Donors have increased the number of countries where they are funding IP, LC, and ADP tenure rights and forest guardianship. From 2011 to 2020, the three major countries in each tropical forest basin (Brazil, Indonesia, and DRC) made up an average of 30 percent of total disbursements. From 2021 to 2023, this has fallen to 23 percent, indicating donor expansion into new geographies and a more even spread across countries. From 2016 to 2019, 38 countries were receiving at least $1 million per year on average in relevant funding; between 2021 and 2023, there were 47 countries meeting this threshold.

There is clear evidence that 2021 represents a step-change for funding from donors that are part of the FTFG. Our data shows a significant increase in funding in 2021, consistent with the FTFG’s first annual report. Because some private donors report one-time disbursements for grants that could be multi-year (e.g., Bezos Earth Fund), it is more useful to examine progress over multiple years. From 2011 to 2020, we estimate that FTFG donors disbursed on annual average $128 million per year. From 2021 to 2023, we estimate that FTFG donors disbursed an annual average of $281 million—or an increase of 120 percent (adjusted for inflation).

The increase in IP, LC, and ADP tenure rights and forest guardianship funding has mostly been driven by increased rightsholder involvement in projects focused on conservation, climate, and development outcomes. The substantial growth in funding for IPs, LCs, and ADPs focused on climate, conservation, and development outcomes reflects the increase in recognition that collective rightsholders are vital allies to conserve tropical forests and achieve crucial climate and biodiversity goals.