Global biodiversity talks resume with funding challenges at the forefront
An international summit in Rome is set to finalize biodiversity funding plans after previous talks ran out of time, with financial shortfalls threatening conservation goals.
Steven Grattan reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The COP16 biodiversity conference has resumed in Rome this week after discussions in Colombia last year ended before reaching agreements on funding and implementation.
- Countries have pledged just $383 million toward a goal of $20 billion annually by 2025 to support conservation efforts worldwide.
- Leaders will debate creating a global biodiversity financing mechanism to fairly distribute funds and seek new financial commitments.
Key quote:
“We are completely off track in terms of achieving that money.”
— Oscar Soria, chief executive of The Common Initiative
Why this matters:
Biodiversity loss is unfolding at an alarming rate, with consequences that extend far beyond the natural world. The ecosystems that support food production, provide clean water, and help regulate the climate are under increasing pressure, driven by deforestation, habitat destruction, and a warming planet. Scientists warn that species are disappearing faster than at any time since the last mass extinction event, largely due to human activity.
Despite international pledges to combat this crisis, funding for conservation remains woefully inadequate. The gap between promises and action is stark, leaving many of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems exposed to further degradation. The ripple effects of biodiversity loss are already evident — threatening agriculture, fisheries, and the livelihoods of millions who rely on nature’s services.
