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

What Makes Climate Finance Trustworthy?
Climate finance discussions often center around funding and carbon markets; however, long-term success hinges on something equally vital: trust.
As countries progress with jurisdictional REDD+ programs and other forest-based climate initiatives, there is a growing focus on how to integrate participation, governance, and territorial leadership into climate finance frameworks. Benefit Sharing Plans (BSPs) are not just viewed as financial distribution mechanisms—they are also critical for enhancing collaboration, transparency, and active participation among governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and various stakeholders.
Join Indigenous leaders, government representatives, climate finance practitioners, and technical experts for an interactive discussion that delves into lessons and experiences from Ecuador, Costa Rica, Ghana, and Jalisco (Mexico).
Key Discussion Topics:

• 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

Featured Speakers:

• Santiago García – Director Forests Partnerships, EDF
• Maria Elena Herrera - Director REDD+, FONAFIFO
• Roselyn Adjei - Senior Advisor, EDF
• Priscila Reyes – REDD+ Focal Point, Jalisco Representative

Target Audience:
This event is tailored for Indigenous Peoples and Local Community organizations, government representatives, climate finance institutions, REDD+ practitioners, NGOs, researchers, donors, and individuals interested in climate governance, participation, and forest conservation.

Format:
Engage in an interactive dialogue that features storytelling reflections, comparative country insights, audience participation, and a moderated discussion with a Q&A session.

🌐 Language Interpretation Available: English • Español
Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
For inquiries, please email us!
📍 Location: Joseph Rotblat Building
👉 Event Registration Link