Norway Pledges $64M to Brazil’s Amazon Fund After Record Deforestation Decline

Norway has announced a donation of approximately $64 million (350 million Brazilian reais) to Brazil's Amazon Fund following a record decline in deforestation in the world's largest tropical rainforest. Announced on 9 November 2026 during the COP31 climate summit in Türkiye, the contribution recognizes Brazil's progress in forest conservation and reinforces the countries' longstanding environmental partnership. Norway remains the fund's largest donor, having contributed approximately 3.8 billion reais since its establishment in 2008.

 

According to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell to 3,335 square kilometers between August 2025 and July 2026, the lowest annual level since satellite monitoring began in 1988. The figure represents a 41.8% reduction from the previous reporting period, while deforestation has declined by approximately 71% since 2023. The results reflect progress towards Brazil's objective of eliminating illegal deforestation by 2030.

 

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The Amazon Fund, managed by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), finances projects that support forest conservation, environmental monitoring, sustainable economic activities, and preventing illegal deforestation. Norway's latest commitment, equivalent to 600 million Norwegian kroner, is linked to verified reductions in forest loss. The funds are expected to be transferred by the end of 2026, subject to final verification of the results. With the additional contribution, cumulative donations to the fund are expected to reach approximately 5.64 billion reais.

 

Norwegian Climate and Environment Minister Sigrun Aasland said, "Brazil's results are impressive and important not just for the country, but for the whole world," highlighting the international significance of protecting the Amazon rainforest. Other contributors to the fund include Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Switzerland, Japan and Ireland.

 

The announcement coincides with COP31 discussions on climate finance and forest protection, as developing countries seek greater international funding to conserve ecosystems and reduce emissions from land-use change. Norway's contribution follows a results-based financing approach that rewards demonstrated reductions in deforestation. However, continued progress will depend on sustained enforcement, monitoring, and investment in forest conservation across Brazil.