At the recently concluded COP30, the central role of tropical forests and the Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local communities that protect them was firmly in the spotlight. Despite ongoing challenges, the climate summit delivered tangible, measurable gains for communities and local forest stewards, ranging from landmark land recognitions to new funding initiatives and international collaborations.
RECENT ARTICLES
For the First time in its History, UNFCCC and the Caribbean References Afro-descendant Peoples in Core Negotiation Documents, Affirming Their Integral Role as Guardians of Climate and Biodiversity
For the first time in over 30 years of global discussions on the climate agenda, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Caribbean (UNFCCC) has referenced Peoples of African descent in core negotiation documents released at the conclusion of the meeting, including texts on Just Transition, Gender Action, and the Global Goal on Adaptation.
Governments of Brazil and Colombia launch Plan to Accelerate Solutions for Afro-descendant Peoples at COP30
During COP30 in Belém, the governments of Brazil and Colombia, together with the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), officially announced the launch of the Acceleration Plan for Solutions for Afro-descendant Peoples (PAS Afrodescendiente) 2026–2030, the first regional initiative dedicated to accelerating the answers to the historical gaps in territorial recognition, environmental governance, and financing for Afro-descendant Peoples in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Global Youth Network Launches to Unite Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Local Community Youth Across Continents
New alliance amplifies youth leadership and calls for justice-centered climate action at COP30
From Rights to Livelihoods: RRI Launches Global Network to Scale Community-Led Economies for People and Planet at COP30
The Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) today announced the next phase of its global coalition strategy, From Rights to Livelihoods: Advancing Collective Economies for People and Planet, with the launch of a new Collective Livelihoods and Enterprise Network. The initiative, unveiled during a high-level session at COP30, represents a major step in linking land rights, sustainable livelihoods, and conservation through community-led economies.
NDCs and Territorial Rights: Strengthening National Climate Ambition through Community Action
Climate change negotiators meeting in Brazil for COP 30 will face intense pressure to agree on indicators to measure adaptation and a roadmap to quadruple the new collective quantified goal on climate finance.
Women’s Wisdom and Leadership Hold the Key to an Impactful Delivery of the New Pledge
This statement by the Women in Global South Alliance (WiGSA) extends its congratulations to governments and donors for their renewed commitment to supporting the tenure rights of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, and local communities, as announced at COP30 in Brazil on November 6, 2025, and calls on funders to address the global gender funding gap.
From Rhetoric to Realized Rights: A Rights-Based Model for Nationally Determined Contributions
As the world moves toward COP30 in Belém, Brazil, countries are in the process of updating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the key national plans that define climate goals, strategies, and financing needs under the Paris Agreement. In this crucial context, RRI released a two-phase study in September and October 2025, analyzing current NDCs of 25 countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
COP30 to Mark Turning Point for Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Local Community Leadership in Global Climate Action
As global leaders prepare to gather in Belém, Brazil, this November for the 30th UN Climate Conference (COP30), the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) and its global partners are calling for the summit to serve as a turning point for Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, and local communities who safeguard the world’s forests and biodiversity.
Earth’s #DefendersLeadTheWay on Rights, Justice, and Climate Action at COP30
As the global community prepares for UNFCCC COP30, hosted for the first time in the Amazon region of Brazil, the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) and its coalition of over 200 partners, collaborators, and allies have been sending a clear and powerful message for months: Earth’s #DefendersLeadTheWay on climate action.
[PORTUGUÉS] Apesar dos compromissos globais, os direitos florestais comunitários ainda estão aquém da legislação nacional
Novo relatório mostra progresso inconsistente em nível nacional em relação aos direitos de posse de terras para Povos Indígenas, Povos Afrodescendentes e comunidades locais
Press Release: Sierra Leone to Host Landmark African Land Institution Network for Community Rights (ALIN) International Conference
PRESS RELEASE: The Government of Sierra Leone will host the 5th African Land Institution Network (ALIN) Conference in Freetown, gathering African leaders to promote inclusive, resilient, and people-centered land governance.
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