A broad alliance of countries, Indigenous groups, companies and nonprofits unveiled a new initiative at COP30 aimed at expanding funding to protect the world’s forests. The group, known as the Scaling J-REDD+ Coalition, is seeking to pull more public and private capital into large-scale forest programs that supporters say are essential for meeting global climate targets.
UK Climate Minister Katie White said the initiative can help bring more trust and scale to forest markets. “There is an enormous opportunity to bring high integrity forest carbon markets to scale and unlock up to $6 billion of finance for forests… in a way that protects climate, nature and livelihoods.”
Forests remain one of the most effective tools for slowing climate change, helping absorb carbon while supporting biodiversity and the livelihoods of more than a billion people. Yet deforestation continues to rise in many regions. The coalition aims to reverse that trajectory by backing jurisdictional REDD+ programs — a model that directs finance to entire regions or states rather than isolated projects.
Advocates say this broader approach provides clearer oversight and more predictable revenue for local governments and communities. The coalition argues it could help mobilize between $3 billion and $6 billion a year by 2030 for efforts to halt tropical forest loss.
Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, said long-term funding is key to helping countries shift to sustainable development. “Guyana’s experience has shown that when stable finance is in place for high-integrity, jurisdictional REDD+, communities and governments can plan for long-term sustainability. That confidence unlocks real results — forests stay standing, people benefit, and countries can pursue ambitious low-carbon development.”
Members have pledged to support stronger protections for Indigenous peoples, expand early financing and technical help, and encourage companies to buy high-quality jurisdictional credits as part of their climate plans.
Next steps include new certification systems, expanded World Bank programs and additional trades involving nature-based credits.
Read more: COP30: Equitable Earth Unveils New REDD+ Standard To Bolster Indigenous-Led Conservation
