Rainforest-COP ends with contradictory results for forests – Climate Conference generally fails to meet expectations

Belém, 22 November 2025. After twelve intense days of negotiations in Belém, Brazil, COP 30 ended today. The Brazilian government teed-up two major efforts to address deforestation, a key driver of climate change: the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) and the Deforestation Roadmap. The TFFF-launch succeeded beyond expectations, and the roadmap as a negotiated outcome was cut.

‘Deforestation Roadmap’ removed from final agreement

Brazilian President Lula da Silva asked delegates to agree on the creation of roadmaps to transition away from fossil fuels and deforestation. If it had been agreed, such language would have set out a process during future negotiations where countries agree on a joint process to address these two major challenges.

That language did not make it into the final text. As part of the last-minute compromise, parties simply agreed to a voluntary “Global Implementation Accelerator [...] to accelerate implementation across all actors to keep 1.5 °C within reach and supporting countries in implementing their nationally determined contributions and national adaptation plans” (Mutirão Decision item 41). This accelerator will report to COP 31 and indirectly refers to ending deforestation by 2030, among other things, through a reference to the UAE consensus. This lowest common denominator compromise text is unlikely to have any meaningful impact.

In a surprise announcement during the closing plenary, COP-President Lago announced that he will create roadmaps to phase out fossil fuels and end deforestation, after consultations. While better than nothing, such roadmaps do not have the same legitimacy of roadmaps adopted in the agreement text.

“The official process failed to deliver anything meaningful on deforestation. Only thanks to voluntary efforts was any progress made”, says Felix Finkbeiner, founder of Plant-for-the-Planet. These voluntary efforts include the TFFF, Congo Basin Pledge and Forest and Land Tenure Pledge.

Surprisingly strong start for the Tropical Forest Forever Facility

States announced $6.7 billion worth of investments into the TFFF, an endowment dedicated to forest conservation. “This launch far exceeded our expectations and sets the TFFF on a good path to achieve its lofty ambitions. I was giddy with delight upon hearing Norway’s generous announcement”, says Finkbeiner.

Norway contributed $3 billion. Germany ($1.1bn), Brazil ($1bn), Indonesia ($1bn), France ($577m) and Portugal ($1.1m) also contributed investments.

See all investments and their conditions at tfffwatch.org/investment-tracker

Germany’s was a particular nail-biter. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Germany’s intention to invest on 6 November, but was the only leader not to announce how much. After we called for the amount to be announced before the end of COP, as part of a coalition of 13 NGOs, Environment Minister Schneider announced a contribution of €1 billion over the course of 10 years on 20 November.

Nevertheless, the TFFF is still far from fully funded. A condition of Norway’s investment is that other countries pledge $10 billion in investments before the end of 2026. The TFFF has 13 months to come up with the missing $6.3 billion. Additional investments may come from the UK, UAE, China or the EU. Unexpectedly, three multilateral development banks, the EIB, AIIB and EBRD, are also weighing investments.

“We thank the German government for its important decision to invest. Nonetheless, we ask the third-largest economy in the world to increase its pledge, as the TFFF matures over the course of 2026”, Finkbeiner adds.

Billions for indigenous land rights and the Congo Basin

Other important wins for rainforests during the climate conference were the new Congo Basin Pledge ($2.5 billion) and the Forest and Land Tenure Pledge ($1.8 billion) to secure land rights for Indigenous Peoples. The pledged funds are to be provided over the course of the next five years.

COP Presidency enabled Plant-for-the-Planet children to assess progress since Paris

Another central pillar of Brazil’s COP Presidency was the Global Ethical Stocktake, which complements the Paris Agreement’s Global Stocktake by adding an ethical lens to climate assessment. As part of this process, Plant-for-the-Planet led dialogues in 12 countries across four continents, engaging more than 600 young people.

Ten children — Climate Justice Ambassadors from Plant-for-the-Planet, aged 9 to 15 — represented the needs and demands of the global Ambassador community. They participated in a high-level intergenerational dialogue with COP30 CEO Ana Toni and Mary Robinson. In addition, Plant-for-the-Planet co-organized actions to ensure that children are recognized as a primary consideration.

We appreciate that the Presidency reaffirms its determination to protect the climate system for present and future generations. Highlighting intergenerational equity is essential, but still not enough.

This principle must be reflected in the adaptation plan and in countries’ NDCs, recognizing children as agents of change. It needs to be translated into national policies and financing. We urge negotiators to uphold children’s right to an equitable and sustainable future.

“To solve the crisis, we must act together — children, youth leaders, and countries — by setting examples. Small actions grow powerful when millions join. The time to act is now; it’s not tomorrow, it’s today”, said one young Climate Justice Ambassador, reflecting the insights gathered during our consultation in India.

About Plant-for-the-Planet

Plant-for-the-Planet is a global initiative fighting for climate justice and a livable future for all. To do so, we empower children and youth to speak up and take action now. We protect and restore forest ecosystems, conduct research and provide free software tools and advice to restoration organizations around the world.

We believe that the world's three trillion trees need to be protected and we are part of bringing back a further trillion trees.