Imagine a world where agriculture not only feeds us but also heals the planet. That's the bold vision driving a groundbreaking initiative that's just secured a staggering $9 billion to transform agrifood systems globally. But here's where it gets controversial: can big business truly lead the charge in regenerating our landscapes while prioritizing profit? The COP Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes (AARL) believes so, and its latest announcement from Belém, Brazil, on November 15, 2025, is turning heads.
Since its launch at COP28, AARL—a collaboration between the COP28 Presidency, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and UN Climate Change High-Level Champions—has mobilized over $9 billion in investments. This funding aims to regenerate more than 210 million hectares of land, benefiting 12 million farmers across 110+ countries and 90+ commodities by 2030. It’s a massive leap forward, but the journey is far from over.
And this is the part most people miss: while the initiative has grown from 25 to over 40 participating organizations—including commodity traders, consumer goods companies, and financial institutions—the focus has shifted from sheer land coverage to the quality and maturity of programs. For instance, the share of large-scale initiatives (over 10,000 hectares) has jumped from 38% to 52%, and partnerships have deepened, with 40% of programs now involving three or more collaborators. Yet, despite this progress, data collection and reporting remain stubborn challenges. Only 38% of participants report on carbon outcomes, and even fewer track soil health, biodiversity, or farmer livelihoods. This raises a critical question: How can we ensure transparency and accountability in such a complex, global effort?
The AARL’s Guidebook for Landscape Investments offers a glimpse into what’s possible, showcasing 12 case studies of successful regeneration projects. These examples highlight the power of collaboration and holistic support systems for farmers. But as Dan Ioschpe, Climate High-Level Champion for COP30, notes, “Business leadership, when coupled with inclusive multi-stakeholder collaboration, is indispensable to unlocking the full potential of regenerative landscapes.”
This isn’t just about environmental benefits; it’s about creating a system that works for everyone. Nigar Arpadarai, Climate High-Level Champion for COP29, emphasizes, “This is not a solo journey; it is collective action in its fullest sense.” Yet, the $9 billion commitment raises eyebrows. Is this a genuine shift toward sustainability, or a greenwashing tactic? Diane Holdorf of WBCSD argues that this investment “demonstrates the scale of the transition underway in agriculture,” but skeptics wonder if it’s enough to de-risk the transition for smallholder farmers.
One of AARL’s most exciting developments is the Landscape Accelerator Brazil (LAB), launched at COP29 in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture. Focused on the Cerrado biome and Pará state in the Amazon, LAB reveals a $93 billion investment opportunity in restoring pastures and adopting regenerative practices across 50+ million hectares. With an average 19% internal rate of return for 610,000 farmers, this is a commercially viable solution—but only if risks are mitigated through blended finance.
In just one year, LAB has made strides in quantifying the business case, harmonizing measurement and reporting systems, and aligning policies to unlock private sector investment. By 2026, it aims to evolve into a co-investment platform, mobilizing $5 billion by 2030. But will this model work in other regions? AARL plans to replicate the accelerator blueprint, starting with India in 2026, and is calling for global collaborators—governments, businesses, financiers, and civil society—to join this ambitious effort.
As AARL aligns with initiatives like the UNCCD COP16 Riyadh Action Agenda and partners with the RAIZ accelerator, the question remains: Can this coalition truly deliver on its promises? And more importantly, will it prioritize the needs of farmers and ecosystems over corporate interests?
What do you think? Is AARL’s approach the future of sustainable agriculture, or does it fall short? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of our planet.
