CFES originates from a network of civil society organizations aiming to empower Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to sustainably manage their natural forest resources. CFES has a proven mechanism that meets the needs of indigenous peoples and local communities, as well as the public-private sectors, in fulfilling their social, biodiversity, and climate commitments.

The proven CFES mechanism is built on experience and designed to achieve excellence in managing village and customary forests. CFES promotes Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and multi-stakeholder collaboration with solutions tailored to specific needs, including performance-based Environmental Services Payments (PES), community facilitation, and project governance.

Performance-Based PES is provided to IPLCs as an incentive for their conservation actions in protecting forests. PES funds are used for patrols, rehabilitation, and especially support for marginalized communities and women’s business groups. IPLC reports trigger payments whenever they meet the jointly agreed PES requirements. This performance-based PES ensures good governance among government, private sector, and local communities as the key to the initiative’s success. Community welfare improves while stakeholders’ commitments are fulfilled.

CFES facilitation also helps IPLCs acquire new skills. By providing training, resources, and technical support, CFES assists them in better managing forest resources. Successful rehabilitation and conservation efforts not only benefit ecosystems but also bring advantages to the involved communities.