Key criteria for a dedicated instrument on biodiversity finance

Lim Li Ching, Third World Network - The resumed COP16 will largely focus on resource mobilization, discussions which were suspended in Cali, due to lack of quorum. The most contentious issue was about the establishment (or otherwise) of a dedicated global biodiversity fund.
Many developing countries called for a dedicated biodiversity fund, under the authority of the COP, in accordance with Ar;cle 21. The GEF is the interim financial mechanism, but there are issues that make it inequitable and difficult for developing countries and rights holders to access funds.
Criteria fundamental to the design of a dedicated instrument are...

PMRR is vital to advance – so let’s adopt the draft decisions

Friedrich Wulf, ProNatura, Switzerland - These decisions are vital and necessary in order to have a meaningful discussions at the next COP in 2026. This will be the moment where we will take stock and see how we are advancing towards achieving the targets of the KMGBF, where we are doing well and where more efforts are needed. In order to do this well, we not only need to have updated NBSAPs that reflect the KMGBF, we also need to have national reports based on a uniform monitoring system and an agreed and standardized review procedure. ...

Direct access to funding the custodians and stewards of biodiversity should be a priority

Heitor Dellasta, Global Youth Biodiversity Network - Limited progress in establishing new financial instruments and reforming the current financial mechanism remains a significant barrier to effectively implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. These discussions must go beyond mobilizing financial resources and focus on improving efficiency and equity in resource allocation while ensuring a more balanced and representative governance structure. ...

Financial drivers of biodiversity loss must be addressed for biodiversity finance to be effective

Nele Marien, Friends of the Earth International - Biodiversity destruction and human rights violations are deeply linked to corporate operations in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, mining, energy, and infrastructure. Banks and financial institutions fund these industries, making them key enablers of environmental and social harm—while also profiting significantly from them. ...