By Tiago Conceição (CFC-GS/UFPA)
The BioCarbon Fund for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is a strategic multilateral cooperation initiative administered by the World Bank and funded by donor countries. Its primary objective is to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions associated with land use. To achieve this goal, the fund promotes integrated actions that include combating deforestation and forest degradation in line with the REDD+ strategy. It is noted that this system offers an opportunity to reconcile environmental conservation with the generation of socioeconomic benefits, as the author highlights in: https://surl.li/hsmdvl
Currently, ISFL is implementing programs in countries such as Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, and Zambia, carrying out large-scale projects of high institutional complexity. These initiatives serve as pilot projects capable of supporting governments and the private sector in modernizing agricultural practices and improving land management. In addition to driving change at the local level, these programs also contribute to the formulation of new benchmarks and guidelines for environmental policies discussed in international forums.
In this context, partnerships between public and private sector actors play a fundamental role. Coordination among these different actors enables the mobilization of financial resources, the alignment of institutional objectives, and the development of land management models that are sustainable and scalable in the long term. Thus, ISFL collaborates with various partners and stakeholders to implement coordinated actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from land use at the jurisdictional level. At the same time, these initiatives also seek to strengthen local economies by expanding opportunities for income generation, employment, and livelihoods for the communities involved.
To achieve its objectives, ISFL has two main financing instruments: BioCFplus and BioCF Tranche 3 (T3). These mechanisms were designed to complementarily support the implementation of strategies aimed at promoting sustainable land use and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
BioCFplus focuses on providing technical and institutional support to participating jurisdictions. Through grants and capacity-building initiatives, this instrument funds activities aimed at creating favorable conditions for the adoption of sustainable land-use policies and practices. Among its key initiatives are investments in the development and improvement of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems for GHG emission reductions—essential tools for tracking and verifying the environmental results achieved. In addition, BioCFplus also supports studies and consulting projects aimed at engaging the private sector, seeking to stimulate sustainable investments in the regions covered by the program. This engagement with the private sector can generate direct benefits for farmers, rural producers, and other actors involved in local production chains.
In turn, BioCF Tranche 3 (T3) operates based on a results-based payment mechanism. Under this model, participating countries or jurisdictions receive financial resources when they can demonstrate effective and verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These payments are formalized through an Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement (ERPA), an instrument that establishes the conditions and criteria for remuneration of verified reductions.
Thus, while BioCFplus provides technical, institutional, and preparatory support for program implementation, BioCF Tranche 3 offers financial incentives linked to the results achieved. The combination of these two mechanisms allows ISFL programs to adopt strategies and tools tailored to the social, economic, and environmental realities of each country, contributing to the strengthening of territorial governance and the promotion of sustainable production practices and environmental conservation.
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REFERENCES
BIOCARBON FUND INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST LANDSCAPES (ISFL). Who we are. Disponível em: https://www.biocarbonfund-isfl.org/who-we-are. Acesso em: 30 mar. 2026.
CONCEIÇÃO, Tiago da Silva. Financiamento climático e justiça territorial: o acesso das comunidades quilombolas aos recursos do REDD+ no Pará. Centro de Financiamento Climático para o Sul Global (CFC-GS), 6 nov. 2025. Disponível em: https://cfc-gs.com.br/pt/financiamento-climatico-e-justica-territorial-o-acesso-das-comunidades-quilombolas-aos-recursos-do-redd-no-para/. Acesso em: 30 mar. 2026.
