Overview

CFI is based in California, USA. We have a small HQ and focus on building up local staff in the areas where we work.

Background

CFI projects support forest dependent communities as sustainable managers of the world’s forest ecosystems. Founded in 1999, CFI empowers forest communities through legal, institutional, technical and financial strategies at the village, national, and global level. With the advent of recent carbon trading markets that provide financial incentives for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD), CFI is involved with helping to support community-based REDD projects to alleviate poverty and increase greater sustainability of forest resources. Working collaboratively with villagers, technical organizations, local and national governments, scientists, policy makers and donors, CFI creates innovative partnerships to design, field test, and implement innovative community forest management systems, replicate them to other sites and use the learning and experience to inform national and international policies. CFI views community forest stewardship as an important approach to stabilizing the earth’s natural forests, adapting to change in climate, and providing important environmental services.

Mission

CFI supports local communities and indigenous peoples in Asia more sustainably manage their forests...good governance, capacity building, SHG micro-finance, empowering women, forest management, and poverty alleviation through livelihood projects.