Closing Statement at COP16

“In the midst of a global nature and climate crisis, CBD COP16 marked the moment to translate ambition to transition. Two years after the historic adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework in Montreal we were expecting more ambitious action. Whilst we have welcomed announcements like the $60 million to protect Gabon’s forests and the $51.7 million for marine protected areas, it is clear significant shortfalls remain in funding nature’s recovery. We still see a finance gap of around $20 billion a year to support the 30 by 30 target, and at least $2.6 trillion of subsidies annually are harmful to nature. We are falling dangerously short of what’s needed to deliver a nature-positive future.

“Outside of the negotiation rooms and in the Nature Positive Pavilion we truly felt the power of collective action. Hundreds of NGOs, Indigenous representatives, businesses, governments, and civil society organizations united behind a clear mission to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. Businesses have historically had a significant impact on nature, but at COP16 we have seen them understanding that they can be a key contributor to achieving a nature-positive future.”

“The Nature Positive Initiative, backed by 27 of the world’s largest conservation organizations and almost 150 forum members, stands ready to accelerate implementation. Our consultation on standardized ‘State of Nature Metrics’ will carry on our work beyond the conference, providing a measurement framework to credibly report on progress towards nature-positive outcomes.”

“It’s time to embrace the transition to a nature-positive future, which will deliver resilient societies and economies, whilst respecting and preserving nature. We hope the presidency can find an effective time to conclude the deliberations, particularly on the most essential dimension of funding and financial flows.”