Ecuador signs deal for $30m in climate finance from the LEAF Coalition

1. Forests are a vital part of Ecuador's economy

"Ecuador’s forests cover around half our country, and protecting them is a vital part of our efforts to build a sustainable and just economy. We have an ambitious plan to achieve net-zero deforestation by 2030, but to reach that we need funding and support from the international community. This agreement with the LEAF Coalition represents an important step on that journey. Now we need to go further, bringing in more funding from LEAF and other sources to support sustainable livelihoods and reward Indigenous Peoples, local communities and smallholders for their work in protecting one of Ecuador’s most precious natural assets, our forests." — Inés María Manzano, Minister of Environment, Water and Energy, Ecuador

Minister Manzano underscored that while Ecuador is committed to eliminating deforestation, it cannot achieve this goal alone. International financing and long-term investment are critical to ensuring the success of conservation initiatives while supporting local communities that depend on forest ecosystems.

2. Indigenous communities seek active partnership, not just inclusion

"We are certainly not here to oppose anything; rather, we are here to contribute and provide solutions for Ecuador. We are all part of this, and we all need this support to build a different country."
— Washington Tiwi, Indigenous Leader

Washington Tiwi applauded the agreement but emphasized that Indigenous communities should not be passive beneficiaries. Instead, Indigenous peoples must have a voice in shaping policies and decisions at the REDD+ discussion table to ensure their needs and perspectives are prioritized.

3. Indigenous and local knowledge must be recognized and rewarded

"This agreement represents an opportunity to strengthen equity, improve sustainable livelihoods and recognize the ancestral knowledge that protects our territories."
— Inés Morales, Senior Palanquera of the Comarca de Afroecuatorianos del Norte de Esmeraldas (CANE)

Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities have played a key role in preserving Ecuador’s forests for generations. Morales stressed that conservation initiatives must acknowledge and compensate these communities for their ongoing stewardship.

4. Long-term international cooperation is key to tackle climate change and nature loss

"The agreement signed between Ecuador and the LEAF Coalition shows how long-term commitment and international cooperation can drive action for forests, people, and climate."
— Nils Martin Gunneng, Ambassador for Norway to Ecuador

Norway’s Ambassador emphasized that sustained international support and investment will be crucial to Ecuador’s conservation success. The partnership between Ecuador and LEAF serves as an example of how global collaboration can support forest protection efforts.

5. Continued stakeholder consultation and a clear benefit sharing plan comes next

"The agreement shows the participation and collaboration of all peoples in Ecuador including Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Descendant Peoples and Montubios, working together to protect the forest with rights respected and voices listened to."
— Eron Bloomgarden, CEO of Emergent, Coordinator of the LEAF Coalition

Eron Bloomgarden highlighted Ecuador’s inclusive approach to conservation, bringing together multiple communities and stakeholders. Bloomgarden went on to emphasise a very important next step that must be taken by the Ecuadorian government, which is to define a plan for distribution of benefits. A plan that will guarantee a fair and inclusive distribution of the resources, honouring and rewarding the efforts of the people and communities in the first line of forest conservation.

The signing of this agreement between Ecuador and Emergent is, as Minister Manzano shared, "An iconic moment" in the process of Ecuador receiving climate finance for protecting its forest. Ecuador began the first phase of participatory stakeholder engagement processes in 2022 with Indigenous Peoples and local communities of the Amazon, Afro-Ecuadorian people and Montubio people. The second phase, which involves civil society, plus private and autonomous government actors in the country, is currently underway.

Watch the below video to hear more perspectives on Ecuador's forests and protection programmes from Afro-Ecuadorian descendants, Indigenous peoples and local community members that the Emergent team engaged with while in Ecuador: