UNDP and Government of Brazil expand forest conservation in the Amazon with support from the Green Climate Fund

Manaus-Brazil- The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) announced new investments under the Floresta+ Amazon Project, with significant financing from the Green Climate Fund. The initiative includes more than R 1.5 million (equivalent to US$280,000) in direct payments for environmental services to around 200 farmer families across 15 municipalities in Amazonas, rewarding their role in conserving nearly 14,000 hectares of native forest and 8 million standing trees. Additional resources will also support municipal infrastructure for monitoring and controlling deforestation.

The investment was announced on 9 September in Manaus with the participation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, alongside family farmers and local partners.

To date, the Floresta+ Amazon Project has involved almost 8,000 farmers under the payment for environmental services  scheme, including about 2,500 in the State of Amazonas. Almost R$ 17 million in payments have already been disbursed across the states of the Legal Amazon, marking a milestone in the history of conservation in the region and in Brazil. In 2025 alone, more than R$ 2 million has been paid, with a further R$ 10 million expected to be disbursed by the end of the year. Farmers can still register through local outreach activities in Amazonian municipalities or directly via the project website.

Around R$ 60 million additional resources will be directed to 70 cities under the MMA’s Union with Municipalities Program, with support from Floresta+. Of these, 11 municipalities are in the Amazonas. The funds will establish local offices for deforestation monitoring and control, including training courses, equipment, software, and vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and boats.

Minister Marina Silva highlighted Floresta+ Amazon as an example of public policy that integrates conservation, income generation, and community well-being, by stating: “Payments for environmental services demonstrate that preserving the forest can generate prosperity and quality of life. In addition, the new investments strengthen environmental and land regularization, expand access to technical assistance, and stimulate sustainable production practices.”

President Lula stressed the importance of strengthening the role of municipalities and communities in defending the Amazon: “We need to ensure that people living in the forest have the conditions to preserve it and, at the same time, prosper with dignity. That is why we are investing in technologies, equipment, and incentives for municipalities, enabling them to fight deforestation while creating opportunities for those who protect our environmental wealth.”




Egydio Schwade, a family farmer from Presidente Figueiredo who receives support for conserving native vegetation on his land, described the initiative as follows:  “The project opens family farmers’ eyes to how standing forest can be valued. I am very happy and proud to be part of this great initiative. I hope I can inspire other farmers to join the Floresta+ Amazon Project.” 

“Through the Floresta+ Amazon Project, UNDP is proud to support the Brazilian government in valuing those who care for the forest and in promoting a development model that respects socio-biodiversity. We want to show that it is possible to generate income, opportunities, and quality of life while keeping the forest standing. This is an important step toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for the region and for Brazil,” explained Luana Lopes, programme analyst at the UNDP Brazil country office.

About the Floresta+ Amazon Project 

This is an international cooperation initiative of the Brazilian government, led by the MMA, in partnership with UNDP and financed by resources from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Floresta+ promotes the conservation of native vegetation through direct payments for environmental services to smallholders, family farmers, traditional communities, and landowners of up to four fiscal modules with preserved areas.

In addition to valuing those who protect the forest, the project directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promotes sustainable development, and strengthens the role of local communities in protecting the Amazon.