Billions of dollars have been promised to tackle the climate crisis, yet Indigenous communities see little of this funding. At a recent United Nations forum, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Indigenous peoples as vital protectors of nature. Despite such acknowledgment, the reality on the ground is stark—financial support often bypasses these communities.
Indigenous leaders report that they are suffering from severe climate impacts, like flooding and wildfires, but struggle to access funds designed for climate adaptation. Joan Carling, a Kankanaey Igorot from the Philippines, emphasizes that the demand for direct financial access is a fundamental right, rooted in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. According to a study by the Rainforest Foundation Norway, from 2011 to 2020, Indigenous peoples received less than 1% of global climate funding despite being crucial to conservation efforts.
Deborah Sanchez, an Indigenous Miskito from Honduras, notes that when rights are recognized, communities can sustain themselves better. Yet, the Green Climate Fund, with $20 billion at its disposal, has not accredited any Indigenous organization for funding. That’s a glaring gap, as Helen Magata points out that Indigenous peoples have near-zero access to financial resources designed to aid them.
The obstacles to receiving this funding are daunting. Organizations must meet strict criteria and undergo lengthy accreditation processes. Janene Yazzie, a Diné member, highlights that these requirements create barriers for communities that should be becoming self-sufficient rather than jumping through hoops.
Both the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility, which has allocated about $27 billion over three decades, still lack effective mechanisms to track funds directed to Indigenous groups. Though the Global Environment Facility aims to boost its support for Indigenous peoples, its ability to reach communities remains in question. Sarah Wyatt, a biodiversity expert, acknowledges that without accurate tracking, progress is hard to measure.
Examining the broader context, the division between “developed” and “developing” nations complicates financial distribution, sidelining Indigenous peoples in wealthier countries. The same colonial policies continue to affect them today. Advocates argue that true equity in climate financing requires recognizing Indigenous rights and needs across all borders.
With barriers mounting, some Indigenous organizations are seeking alternative funding sources. Sanchez’s initiative relies mostly on private donations, aiming to ensure resources reach those in urgent need. The hope is that systemic change in larger funds may eventually lead to more direct support for Indigenous communities worldwide.
For more details on this pressing issue, explore the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the findings of the Green Climate Fund.
