India, July 6 -- More biodiversity finance is beginning to reach Indigenous Peoples and local communities, but experts say control over how the money is spent remains the central question.

At recent GEF meetings in Samarkand, nearly 39% of new biodiversity funding went to IPLC-led projects, marking a shift in conservation finance.

Dr June Rubis, an Indigenous representative on the Cali Fund Steering Committee, says direct access to funding is essential if communities are to set their own priorities.

The Cali Fund has committed 50% of its resources to IPLC-identified priorities, but company contributions remain voluntary and the system is still in its early stages.

More international biodiversity funding is starting to reach Indigenous...