WASHINGTON, August 11, 2025 - The World Bank approved on August 11 a grant for Costa Rica aimed at strengthening the participation of Indigenous Peoples in forest conservation and improving their communities' access to the benefits of the Emission Reductions Program from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. The funds will also promote inclusive mechanisms for knowledge exchange and decision-making on sustainable land use.
The "National Project to Support Social Inclusion in the Emission Reductions Program," to be implemented by the Environmental Bank Foundation (FUNBAM), is made possible through a US$4 million grant from the World Bank's EnABLE (Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions) trust fund.
The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) leads the emission reduction programs, while EnABLE complements and expands efforts by focusing on social inclusion and benefit access, ensuring that local communities and Indigenous Peoples actively participate. This is the country's first project with a governance structure in which Indigenous Peoples play a leading role in defining what will be financed, approving activities, and coordinating overall efforts.
"This project marks a milestone in our environmental policy: For the first time, Indigenous Peoples will directly lead the definition and execution of conservation investments. From the Government of Costa Rica, we celebrate this partnership, which recognizes their ancestral knowledge, strengthens their autonomy, and contributes to more inclusive and sustainable development," stated Nogui Acosta Jaén, Minister of Finance of Costa Rica.
The project will benefit the country's Indigenous Peoples, including the Cabécar, Bribri, Ngabe, Térraba, Boruca, Huetar, Maleku, and Chorotega, with special attention to Indigenous women and youth, who play a decisive role in managing natural resources and agricultural activities.
Investments will contribute to carbon emission reductions by supporting activities that promote sustainability and environmental conservation. As such, the capacity of Indigenous organizations will be strengthened to access and strategically use the benefits of the Emission Reductions Program.
"The worldview and traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples regarding land and natural resources are essential for a livable planet. At the World Bank, we are honored to be part of this project, whose design not only offers innovations of interest for learning in other countries, but whose process was unique because it was entirely based on the vision, voice, and priorities of Indigenous Peoples," said Carine Clert, World Bank Country Manager for Costa Rica and El Salvador.
To enhance people's ability to create and maintain income sources that benefit their well-being and that of future generations without harming natural resources, training will be offered in new techniques and technologies applicable to agriculture and other sustainable economic activities. In addition, funding will be provided for the purchase of equipment and supplies, and for activities that promote land tenure security and climate resilience.
Support will also be provided for infrastructure construction, such as rainwater harvesting facilities, small-scale irrigation systems, and efficient technologies. Regarding environmental education, investments are expected in the creation of interpretive trails, visitor centers, and environmental education programs that promote conservation and sustainable economic development.
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