A UN report released ahead of COP17 says developed countries have not come close to closing the $200 billion annual biodiversity finance gap. Between 2020 and 2023, countries mobilized a cumulative $186.4 billion, which works out to less than $50 billion per year. The report also says the $20 billion per year public finance milestone by 2025 was likely missed, and that a flagship private sector fund received only $6,000 from companies. Country plans are also not on track to meet the 2030 goal of protecting 30% of land and marine ecosystems. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said current commitments would protect only 26% of land and 12% of marine ecosystems by 2030. The report warns that overshooting 1.5C would increase risks like forest diebacks, tying biodiversity loss directly to climate policy. COP17 starts in Yerevan on 19 October. WWF and UNEP are pushing for implementation over new promises, with UNEP noting that for every dollar invested in nature, $30 is still spent on activities that destroy it. The core question at the talks will be whether finance commitments turn into delivery mechanisms that actually protect ecosystems.
