From Lauch to Readiness

understanding the TFFF IPLCs Financial Allocation mechanism and its next steps

The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), launched at COP30, represents a transformative global commitment to financing tropical forest conservation. By rewarding countries for reducing deforestation and preserving diverse ecosystems, the TFFF creates a direct economic incentive for keeping forests standing. A cornerstone of the TFFF is its Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Dedicated Financial Allocation (IPLC DFA), which mandates that a minimum of 20 percent of results-based payments be directed specifically to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC). This is not merely a funding stream. It is a recognition that these groups are the most effective guardians of the world's remaining tropical forests. However, a financial mechanism is only as strong as the systems that govern it. For the DFA to succeed, it must be built on a foundation of Indigenous self-determination, recognizing their unique rights and sovereignty, and securing land tenure. Without recognized rights to their territories, Indigenous Peoples and local communities cannot be direct recipients of results-based payments for the ecosystem services their territories provide. This side-event at the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues is a critical step toward turning a global commitment into concrete country-level actions that guarantee land rights and empower Indigenous governance.

OBJECTIVES

1. To inform: Provide Indigenous leaders and allies with a clear, comprehensive overview of the TFFF, its IPLC DFA, and the two-year readiness strategy (2026-2027) developed by the IP & LC Taskforce.

2. To consult and co-design: Gather direct inputs, suggestions, and guidance from Indigenous representatives on the key governance bodies being established, including: (i) the composition and role of the Global Advisory Council (GAC); (ii) the current interim role of the Global Steering Committee (GSC); and (iii) the structure, mandate and establishment process for Tropical Forest Countries (TFC) National Steering Committees (NSCs).

3. To strengthen commitment: Reinforce the critical link between direct access to finance land tenure security, and the development of robust Country Plans (CPs). Discuss strategies for Indigenous organizations to meaningfully engage with their national governments and the proposed IPLC Access Platform.

4. To build a pathway to action: Ensure that the readiness phase of the TFFF is genuinely shaped by Indigenous priorities, creating a clear pathway for the DFA to deliver resources directly to Indigenous organizations based on the hectares of forest they protect.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

● Enhanced understanding among Indigenous leaders of the TFFF potential and the concrete steps of the readiness phase.

● A documented set of recommendations and suggestions from Indigenous representatives on the procedures for establishing the GAC, the NSCs, and other governance bodies.

● A strengthened co-design process with clear feedback loops showing how inputs from this session will be used by the Task Force, the GSC and future GAC.

● A reinforced commitment from all parties to prioritize land tenure security as the non-negotiable foundation for direct access to results-based climate finance.

● A network of informed Indigenous focal points who can serve as bridges between the global TFFF process and national-level discussions in their respective countries and territories.

TARGET AUDIENCE

● Indigenous Leaders and Representatives from Tropical Forest Countries, both TFFF participants and non-participants.

● Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities organizations and networks at global, regional, and national levels.

● Member States and donor governments committed to Indigenous rights and forest protection.

● Allied NGOs and technical partners supporting Indigenous-led conservation.

PROPOSED AGENDA AND SPEAKERS

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks (5 min)

Speakers: Levi Sucre (Mesoamerica) - TFFF’s Global Steering Committee & Coordinator of the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests - AMPB (Costa Rica)

2. High Level Panel - Direct Access Perspectives: Commitment and Collaboration (20 min / 5 each)

1. Levi Sucre (Mesoamerica) - Director of the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests - AMPB, Co-Chair of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities - GATC and TFFF's Global Steering Committee member.

2. Prof. Joseph Malassi (Democratic Republic of Congo) - Climate Change Advisor at Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development

3. Hege Ragnhildstveit (Norway) - Policy Director, International Climate and Forest Initiative - NICFI

4. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim (Chad) - Former Co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change m President/Coordinator of Indigenous Women and Peoples Association and UNSG SDG Advocate

5. Alana Manchineri (Brazil) - Podaali Fund Advisory Board Member and International Advisor of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon - COIAB

3. The TFFF Co-Design and IP&LC DFA: An Overview (25min)

Speakers:

Dianna Pizarro - World Bank Global Coordinator for Indigenous Peoples

Joshua Lichenstein - Policy Program Director at the Rainforest Foundation US

Manuela Cantalice - TFFF IPLCs consultant to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil

● Brief introduction to the TFFF innovative mechanism and the co-design process

● Financial Modalities & Direct Finance Allocation (DFA)

● Global Advisory Council (GAC)

● National Steering Committees (NSCs)

● Next Steps for the Co-Design Process

4. Plenary Report-Back and Collective Discussion (20min)

Moderator: Manuella Cantalice (TFFF IP&LC Task Force Representative)

5. Closing Remarks (5min)

Speaker: Balkisou Buba (Cameroon) - African Representative to the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group of the Green Climate Fund, GATC women leader, and TFFF’s Global Steering Committee member