Small wins were reported at global biodiversity talks in Rome as delegates agreed on a framework for monitoring environmental commitments and other measures despite the absence of the US, which has long been a key player in these negotiations.
The talks focused on addressing unprecedented global biodiversity losses driven by human activity. Delegates from over 100 countries gathered to discuss measures to support nature, including a plan to mobilize $200 billion a year by 2030 for nature funding.
Developing countries argued that a new fund was needed to address unequal access to multilateral money, while donor countries opposed it due to concerns over cost and management. After intense negotiations, delegates agreed on a process to decide whether the fund would be created.
The talks also approved a framework for monitoring nations’ progress on biodiversity commitments made in Montreal in 2022, which include conserving 30 percent of the world’s land and water.
“We now have a roadmap to secure the finances required to avert the biodiversity crisis,” said Martin Harper, chief executive of BirdLife International. “These crucial steps must now be backed up with real money from developed nations.”
The US was conspicuously absent from the talks, sparking concerns over its role in global biodiversity negotiations. Cuts to biodiversity funding have been announced under the Trump administration, and other streams are at risk.
Despite these challenges, delegates made progress on a range of issues, including the launch of an international dialogue between environment and finance ministers from developed and developing countries.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/climate/cop16-biodiversity-rome.html