YEREVAN (November 3, 2026) — The UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17) concluded with countries agreeing on a plan to speed up efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The plan, known as the Yerevan Pathway, follows the first global review of progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which found the world is off track to meet its 2030 targets. COP17 also adopted decisions on protected areas, marine and forest biodiversity, sustainable wildlife management, and invasive species, among others. Countries agreed on the Sevan Guidelines, which aim to strengthen the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity decisions. However, major challenges remain in securing funding and putting commitments into practice. Following is a statement from Tom Pickerell, Global Director, Ocean Program, World Resources Institute:’In an increasingly polarized world, countries finding common ground on protecting nature is no small feat. But COP17 also exposed just how far behind we are on our biodiversity goals. Healthy ecosystems provide the food we eat, the water we drink and help keep our climate stable. With just four years until 2030, countries must fundamentally rethink how they build economic prosperity — by revitalizing nature, not exploiting it.’Finance remains a major sticking point. New funding announcements are a step forward, but nowhere near what’s needed. Countries must build on COP17’s push to reform harmful subsidies, mobilize more finance and ensure funding reaches those who need it most. Countries reaffirmed their support for the Cali Fund yet the fund remains virtually empty: companies that benefit from nature’s genetic data must start paying in so the communities who have safeguarded biodiversity for generations can share the benefits.’Fully closing this finance gap will require reshaping the conditions that determine what gets financed — so that nature’s economic value is brought into budgets and financial decision-making.’COP17’s recognition that the ocean has been overlooked for too long is an important step forward. Countries need to move from siloed measures to a more integrated approach to protecting and sustainably managing the ocean. Some called for stronger policy coordination, scientific cooperation and more funding, but stopped short of new legally binding commitments. Sustainable Ocean Plans offer a practical way for countries to make progress nonetheless, bringing ocean protection, economic development and coastal livelihoods under one integrated approach.’The agreement on how the new permanent body for Indigenous Peoples and local communities will operate – officially named the ‘Sevan Guidelines’ – is an important achievement. These communities have long been on the front lines of protecting nature. Respecting their rights means giving them a meaningful role in decisions about how their lands and resources are managed.’