Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would extend a program that helps protect tropical forests and coral reefs around the world. It sets aside $20 million each year starting in 2028 and running through 2032, totaling $100 million in funding for these environmental efforts.
• The program uses a "debt-for-nature" system. This allows the U.S. to forgive some of the money that developing countries owe us if those countries promise to use that money to protect their own local forests and reefs instead of paying back the debt.
• Protecting these areas is important because they are home to many of the world's plants and animals. Healthy forests and reefs also help regulate the global climate and support the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on them for food and tourism.
• This is a bipartisan effort led by Coons and Tillis. By continuing this program, the U.S. can help other nations manage their debt while also making progress on global conservation goals without requiring massive new spending.

Impact Analysis

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