Date: April 21, 2026
In 2025, the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) strengthened its role as a global, rightsholder-led coalition advancing land, forest, and livelihood rights for Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, and local communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Marking its 20th anniversary, RRI used the year as a moment of reflection and renewal, expanding its coalition, reinforcing inclusive governance, and deepening its commitment to community-led solutions.
Across 31 countries, RRI supported legal reforms, mobilized direct financing, and strengthened collective action to secure land tenure and improve livelihoods. Through its CLARIFI mechanism, RRI channeled over $10 million in direct funding to community-led initiatives, with a strong emphasis on women’s leadership, youth engagement, and local economic growth.
RRI also played a critical role in shaping global advocacy and funding commitments, contributing to $1.8 billion pledged at COP30 for forest and land tenure. The coalition elevated youth and women as central actors in climate and conservation efforts, launching global networks and advancing gender-responsive funding and policy change.
Overall, throughout 2025, RRI demonstrated that securing land rights, strengthening local governance, and investing directly in communities are essential to achieving climate, biodiversity, and development goals.