must sustain this momentum as we look ahead to COP31 in Türkiye, with the TFFF aiming for US$10bn in total sponsor contributions by year-end.
“It’s fitting that this powerful idea traces its roots back to the Amazon – but ultimately we need Antalya, half a world away, to be the place where the TFFF really achieves critical mass.”
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 86 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 45 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.