Why climate actions and finance must work for communities and the planet

My vision for climate action is a world where science, policy and local knowledge converge to create sustainable, resilient landscapes.

As world leaders prepare for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, questions loom about how to fund effective and equitable climate action, particularly in countries where forest governance is fragile and land rights remain unclear.

For Beria Leimona, newly appointed theme leader for Climate Change, Energy and Low Carbon Development at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), the answer lies not just in global finance flows but in how those funds translate on the ground.

Leimona, a seasoned expert in ecosystem services and sustainable finance, has spent over two decades leading action research across Asia. In this interview, she shares why landscape-scale solutions, inclusive finance strategies, and policy reforms that reflect local knowledge will make or break the global climate response.

Q: You recently stepped into your new role at CIFOR-ICRAF. What drew you to this position, and what excites you most about it?

A: What motivates me is seeing how science can create real-world impact—when communities take up innovations, adapt them to their context, and scale them on their own terms. That’s when science becomes transformation.

At CIFOR-ICRAF, we work directly with local actors, co-developing solutions that are rooted in evidence but responsive to local needs. That combination is what excites me—science that doesn’t stay on paper, but shapes policy and supports people on the ground.

Q: You’ve spent more than 20 years working on climate and environmental issues. What has shaped your approach the most?

A: Much of my work has focused on designing payment for ecosystem services (PES) systems in challenging, real-life conditions, where governance is weak, land tenure is uncertain, and data are limited. These are complex settings, but also where the most urgent work is needed.

What drives me is finding ways to make these systems not only efficient but also fair to smallholders, who are often the key stewards of our landscapes. That means developing incentive mechanisms that reflect real-world conditions and are viable in the long term, both ecologically and economically.

Q: What role do you see CIFOR-ICRAF playing in the global response to climate change, particularly regarding forests?

A: Forests and agroforestry systems are central to any effective climate strategy. At CIFOR-ICRAF, we focus on advancing nature-based solutions that reduce emissions, build resilience and support livelihoods.

We work with governments, businesses and communities to develop inclusive investment strategies—ones that ensure vulnerable groups, women and Indigenous Peoples are not left behind. Our science helps inform policies that make climate finance smarter, greener, and more equitable.

Q: COP30 will take place in Belém, Brazil, in the heart of the Amazon. What makes this moment significant?

A: It’s hugely symbolic—and strategic. Hosting COP30 in the Amazon puts a spotlight on forest-rich countries and the global importance of their ecosystems. But symbolism isn’t enough.

We’re facing a geopolitical landscape where short-term interests often override sustainability. As the UNEP has pointed out, nearly US$7 trillion a year still flows into nature-harming activities. At COP30, CIFOR-ICRAF will advocate for stronger investment in nature-based solutions and policies that foster a meaningful shift toward long-term resilience and equity.

Q: What are some of the most pressing challenges in addressing climate change today?

A: One of the biggest is the underfunding of climate action, especially when it comes to locally driven solutions. Even when funding is available, it often doesn’t align with local priorities, or simply doesn’t reach the ground.

Another challenge is that climate change is not uniform. Each region faces different risks, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We need landscape-scale approaches that integrate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity, and that reflect the lived realities of the people managing those landscapes.

Q: What kinds of solutions give you hope?

A: I believe in integrated approaches—solutions that combine science, policy, and local knowledge. We’re seeing success where communities co-develop climate actions that they can adapt and own.

Also, I’m encouraged by the growing momentum around greening finance—not just increasing it, but making it more effective. When policies create the right incentives, when governments provide the right frameworks and when communities are empowered to act, we see a scalable and lasting impact.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for climate action?

A: My vision is a world where science, policy, and local action work together to create resilient, sustainable landscapes. We need to move beyond siloed thinking and embrace solutions that tackle climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods together.

That means putting biodiversity and climate targets into law, designing clear implementation strategies, and mobilizing both public and private investment in ways that are inclusive and accountable. Governments must lead, but communities and businesses must be empowered to act.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to share as COP30 approaches?

A: The climate crisis is intensifying and we are running out of time. But we also have solutions that work—solutions rooted in forests, in agroforestry, and in the knowledge of the people who live closest to nature.

At CIFOR-ICRAF, we’re committed to turning science into action. That means working across disciplines, investing in local leadership and ensuring that finance serves the people and ecosystems that need it most. This is the path to a just, green transition—and we need to walk it together.