GOVERNORS’ CLIMATE & FORESTS TASK FORCE

Protecting forests, reducing emissions, and enhancing livelihoods across 1/3 of the world’s tropical forests

Reconnecting with Former Gov. Schwarzenegger

The Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCFTF) is honored to have co-hosted a dialogue on July 25, 2025 between former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and GCFTF Governors from Brazil to discuss the critical importance of subnational leadership and action on forests, climate, and sustainable development. Many thanks to our co-hosts BH26 and XP Inc. for ensuring this meeting could come together! The GCF Task Force was born out of the leadership of then-Governor Schwarzenegger in California, together with 9 other Governors from the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia. Today, the Task Force is going strong with 45 member states and provinces from 11 countries, and is working hard to advance a New Forest Economy together with Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, the public and private sector, and other partners, including in the lead up to COP30!

Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force at Work

Zamora Chinchipe model for jurisdictional REDD+

Zamora Chinchipe model for jurisdictional REDD+

In March of this year, the province of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, developed an inclusive model for the conservation and sustainable management of its forests, the second REDD+ Jurisdictional Plan in Ecuador after Pastaza. Both provinces are key members of the...

Advancing solutions for people and the planet in 45 states and provinces across 11 countries

Empowering Governors and civil servants

to lead on the forest and climate agenda in national, regional, and international forums.

Connecting members and partners

to support implementation, learning, and exchange.

Unlocking funding and finance

opportunities to implement jurisdictional strategies and investment plans.

Tracking impact and performance

toward climate commitment implementation across our member states and provinces.

The parts of the Amazon that are not protected by law are protected by the attitudes, passion and initiatives of the local communities… In spite of our seasonal extremes, growing levels of deforestation and increasing wildfires, there is a commitment to mobilize and show the world infinitely greater results.”

—Former Governor Waldez Goés of Amapá, Brazil

Jurisdictional Strategies & Investment Plans

From 2017 to 2020, 38 of our tropical forest member states and provinces developed and updated jurisdictional strategies and investment plans for REDD+ and low-emissions development with the support of the Government of Norway, UNDP, and implementing partners.

Annual Meeting

Bringing together high-level government officials, network partners, private sector companies, civil society organizations, researchers, and Indigenous Peoples and local communities to connect and collaborate on joint initiatives to advance our common goals of protecting forests and reducing emissions.