Germany Pledges One Billion Euros to Tropical Forest Forever Facility at COP30

At the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, Germany has committed one billion euros over ten years to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), a new international fund dedicated to protecting tropical rainforests. Announced by Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan, this initiative aims to financially reward countries that preserve their forests while penalizing deforestation, with satellite imagery monitoring. Brazil, the host of the UN climate conference, considers the fund a prestigious project, with Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva praising Germany’s commitment as a strong step for climate protection.

The TFFF is designed to function like an investment fund, offering returns between 4 and 5.5 percent. A portion of profits will be paid to rainforest nations, with four dollars allocated for every hectare of protected vegetation. The fund's goal is to mobilize 125 billion dollars, including an ambitious target of around 10 billion dollars during COP30. Norway has pledged three billion US dollars over ten years, while Brazil and Indonesia have each committed one billion. Portugal has also made a financial contribution.

The fund's governance includes an executive board of 18 members, equally representing tropical forest countries and industrialized nations, with the World Bank serving as the initial trustee responsible for disbursing funds to approximately 70 developing countries rich in tropical forests. Notably, 20 percent of the funds are reserved for indigenous peoples and traditional communities, emphasizing social equity. To ensure sustainability, projects relying on fossil fuels are explicitly excluded from financing.

The Tropical Forest Forever Facility has attracted international backing from 47 to 53 countries, including influential supporters like the UK, China, France, and the EU, aiming to complement existing forest financing by significantly increasing funds accessible to forest conservation. This initiative represents a critical effort to protect vital "lungs of our world," preserve biodiversity, and combat climate change by addressing tropical deforestation and its impacts.