Why do we need a new pledge?
Indigenous Peoples, local and Afro Descendant communities are fundamental to protect the planet. Currently less than 1% of climate finance reaches communities directly, now we can make a shift in the right direction, ensuring the resources get to those that are in the frontline of Earth’s protection.
We need a new pledge to build on the groundwork of the Indigenous Peoples Forest Tenure Pledge. The #PledgeWeWant is an invitation to deliver on a unique promise: one that truly backs communities, and gives them the resources and governance to lead the transformation the world needs. It’s time to act with justice, urgency and coherence.
The Challenges
We believe that any new funding commitment must address these key challenges:
Although donors’ commitment to directly supporting Indigenous and community organizations has increased, a higher % must now begin to be delivered directly.
New mechanisms need to be flexible, consider a gender perspective, have transparency at their core, and be accountable to those they should benefit. We need to address the diversity of long-term needs of communities.
Organizations led by Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and community women need more funding urgently. Less than 1% of development funding is allocated to them on climate action, and that needs to shift.
Our Pledge:
A Call for a Bold New Future Pledge
The Indigenous Peoples Forest Tenure Pledge marked a significant step forward in recognizing the critical role of traditional peoples in climate solutions. COP26 was a watershed. We must build on this momentum to secure a future where nature thrives and communities prosper.
More than aid or donations, we call for respect, participation, and fair resources to care for what we all depend on: life, water, future
This is the dream of the #PledgeWeWant:
Solid, shared principles that guide, strengthen, and scale donor support over the next five years. This path must be built together, with community leadership, to respond to the most strategic opportunities.
Collaboration must continue and grow; it is a key part of impact. Initiatives like Path to Scale are essential to fostering a new generation of Indigenous and community leadership around the world. Supporting their own mechanisms means supporting their vision.
Let’s put Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and community women at the center. Their leadership is key, but it has historically been invisibilized. Today, we have the opportunity to address that gap by supporting their active participation in the design and implementation of funds and initiatives.
It’s time to transform how climate action and conservation are financed. We can better connect resources with those who generate the greatest impact on the land, supporting communityled mechanisms. CLARIFI, Nasutura, Podali, the FTM and others prove this is possible and effective.
