Country Packages for forests, climate, and nature are a groundbreaking new approach to support countries in achieving ambitious forest and climate goals. Country Packages bring together governments, the private sector, philanthropy and multilateral institutions to help fill critical gaps in implementation. These packages integrate technical, financial, and diplomatic support; investment; and business partnerships.
Six Country Packages have been launched to date, with more under development. The Packages reflect each host country’s distinct priorities and circumstances:
Colombia: Colombia is socializing its “Vision and Portfolio for Climate Action and Socioecological and Just Energy Transition” package, which promotes a sustainable and orderly reindustrialization around water and in harmony with nature, consolidating an innovative model that positions Colombia as a leader in the transition to a green and resilient economy. This vision aligns industry with the protection of ecosystems and the well-being of communities. It unites Colombia’s commitments to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. This strategy is aligned with the NDC and the NBSAP, integrating actions that seek decarbonization and the recovery and sustainable use of the country’s strategic ecosystems, such as the Amazon, paramos, and tropical dry forests. Contact: Adriana Barbosa adriana.barbosa@forestclimateleaders.org
Democratic Republic of Congo: The “Partnership for a New Climate Economy” package, launched at COP28 in 2023, focuses on conservation and management of DRC’s high-value forests, peatlands, and key biodiversity areas; expanding investments in the new climate economy, and establishing frameworks to access high-integrity international carbon markets. Initial support for this Package has been identified, and additional partners are welcome. Contact: Afia Mwenze awmwenze@gmail.com
Gabon: The Gabon Country Package, announced at the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 in 2024, focuses on supporting and expanding protected areas and conservation to cover 30% of land and marine areas; investing in sustainable forest management, supply chains, and valuing natural capital; enhancing scientific knowledge on carbon sinks and biodiversity; and combating nature crimes including illegal timber trafficking, fishing and mining. Partners are welcome to join the effort. Contact: Jacques Kamffouga jacqueskamffouga@yahoo.fr
Ghana: The “Resilient Ghana” package launched at COP28 focuses on advancing nature-based industrialisation and sustainable rural development; building an inclusive green economy; and scaling climate ambition. Resilient Ghana is under implementation with support from partners including technical assistance, investments in enterprises, and carbon credit offtake agreements; additional partners are welcome. Contact: Roselyn Adjei yafossy@yahoo.com; Isaac Abbah-Mensah paasegu@yahoo.com
Papua New Guinea (PNG): The PNG Country Package released at COP28 focuses on scaling up protected areas and conservation to cover 30% of land and marine areas; improving forest management, value chains, and governance of the forest sector; reinforcing long-term finance opportunities; supporting research and education; and monitoring. Initial implementation is underway with partners, and additional partners are welcome. Contact: Clement Brousse clement.brousse@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Republic of Congo (ROC): The ROC Country Package announced at COP28 focuses on supporting and expanding the protected areas network to cover 30% of terrestrial and marine areas; supporting the national National Afforestation and Reforestation Program; enhancing scientific knowledge on carbon sinks and biodiversity; and environmental education. Implementation with partner support has begun, and additional partners are welcome. Contact Serge Mombouli stmombouli@gmail.com
How to get involved
Interested host countries are welcome to work with potential partners to develop a Country Package. The FCLP can provide materials on best practices, lessons learned, support opportunities, and examples of financial and support tools that may be relevant to a Package.
Interested partners, whether government, private sector, philanthropy or multilateral, may contact the FCLP to identify potential opportunities and be connected with relevant host country governments;
All engaged Country Package stakeholders are invited to join the Country Package International Working Group (IWG), which shares updates on individual Packages, identify potential new support opportunities; identify high profile, high-leverage events; and develop knowledge products
For more information contact: secretariat@forestclimateleaders.org
Support for design and implementation
Host countries may turn to different sources for support for Package development. Notably, the USD 115m Seed Fund was established by France, Conservation International, the Moore Foundation, and the Walton Foundation to support both the design and implementation of Country Packages. Bilateral, multilateral, and civil society partners may also provide support for Package design.
A range of partners are providing the technical, financial, and diplomatic support; investment; and business partnerships necessary to implement these comprehensive frameworks. The most appropriate combination of partners will depend on the specific priorities and needs of each Country Package. The IWG has developed materials that assist host countries in identifying and reaching out to potential partners. Contact secretariat@forestclimateleaders.org for details.
