Local communities, smallholders and indigenous peoples play an essential role in the sustainable management of land and forests and, as such, in mitigating and adapting to climate change. They are the guardians of approximately one-third of the world’s forests and have customary rights over a large proportion of forest lands to be managed, conserved and/or restored. The unique role that local communities, smallholders and indigenous peoples play in addressing and responding to climate change is acknowledged in the international climate arena, including in the Paris Agreement, in REDD+ processes and safeguards, and in financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund.