Two billion USD and a host, but no decision yet in Berlin or London
TFFF gains structure, supporters, and political traction in the countdown to COP30, but Europe’s biggest donors are still on the fence.
In this issue of Plans for the Planet:
World Bank steps in as trustee and interim secretariat
Indonesia pledges support, matching Brazil’s US$1B
Germany weighs in, with Chancellor Merz reviewing a possible contribution
U.K. Split on Support for Brazil’s TFFF Ahead of COP30
EU to endorse TFFF by offering political support
World is far off track on forest goals
Australia’s rainforests turning from sink to source
Signs of tropical forest regrowth
UN warns 391M hectares at high risk
World Bank steps in to steward TFFF
On October 21, 2025, the World Bank officially announced that it will serve as trustee and interim host of the TFFF, marking a turning point in the initiative’s path from concept to operation. The Bank will manage fund transfers, oversight, and reporting, essentially “laying the rails so the trains can run,” as CEO Ajay Banga put it.
Indonesia pledges support for TFFF
Indonesia, a member of the TFFF steering committee since the inception of the concept, has now stepped up as a potential sponsor. During President Lula’s visit to Jakarta, Indonesian President Prabowo pledged that Indonesia will match Brazil’s $1 billion, signaling strong South-South leadership. With Indonesia’s vast rainforests and early role shaping the TFFF, its commitment adds major weight to the TFFF’s south-led vision, where tropical nations aren’t just beneficiaries but key investors driving a new era of climate finance
EU set to endorse TFFF
The EU also looks ready to back Brazil’s TFFF at COP30, by offering political support for the launch. A “Declaration on the launch of the TFFF” is now also on the provisional agenda for the Permanent Representatives Committee meeting in Brussels on 29 and 31 October 2025. Moreover, at the UN General Assembly in September, Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, gave the fund a warm nod, calling it “an innovative model of forest conservation” and praising Brazil’s leadership. “We stand ready to continue engaging in the development of the TFFF,” the commissioner said, adding that it sees strong links between the facility and its own efforts to curb deforestation and unlock green finance. For now, Brussels wants to take a closer look at the TFFF’s investment model and governance before committing cash. Still, its early political backing gives the initiative an important boost ahead of COP30.
Germany weighs backing the TFFF
The German government said it is assessing a potential financial contribution to the TFFF ahead of COP30. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is emerging as a key figure in shaping the initiative’s momentum, with Germany’s decision expected to influence other donor countries. While the government has not yet signaled an imminent donation, Berlin re-emphasised its role as a supporter of the TFFF, saying it has backed the TFFF’s development from the start and sees it as “an innovative proposal.” A BMZ spokesperson also mentioned “Germany is committed to comprehensive risk management, close cooperation with the World Bank, high environmental standards, and the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.”
U.K. Yet to Decide on TFFF Contribution
Latest updates from the U.K. show growing debate within the government over whether to back the TFFF ahead of COP30. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to attend the summit in Belém, with key ministers including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Climate Minister Katie White and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy urging the U.K. to step in as an early investor. The Treasury, however, remains cautious about committing new funds. U.K has been a key player in the establishment of the concept notes and have helped design the fund and also sit on its steering committee. Officials have said that an update on the U.K.’s role will come “in due course” which leaves open the possibility of a high-profile announcement at COP30.
TFFF Endorsements
“Brazil has established an investment fund that aims to conserve tropical forests. Brazil pioneered this movement, and we support it. We will commit whatever amount Brazil has invested [in TFFF]. Indonesia will invest,”
– H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, 21 October 2025
“The Tropical Forest Forever Facility is a new and innovative mechanism for rainforest conservation, and a unique opportunity to provide a major boost in support for rainforest countries. We encourage the Norwegian government to support this opportunity to substantially scale up global support for rainforest protection.”
– Toerris Jaeger, Director, Rainforest Foundation Norway, 14 October 2025
TFFF News
UK government split over cost of COP30 forest pledge Politico.eu, 30 October 2025
Why donor countries like the UK should support the ‘Tropical Forest Forever Facility’, LSE, 28 October 2025
Financing Nature Conservation: Will the Tropical Forest Forever Facility Finally Do It?, World Resources Institute, 27 October 2025
ESG round-up: Germany ‘examining financial contribution’ to TFFF ahead of COP30 launch, Responsible Investor, 24 October 2025
Brazil sees ‘strong indications’ of new pledges to forest fund, Valor International, 23 October 2025
The World Bank Confirmed as Trustee and Interim Host of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, COP30 Brazil, 21 October 2025
Indonesia, Brazil highlight TFFF as key climate funding model, Oana News, 21 October 2025
World falling far behind deforestation goals with farms and fires driving loss, report says
Reuters · 15 October 2025
The 2025 Forest Declaration Assessment warns that the world is far off track to end deforestation by 2030, with global efforts lagging by 63%. Forest losses are being driven by large-scale agriculture, mining, and increasingly frequent human-made fires. Despite growing pledges, over $400 billion in agricultural subsidies continue to fuel destruction, while forest finance remains limited. As COP30 nears, Brazil’s proposed $125 billion Tropical Forest Forever Facility could offer a crucial lifeline for long-term forest protection and indigenous communities.
Australian wet rainforests may be switching from absorbing carbon to emitting it
ABC News Australia · 16 October 2025
A Nature study spanning 49 years has found that Queensland’s wet tropical rainforests, once vital carbon sinks, are now emitting more carbon than they absorb. Rising tree deaths from climate change, drought, and cyclones are outpacing new growth. Between 2010 and 2019, forests released 930 kilograms of carbon per hectare each year. Scientists say this is the first global evidence of such a shift, warning that Australia’s rainforests may be a “canary in the coal mine.”
Report finds increased tropical forest regrowth over the last decade
Mongabay · 14 October 2025
A new Forest Declaration Assessment 2025 report shows more than 11 million hectares of tropical forests are regrowing, mostly across Latin America and Asia. But scientists caution the trend may mask ongoing destruction, as deforestation and wildfires remain rampant. Despite global pledges to halt forest loss by 2030, over 8 million hectares vanish each year.Researchers say natural regrowth could be a low-cost path to restoration, if these young forests are protected from being cleared again.
hectares of world’s tropical forest at high risk of loss
Down To Earth · 15 October 2025
A new UNEP report warns that 391 million hectares of tropical forests, home to 53 million people, are at high risk of loss from deforestation and degradation. These forests store vast carbon stocks, recycle 10 to 14 percent of rainfall, and prevent 81 billion dollars in annual GDP losses by reducing floods and erosion. Yet nearly 10 million hectares vanish each year. UNEP says protecting these forests is vital to prevent ecological tipping points and ensure global climate stability.
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Connect with Us at COP30 in Belém
Felix Finkbeiner, Jule Schnakenberg, and Pakhi Das from the Policy Team at Plant-for-the-Planet will be on the ground in Belém for COP30, and we’d love to meet you in person! If you’ll be there too, please reach out at pakhi.das@plant-for-the-planet.org.
We’ve also set up a WhatsApp group to share quick updates and insights on everything happening around the TFFF.
Finally, you can find our key demands, explore our side events, and stay up to date with all things COP30 on our website.