Building Trust in Climate Finance: The Role of Benefit Sharing Plans in Strengthening IPLC Participation - LCAW2026

What Makes Climate Finance Trustworthy?
Climate finance is often discussed in terms of funding and carbon markets, but long-term success depends on something equally important: trust.
As countries advance jurisdictional REDD+ programs and other forest-based climate initiatives, increasing attention is being placed on how participation, governance, and territorial leadership can be meaningfully integrated into climate finance systems. Benefit Sharing Plans (BSPs) are often viewed as financial distribution mechanisms, but they can also serve as important tools for strengthening collaboration, transparency, and participation among governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and other stakeholders.
Join Indigenous leaders, government representatives, climate finance practitioners, and technical experts for an interactive discussion exploring lessons and experiences from Ecuador, Costa Rica, Ghana, and Jalisco (Mexico).
Topics will include:
What makes climate finance legitimate and trustworthy?
The role of Benefit Sharing Plans beyond financial distribution
Participation and territorial engagement in climate and forest governance
Lessons from REDD+ implementation across Latin America and Africa
Building long-term collaboration among governments, IPLCs, and climate finance actors
Speakers
Santiago García – Director Forests Partnerships, EDF
Maria Elena Herrera - Director REDD+, FONAFIFO
Roselyn Adjei - Senior Advisor, EDF
Priscila Reyes – REED+ Focal Point, Jalisco Representative
Audience
This event is intended for Indigenous Peoples and Local Community organizations, government representatives, climate finance institutions, REDD+ practitioners, NGOs, researchers, donors, and others interested in climate governance, participation, and forest conservation.
Format
Interactive dialogue featuring storytelling reflections, comparative country perspectives, audience participation, and moderated discussion with Q&A.

🌐 Interpretation: English • Español
Light refreshments and snacks will be available.
If you have questions, please email mvidalteyssier@edf.org
📍 Joseph Rotblat Building-IN PERSON
Accessibility Guide