At the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Germany has committed one billion euros over ten years to the new Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan announced the pledge, stating: "It is about protecting the tropical rainforests, the lungs of our world."
The announcement came at the World Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, where the Brazilian government launched the fund as a prestige project. Previously, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had only promised a "significant amount" during a short visit. Brazil's Environment Minister Marina Silva had already confirmed Germany's contribution and called on all states to contribute.
The TFFF aims to reward countries for preserving forests and impose penalties for deforestation, monitored via satellite imagery. With a target volume of 125 billion US dollars (about 108 billion euros), the fund plans to disburse around four billion US dollars annually—nearly three times current international forest aid. Norway will pay three billion US dollars over ten years, while Brazil and Indonesia each commit one billion. Founding members include Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
An executive council of 18 countries—half tropical forest nations and half industrial states—will oversee the fund, with the World Bank as initial trustee. Over 70 developing countries could benefit, with recipients required to allocate 20 percent to indigenous peoples and traditional communities. The initiative is supported by 53 countries, including 19 potential investors. Wealthy states are to provide an initial 25 billion US dollars to mobilize 100 billion from the private sector. Fossil fuel projects are prohibited.
Greenpeace executive director Martin Kaiser praised the pledge: It could lead to COP30 success and resolve irritations over Merz's announcement. He demanded clear conditions, including guarantees for indigenous communities and intact forests.