University of Bath social policy researchers are partnering with climate change charity, Cool Earth, to analyse the results from the world’s first basic income pilot for Indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest.

The study will look at data gathered during the pilot in Peru, involving three Indigenous communities and 211 people in the Asháninka region. They received a basic income in the form of cash transfers to spend as they liked during the two-year project.

Dr Neil Howard, Reader in Bath’s Department of Social & Policy Sciences and a member of the Centre for Development Studies, said: “This is the world’s first ever basic income pilot with indigenous communities, looking at whether and how basic income might support social, economic, and ecological resilience. It is incredibly exciting.

“At a time of intensifying economic and ecological crisis, we need bold, imaginative policies that promote security and sustainability, and this research will help tell us what role basic income might play in that effort.”

Nick Langridge, a postgraduate research student, added: “A focus on environmental and ecological questions has long been lacking within empirical UBI research. This pilot takes an important and exciting step towards filling this gap.”

Cool Earth co-developed the basic income pilot with two all-female Indigenous-led organisations; the National Organisation of Andean and Amazonian Indigenous Women of Peru (Onamiap), and the Organisation for Indigenous Women of the Central Selva of Peru (Omiaasec). The aim was to develop a programme that meets people’s needs in the fairest way possible and in the longer term stop deforestation in the region.

If successful, the intention is for the model to be replicated and scaled, becoming a powerful financing mechanism to build indigenous people resilience, support conservation efforts and fight the climate crisis.

The first cash transfer was made in November 2023. Throughout the pilot a total of 211 people each received the equivalent of about £2 a day, or about £58 a month. The three communities were chosen because they were known to have an interest in conservation and reforestation. But each individual who received the money was free to spend it however they chose.

Isabel Felandro, Head of Programmes at Cool Earth adds: “At COP30, we saw a significant push for direct and flexible funding for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

“This is why we are delighted that the University of Bath is conducting an independent evaluation of our pilot, essential to build evidence that when Indigenous peoples have the resources they need, and when their self-determination and governance are respected, forests remain standing.

“The University of Bath’s research will help refine our work and, and, importantly, contribute to a broader understanding of how direct and flexible finance for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities can be a transformative tool that delivers real results for people, rainforest, and climate.”

The results are set to be released by the University and Cool Earth in early 2026. Cool Earth hopes the pilot will inspire others to replicate the model and establish basic income programmes for rainforest communities around the world.