COP16 Reaches Fragile Agreement on Biodiversity Funding

Global delegates agree on a five-year plan to protect nature but defer critical financial decisions to 2028.

Countries at COP16 in Rome narrowly avoided deadlock, adopting a five-year plan to finance biodiversity conservation efforts.
The agreement builds on the Kunming-Montréal Accord's ambitious goals, including protecting 30% of land and seas by 2030.
Key financial decisions, including the creation of a new biodiversity fund, were postponed until COP18 in 2028.
Developing nations pushed for a dedicated fund, citing challenges with existing mechanisms, while wealthier nations resisted new structures.
The plan aims to mobilize $200 billion annually by 2030, with $30 billion earmarked for developing countries, doubling current contributions.