The Impact of CTFs on Conservation Adriana Moreira, Head of the Partnerships Division at GEF, stated that GEF takes pride in having supported the establishment of key conservation institutions. “GEF has been the main funder and, I would say, the grandfather of all funds in the environmental sector since Rio 92. One of its most significant legacies has been the consolidation of these institutions, which have grown and contributed to strengthening the fabric of civil society organizations in their respective countries and regions,” she emphasized, highlighting the long-term impact of these efforts. Moreira explained that “GEF has been refining its approach, and recently, we have created a new partnership with Conservation Trust Funds globally. We are currently working with networks in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific to continue driving strategic initiatives.” She also emphasized that “CTFs have been fundamental as primary funders of conservation, not only in terms of resources but also in the institutional strengthening of the sector. The legacy of these funds is reflected in the support for existing institutions and the creation of new initiatives worldwide.” Finally, she highlighted how many of these institutions have evolved beyond their initial GEF funding. “Some of these funds have become GEF implementing agencies, while others have been executing partners in key projects across the 144 countries that GEF supports. This is an ever-evolving partnership, and our commitment is to continue strengthening it with a long-term vision,” Moreira concluded. Similarly, Renée González Montagut, Executive Director of the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature (FMCN), emphasized the importance of working together with governments and communities. “We have been collaborating with key stakeholders for 30 years to ensure the sustainability of protected areas in Mexico,” she stated. Over the years, FMCN has implemented technological tools to conduct detailed monitoring of its investments and the outcomes of funded programs. However, measuring conservation impact on ecosystems takes time. “The real impact is not immediate, and it is essential to have methodologies that, although innovative and costly, can be adapted to field realities, as we have experienced in collaborative projects with local communities,” she explained. Community-based monitoring, driven by the participation of local populations, has proven to be a key tool. “Once communities became involved, monitoring turned into a real celebration, and the data collected, although surprisingly reliable, also fostered a sense of local pride,” she added. A clear example of the success of this methodology is the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. “Since we started working with local communities, deforestation in the area has significantly decreased, and now we can see the central area of the reserve recovering,” González commented, highlighting that building a strong social network and ensuring continuous follow-up are essential for the long-term success of conservation projects. “If we had only funded the project for a few years, the results would have been a failure. Patience and sustained commitment to local communities are crucial to achieving real and lasting change,” she concluded.