WWF urges countries to restore faith in global biodiversity goals at resumed COP16 meeting in Rome

WWF warns that if countries heading to Rome for the resumed UN biodiversity conference (COP16.2) cannot agree on a way forward on finance, it will be a major setback for the Global Biodiversity Framework, with critical fundraising efforts hampered to implement the targets – just five years away from the deadline.

Taking place from February 25 to 27 in Rome, the meeting will focus on critical areas left unresolved in Colombia during the first part of COP16. The negotiations were suspended after a marathon closing plenary, which was ultimately halted by COP16 President Susana Muhamad, due to not having enough delegates remaining in the room to reach decisions. 

The discussions in Rome need to adopt a resource mobilisation strategy for 2025 to 2030 to ensure timely and equitable funding for implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. The main sticking point on finance to date, has been whether to establish a new dedicated fund under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)*. WWF hopes that parties will find a constructive solution for the design of a future financial mechanism for the CBD; establishing this instrument in Rome but continuing conversations between now and 2030 to decide on the exact modalities. Importantly, keeping all options on the table and recognising the important role of the Global Environment Facility. 

“The Global Biodiversity Framework is more than just a set of aspirations – it’s our blueprint for a more sustainable and equitable future – one that prioritises nature’s integral value to our everyday lives. We cannot afford to let this slip through our fingers. The last thing the world needs right now is more roadblocks stunting the critical progress needed on global environmental commitments,” says Kirsten Schuijt, WWF International’s Director General. 

“Countries must come to Rome committed to having constructive dialogues and with a genuine political will to find the best way forward on finance. Biodiversity loss will have far-reaching consequences that humanity is yet to even fully grasp. Countries have no option but to work together to lay a strong, just, and well-resourced path to reaching our shared biodiversity goals, because the road to 2030 must be built together – or we risk never reaching it at all,” adds Schuijt.

In 2025, over 900 global leaders from business, governments, academia and civil society ranked biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse among the top four most severe global risks for economies, societies and the environment over the next decade. Meanwhile, WWF’s Living Planet Report 2024 showed that vertebrate wildlife populations have plummeted on average by 73% since 1970, and climate change continues to devastate communities, and place increasing pressure on nature.

“All roads may lead to Rome – but if we’re serious about reaching the 2030 nature goals, there’s going to be some significant potholes that need to be filled along the way,” adds Guido Broekhoven, WWF’s Global Head of Policy Research & Development. “At least US$20 billion per year was promised to developing countries by 2025, as well as action on identifying and redirecting US$500 billion in harmful subsidies to nature. Crucial to all funding is ensuring Indigenous Peoples and local communities receive direct access to funds to continue their role as custodians of the world’s biodiversity. We’re already in 2025 – these commitments must be honoured.”

Ensuring Indigenous Peoples and local communities are at the heart of Global Biodiversity Framework implementation is not only emphasised under Target 22, but it is also a priority for COP16 President Susana Muhamad, together with the recognition of Afrodescendants. Despite her recent resignation as Colombia’s Environment Minister, following a cabinet reshuffle, Muhamad is expected to retain her position as COP16 President throughout Rome. 

“The COP16 Presidency has demonstrated leadership, ambition, and a strong commitment to building consensus. As COP16 concludes in Rome, it must deliver concrete decisions on financing and complete arrangements for monitoring. We are at a defining moment and parties must show continued commitment to collaborate to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework. There is no time to wait: action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 must happen now,” adds Sandra Valenzuela, WWF Colombia’s CEO.

During COP16 in Colombia, Muhamad helped secure agreements on several key initiatives, including: the establishment of a new “Cali Fund” – expected to launch in Rome – mobilising financing from companies using digital sequence information from genetic resources; the creation of a Subsidiary Body for Indigenous Peoples and local communities; and a long-awaited decision on procedures to describe Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas in the oceans. However several other important agreements remain stalled due to the finance-related deadlock. This includes: finalising monitoring indicators to track how key sectors are integrating or ‘mainstreaming’ biodiversity; establishing a process to increase ambition at COP17 after the Global Review on progress; and defining how the UN Convention on Biological Diversity collaborates with other multi-lateral agreements and institutions.

[ENDS]

Notes 
*In Rome, Parties must:
- Establish a financing instrument to support funding beyond 2030
- Find a constructive solution to the design of this instrument, keeping all options on the table, and with an agreed process to finalise this before 2030
- Adopt a clear and comprehensive resource mobilisation strategy for the GBF
- Agree on an assessment of the effectiveness of the Global Environment Facility

Find further details in WWF’s position paper on COP16.2 here.
Review WWF’s latest analysis of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) submitted from countries and regions, on WWF’s NBSAP Tracker.
COP16.2 is taking place from 25-27th February in Rome at the UN FAO headquarters. More information can be found at the UN CBD website: https://www.cbd.int/ 

About WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)
WWF is an independent conservation organization, with over 30 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. 

WWF Italy’s public activation at the historical centre of Rome on 21 February, ahead of COP16.2.

© WWF Italy