Countries are largely missing out on a key strategy to fight climate change. While mounting evidence showcases the emissions-reduction benefits of well-managed Indigenous and community lands, few countries actually set targets to protect these lands in their initial national climate plans in 2015 (known as “Nationally Determined Contributions,” or NDCs). As countries submit new NDCs this year as part of the international Paris Climate Agreement, helping Indigenous Peoples and other local communities protect and manage their lands should be high on the agenda.