A swan builds a nest from plastic waste on the Danube, highlighting environmental concerns as COP17 addresses global biodiversity targets and challenges.
Swan builds nest from plastic waste
A swan built a nest from plastic waste on the shore of the Danube near Belgrade, Serbia, on April 18, 2022, highlighting the growing issue of plastic pollution in natural environments. COP17 biodiversity conference in Armenia
The 17th Conference of the Parties on biodiversity, known as COP17, is scheduled to take place from October 19 to 30 in Armenia, where representatives from 196 countries and the European Union will gather to assess progress on the Kunming-Montreal agreement. Kunming-Montreal agreement targets
The Kunming-Montreal agreement, reached during COP15 in 2020, includes ambitious goals such as protecting 30% of lands and oceans by 2030 and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by the same year. Importance of multilateralism in biodiversity talks
Sébastien Treyer, director of the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (Iddri), emphasizes that this conference is crucial in a world where multilateralism is under pressure, as global cooperation is needed to meet environmental goals. Challenges in measuring progress
Juliette Landry, a researcher at Iddri, notes that this COP must evaluate progress since the Kunming-Montreal agreement, as countries made commitments with a 2030 deadline, but measuring this progress is challenging. Disparities in progress reporting
Jean-Christophe Avarre, director of the ecology and biodiversity department at the French Institute for Development Research (IRD), points out that there are large differences in countries’ ability to prepare reports on their progress, with some finding it difficult to provide accurate assessments. Focus on implementation over new commitments
Clément Hélary, a campaigner for forests at Greenpeace France, says this COP will focus on implementation rather than making new commitments, with financing being a central issue due to the high costs of conservation efforts. Financing challenges for conservation
At the Montreal meeting, states had agreed on a budget of 200 billion dollars per year for conservation, but current funding is far below this target. New contributors, such as oil-rich nations, and private funding through biodiversity credits are being considered as potential solutions. Recognition of indigenous communities
The recognition of indigenous peoples and local communities in conservation policies is a hot topic, as these groups play a key role in protecting nature but are often excluded from decision-making. Progress was made at COP16 under Colombia’s leadership, but turning this into concrete action remains a challenge. Legal issues with genetic resources
The use of plant genetic resources by industries such as seed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic companies is a topic of discussion, as these resources are often preserved in countries of the Global South. A legal gap exists regarding the fair distribution of profits, and a fund created in 2024 has so far only received 6,000 dollars. Moderate optimism about COP17 outcomes
Experts express moderate optimism about the outcome of the discussions, noting a small but reasonable chance of reaching a common political signal, though challenges remain in aligning diverse interests and commitments. France's progress and ongoing challenges
France, represented by Barbara Pompili and expected to have Monique Barbut present, has made significant progress in protected marine and coastal areas since 2020, but many of these areas are still affected by industrial fishing, tourism, and pollution. Biodiversity status remains concerning
Despite government announcements, the state of biodiversity is not improving significantly, with France’s national strategy on biodiversity lagging and the restoration plan failing to meet expectations.
