COP17 concludes in Yerevan

The 17th World Conference on Biodiversity (COP17) ended in Yerevan, Armenia, with international recognition of the need to speed up efforts to meet biodiversity goals by 2030, but key decisions on funding were postponed.

Key topics and limited progress

The conference saw major statements and minor advances, including calls to "accelerate" the implementation of targets to halt species extinction by 2030. However, discussions were hindered by disagreements, especially regarding funding.

Kunming-Montreal targets face challenges

In 2022, the Kunming-Montreal agreement set 23 biodiversity targets for 2030. A mid-term review at COP17 found that most of these targets are unlikely to be met unless global efforts are significantly increased.

Calls for more ambition

Monique Barbut, the minister of ecological transition, expressed disappointment with the lack of ambition in the final agreement and noted that some delegations challenged scientific evidence. She emphasized the need for stronger collective action.

Protecting 30% of land and sea

One of the most important goals of the Kunming-Montreal agreement is to protect 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030. Current commitments would only reach 27% of land and 12% of seas by that year, according to estimates.

Ecosystem restoration efforts

Another key target is the restoration of 30% of damaged ecosystems by 2030. A UN report noted that 252 million hectares were being restored in 2026, but achieving the 30% target would require tripling current efforts and increasing funding fourfold.

Funding remains a major obstacle

Despite promises of 200 billion dollars per year by 2030 to support biodiversity efforts, only about 80 billion dollars are currently available. Developed countries are reluctant to create new funding mechanisms, while developing nations demand more support.

Expanding the list of contributing countries

Only 25 countries are currently required to support biodiversity in developing nations. Efforts to expand this list have met resistance from emerging economies. A compromise was reached allowing non-contributing countries to voluntarily inform the secretariat.

Biopiracy and the Cali fund

Companies have long exploited genetic resources in developing countries, a practice known as "biopiracy." A fund created at COP16 to address this issue has only received minimal support so far. A new compromise aims to make the fund more attractive to companies.

France's commitment to reduce harmful subsidies

France announced a plan to reduce harmful subsidies to biodiversity by 16% by 2030, estimated at 11.2 billion euros in 2025. This aligns with global goals to cut harmful incentives to biodiversity by 500 billion dollars annually by 2030.

COP18 to be held in Ecuador

COP18 will take place in 2028 in Ecuador. The conference will focus on long-postponed funding issues and other biodiversity challenges. The international community will need to address these matters in Quito.