A major boost for global forest protection has come from the United Kingdom, which has offered a $541 million loan to Brazil-led Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). The initiative aims to create a long-term financial system that rewards countries for protecting their tropical forests rather than clearing them. The fund, launched by Brazil at COP30 in 2025, is designed to mobilise $10 billion in public finance initially, with an ambition to eventually reach around $125 billion. The money would support tropical-forest nations that can demonstrate that they are keeping their forests standing and protecting these vital ecosystems.
The UK says its contribution will be provided as a loan rather than a grant, allowing public funds to generate returns while supporting international climate and biodiversity action. The TFFF could become an important new approach to forest conservation by creating a direct economic incentive for countries to protect forests, which absorb carbon, safeguard biodiversity and support millions of people. With tropical forests continuing to face pressure from deforestation and land conversion, the UK’s commitment signals growing international interest in finding long-term financial solutions to keep forests standing. More