CFES (Community Forest Ecosystem Services)

About CFES
CFES is a network of civil society organizations that aims to enable Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to sustainably manage their natural forest resources. CFES has a proven mechanism to meet the needs of indigenous peoples and local communities and the public-private sector in meeting their social, biodiversity and climate commitments.

The proven CFES mechanism is built on experience, and designed for excellence in village/customary forests. CFES promotes FPIC and multi-stakeholder collaboration with tailored solutions, including performance-based Payments for Environmental Services (PES), community mentoring, and project governance.  

Performance-Based PES is given to IPLCs as an incentive for their conservation actions in protecting the forest. PES is used for patrolling, rehabilitation, especially assistance to marginalized communities and women's business groups. IPLC reports will trigger payments whenever they meet the mutually agreed PES requirements. This performance-based PES will ensure good governance between the government, private sector, and local communities as the key to the success of this initiative. Community welfare will improve, while commitments from stakeholders will be met.

CFES mentoring also helps IPLCs learn new skills. By providing training, resources, and technical support, CFES helps them better manage forest resources. Successful rehabilitation and conservation will not only help the ecosystem, but also benefit the communities involved.