Beyond Direct Access: A Path Forward for Indigenous-Led Conservation Finance

How do we scale investment in the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities already delivering global environmental benefits?

Drawing on lessons from GEF-7 and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives worldwide, the brief makes the case for long-term, large-scale direct finance, while outlining practical recommendations for GEF-9.

The message is clear: achieving global biodiversity and climate goals requires investing directly in Indigenous leadership, governance, and stewardship.