Securing Forest Tenure - Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Action

The session emphasized the urgent need to secure forest tenure as a means of safeguarding both Indigenous Peoples' (IPs) and Local Communities' (LCs) rights and the global environment. With approximately 3.3 billion individuals living within close proximity to forests, the issue of formal land rights for IPs and LCs—who customarily manage around 50% of the world's land—has become critical. Despite their vital stewardship role, only 10% of these lands are formally recognized, often due to overlapping claims with state-designated conservation areas. These legal ambiguities are further complicated by global initiatives, such as the 30x30 conservation goal, which put additional pressure on land tenure in forested regions. Governments' pledges to dedicate vast tracts of land for carbon removal projects risk marginalizing local communities without due consideration of their rights and livelihoods. However, evidence from countries like Benin, Brazil, and Colombia has demonstrated that recognizing customary tenure can significantly enhance forest conservation, reducing deforestation rates by up to 75%. The session provided a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, focusing on how governments, Development Partners, and the World Bank can strengthen their commitments to forest tenure reforms. It highlighted the progress and gaps in the COP26 forest tenure pledge, where substantial funding was allocated to support IPs and LCs in maintaining their roles as environmental stewards. Discussions also covered the experiences of selected governments in advancing forest tenure and the financial mechanisms supporting these efforts. The session underscored the importance of increasing funding and collaboration to enhance the recognition of customary land rights, thereby promoting sustainable land use, reducing deforestation, and improving forest management. The dialogue reinforced the concept that empowering local communities through secure tenure is essential for achieving long-term conservation and climate goals, advocating for inclusive, well-funded approaches to forest governance.


This resource has been made available by the organizers of the World Bank Land Conference under the following disclaimer.