November 2025 Guatemala has received its first payment of US$24.21 million from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for reducing 4.84 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e). The results come from Guatemala’s jurisdictional forest carbon program, which spans 92% of the national territory, and reflects years of collaboration among government institutions, community organizations, civil society, and technical partners.

This milestone recognizes Guatemala’s long-term commitment to protecting forests and strengthening sustainable land use. The results-based payment will be distributed through an inclusive Benefit Sharing Plan that supports stakeholders (including many smallholders and their families) involved in forest protection, reforestation, restoration, and agroforestry. The plan also prioritizes activities with Indigenous Peoples, women, and vulnerable groups who play a central role in managing the country’s forests, water, and biodiversity.

Guatemala’s forest program builds on more than 25 years of national investment in natural resource protection and on co-management models between communities and the National Protected Areas Council (CONAP). It also integrates Community-Based REDD+ projects, recognizing their early contributions and strengthening coordination across the Guatemalan Protected Areas System (SIGAP).

Beyond emission reductions, the program is generating far-reaching social and environmental benefits. Program activities have created more than 50,000 jobs to date, with potential for additional employment as benefit-sharing investments are rolled out. The initiative also supports ecosystem resilience and long-term stewardship of Guatemala’s rich biodiversity.

This first payment demonstrates Guatemala’s ability to deliver high-integrity, inclusive results at scale and supports continued efforts to advance sustainable forest management and community-led development.