New RRI analysis revealed that secure tenure for Indigenous Peoples and local communities is notably absent from countries’ Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which outline country commitments under the Paris Climate Change Treaty. RRI’s review of 188 countries’ INDCs found that just 21 included clear commitments to implement community-based tenure or natural resource management strategies as part of their national plans. The report was released ahead of the Paris Agreement signing ceremony at a briefing at the Ford Foundation on the critical role Indigenous Peoples must play in meeting the Agreement’s targets.

In June, another new analysis was released at a side event timed to coincide with the Oslo REDD Exchange. A review of 13 countries’ submissions to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Carbon Fund—one of the most advanced REDD+ initiatives—revealed that countries generally fell short of proposing programs that respect, protect, and advance the rights of forest populations.

Taken together, the studies demonstrate that country commitments on climate change are falling short when it comes to respecting community land rights and adequately including local peoples in key decision-making processes. Download the full reports here.