COP17: Nearly 200 Nations Meet in Armenia as Global Nature Goals Fall Behind

Nearly 200 countries are gathering in Armenia for critical United Nations negotiations on biodiversity as concerns grow over the slow progress towards global targets to protect nature by 2030.

The 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), taking place in Yerevan, aims to accelerate action on a landmark agreement adopted four years ago to halt and reverse the destruction of nature.

However, several targets remain off track, including the commitment to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land and oceans. Efforts to reduce harmful subsidies for fossil fuels and other industries have also made limited progress.

UN Calls for Urgent Action

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged that countries were not collectively making sufficient progress towards their commitments.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned that continued damage to nature threatens the planet’s future, calling for faster and more decisive action.

“Halfway to 2030, Yerevan is our moment of accountability,” Guterres said ahead of the formal negotiations, urging governments to assess whether their efforts were sufficient.

Funding Emerges as a Major Challenge

A UN assessment released ahead of the summit found that progress towards the agreement’s 23 biodiversity targets remained uneven and insufficient to meet the 2030 deadline.

Financing is expected to be a major point of discussion, as current funding falls short of the resources needed for conservation. Wealthy countries have also pushed for major emerging economies, including China, to contribute more towards biodiversity protection.

Negotiators are expected to explore ways to attract private investment and encourage businesses to contribute to conservation efforts, particularly in developing countries.

Focus on Implementation

Guterres criticised government spending on environmentally harmful activities, particularly fossil fuel subsidies, arguing that such support undermines efforts to protect biodiversity and address climate change.

Armenia is hosting thousands of delegates and visitors for one of the largest international events in its history. Organisers have emphasised that the summit’s success will depend on practical action rather than additional promises.

WWF International President Adil Najam echoed that message, saying the world already had a vision for protecting nature but needed to deliver on its commitments.

Channels Television, AFP