Target countries: Global
Lead members: IUCN, GEF, UNFFS, FAO
Contributing members: Griffith University, Wildlife Heritage
Timeframe: 2025–2026
Contributions to forest-related goals: All GFGs, and SDGs 3, 10, 13, 17
This initiative aims to strengthen the conservation of tropical primary forests worldwide through increased awareness among government and donor decision-makers and stakeholders of their importance in combating climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, leading to increased supportive funding and investments. The initiative was developed in response to the urgent need for greater global recognition of the critical ecological role primary forests play in sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Despite their irreplaceable value, primary forests remain underrepresented in international forest policy, finance mechanisms, and national reporting frameworks. This initiative aims to fill that gap by consolidating efforts across institutions, partners, and platforms to position primary forest conservation as a global priority.
It builds on growing momentum across multilateral environmental processes by bringing together scientific knowledge, policy coordination, and targeted capacity development. Through strengthened collaboration among key actors and enhanced access to data and tools, the initiative supports more coherent and informed decision-making on the conservation and financing of primary forests. By reinforcing ongoing efforts within the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), and the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN), it helps to ensure that primary forests receive the visibility and support they urgently need across global environmental and development agendas.
Global Profile, Policy Integration & Advocacy
The initiative raises the international profile of tropical primary forests and works to integrate them into national and multilateral policy frameworks, including through the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF). It promotes recognition of their ecological, cultural, and social value—highlighting connections to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), biodiversity hotspots, and World Heritage Sites. Advocacy and awareness efforts are supported through multimedia materials, reports, and engagement with civil society, Indigenous representatives, and women leaders.
Innovative Forest Financing Strategies
The initiative reviews and promotes sustainable financing options, including the valuation and monetization of primary forest benefits. Technical assistance and national workshops are organized to support the development of forest financing strategies. Engagement with donors and investors is facilitated, and practical tools are produced to attract both public and private finance.
Capacity Building & Monitoring Support
Regional workshops, training programs, and geospatial tools are developed and delivered to enhance monitoring and reporting on primary forests. The initiative strengthens biome-specific guidance, evaluates existing definitions and mapping approaches, and identifies capacity gaps—particularly in financing and valuation for IPLCs.
Knowledge Sharing & Visibility
Efforts by CPF members are consolidated and promoted through knowledge-sharing platforms, coordinated visibility initiatives, and a dedicated resource repository. Joint events and training are supported to foster collaboration across Critical Forest Biome Integrated Programmes (CFB IPs) and enhance collective impact.
The expected impacts are strengthened financing mechanisms, fostering innovative approaches, and mobilizing resources towards the conservation of tropical primary forests. By creating a more cohesive and unified approach to primary forest conservation, including leveraging the knowledge, resources, and networks of CPF members to enhance advocacy campaigns, policy interventions, and capacity-building efforts, the expected impacts are an increase in the amount of conserved primary forest.
