Dushanbe Tajikistan, 3 June 2026 – The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Bridges Outcomes Partnerships (BOP) and World Vision Korea (WVK) during the 2026 Annual Thematic Dialogue, marking an important step in expanding partnerships for sustainable forestry, climate resilience, and innovative financing across Asia.
These partnerships will enhance AFoCO’s first blended finance flagship in Cambodia. The agreements come at a time when forests are increasingly recognized as essential to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development challenges. While the demand for investment in forest-based solutions continues to grow, many forestry and community-based initiatives still face significant barriers in accessing long-term financing and technical support.
Against this backdrop, AFoCO is strengthening collaboration with organizations that bring complementary expertise, networks, and resources to help translate promising ideas into scalable action.
Unlocking Innovative Finance for Forest and Climate Solutions
The first partnership, signed with BOP, focuses on exploring innovative financing approaches that can unlock greater investment for forestry and nature-based solutions. The collaboration will support the development of the RE-SOLVE Project in Cambodia, a community-led initiative in the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, while also exploring opportunities to replicate similar models across other AFoCO Member Countries.
Beyond individual projects, the partnership aims to advance outcomes-based and blended finance approaches that can help bridge the gap between development objectives and private investment. Through the exchange of knowledge, networks, and technical expertise, AFoCO and BOP will work together to build a stronger pipeline of high-integrity forestry and climate initiatives capable of attracting long-term capital.
Strengthening Community Resilience Through Sustainable Development
AFoCO also signed an MOU with WVK, bringing together the strengths of both organizations in forestry, community development, and climate resilience. Through this partnership, AFoCO and WVK will collaborate on initiatives that support vulnerable communities facing the impacts of climate change. Areas of cooperation include climate resilience and sustainable livelihood programs, technical cooperation in afforestation and forest management, and the exploration of co-financing and blended finance opportunities that can strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of development interventions.
While each partnership serves a distinct purpose, together they reflect a shared vision for the future of forest-based climate action.
Connecting Finance, Partnerships, and Local Action
These partnerships are expected to support AFoCO’s broader efforts to expand its role as a platform for collaboration among governments, development partners, investors, and local communities. By bringing together diverse actors and expertise, AFoCO aims to help create more enabling conditions for sustainable forestry investments and climate action across its Member Countries. Speaking at the signing ceremony, AFoCO Executive Director Chongho Park emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing increasingly complex climate and development challenges.
“Meaningful progress requires collaboration across sectors and institutions. Through these partnerships, AFoCO seeks to connect knowledge, finance, and implementation capacity to generate greater impact for forests and communities across the region.”
As climate risks continue to intensify and financing needs grow, AFoCO remains committed to developing practical partnerships that can help turn ambition into action. The agreements with BOP and WVK represent another step toward building more resilient landscapes, stronger communities, and sustainable pathways for forest-based climate solutions throughout Asia.
Contributed by Somin Oh, Task Force on Private Sector Engagement and Blended Finance