When communities lead, forests thrive.

Kawari funds the rights, capacity, and governance structures that make forest carbon markets high integrity — ensuring Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities lead the initiatives taking place on their lands.

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Our 2025 Impact Report is here.

In 2025, Kawari deployed $1.9 million across 12 countries — with 73% going directly to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. From landmark court rulings in Kenya to revised benefit-sharing agreements in Indonesia, see what that investment made possible.
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Our impact, by the numbers

From the Amazon to East Kalimantan, Kawari is funding the rights and capacity that make forest carbon markets credible.

  • 36%

    of the world's remaining forests are stewarded by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

  • 3+ million

    in targeted grants to promote and secure their rights in forest carbon markets

  • 12 countries

    where Kawari has made grants, across three continents

  • 25 jurisdictions

    with forest carbon finance initiatives supported

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The carbon market needs a trusted, independent voice for Indigenous rights.

Kawari exists to be that voice — channelling funds across five focus areas that together build the rights, capacity, and governance structures that high-integrity carbon markets depend on.

  • Rights

    Integrating safeguard requirements in the design of forest carbon initiatives

  • Engagement

    Supporting the meaningful participation and self-determination of communities

  • Capacity

    Enhancing skills to navigate complex carbon markets

  • Governance

    Creating enabling conditions for rights-based forest carbon programs

  • Collaboration

    Bridging communities and jurisdictional governments

The meaning behind the name Kawari

In the Inga language of southern Colombia, kawari means a panoramic view of the forest — a sweeping perspective that holds the whole landscape in sight at once. It is this spirit that guides the fund: bringing together communities, governments, and markets in a way that is holistic, rights-based, and inclusive.