Peru has secured a major funding boost of $37.5 million from the Green Climate Fund to strengthen conservation and climate resilience efforts across the Peruvian Amazon.
The funding supports the “Peru’s Natural Legacy – Amazon & Climate” initiative, a broader $74.5 million programme that includes co-financing contributions. The project aims to enhance climate mitigation and adaptation across more than 15 million hectares of protected areas while improving the resilience of thousands of Indigenous communities living in and around these ecosystems.
Implemented in partnership with the Government of Peru, World Wildlife Fund, and national institutions such as Profonanpe, the initiative will strengthen the management and financial sustainability of 25 protected areas and four buffer zones—covering nearly 18% of Peru’s Amazon region.
Over its seven-year implementation period, the project is expected to prevent around 1.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions, improve natural resource management across 15.8 million hectares, and benefit more than 33,000 people directly. Nearly 12,000 individuals are expected to adopt climate-resilient livelihood strategies.
A key component of the initiative is closing the funding gap in Peru’s protected area system. Through the Patrimonio Natural del Peru, led by Sernanp and implemented by Profonanpe, the project will expand sustainable financing mechanisms such as eco-tourism revenue and payments for ecosystem services. These efforts are expected to mobilize up to $131 million in long-term financing over the next 25 years.
The initiative also places strong emphasis on Indigenous-led climate action. Investments will support ecosystem-based adaptation and climate-resilient practices in 30 Indigenous communities, with plans to extend benefits to over 160 additional communities. These efforts include strengthening governance systems, improving climate risk management, and expanding access to public financing.
Carter Roberts highlighted that combining long-term financing with Indigenous leadership creates a sustainable model for protecting ecosystems while supporting livelihoods. Similarly, Kristin Lang emphasized that the project aligns conservation with national climate goals and supports vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change.
By integrating conservation, climate adaptation, and community-led development, the initiative represents a significant step toward safeguarding one of the world’s most critical ecosystems while ensuring long-term environmental and social resilience.
