A hard-won compromise on nature finance has brought world leaders together after marathon negotiations in Rome, but many questions remain unanswered. The agreement outlines a roadmap for nature finance, including the creation of a new fund to distribute money and significant issues like subsidies and pollution have been kicked down the road.
Scientists warn that action is urgent, as a million species are threatened with extinction, while unsustainable farming and consumption destroy forests, deplete soils, and spread plastic pollution. Despite some wins, the lack of ambition on environmental targets has raised concerns from developing countries.
The deal comes after two years since a landmark agreement to slow nature destruction and protect 30% of land and seas. The new fund is expected to be worth $200 billion by 2030, with wealthy countries committing to deliver $30 billion annually to poorer nations.
However, the deadline has been missed, and concerns remain that wealthy countries are not doing enough to meet their targets. The agreement sets out two main strands of action: finding extra funding for biodiversity and deciding on institutions to deliver it.
Key points from the deal include:
– Agreement to agree on a new fund to distribute nature finance
– Roadmap to raise money, including exploring new forms of finance
– International dialogue between ministers of finance and environment to ensure finance is not siloed
– Monitoring progress at Cop17 in 2026
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/28/cop-16-climate-nature-funding-agreement