FfB Foundation unveils Key Policy Asks as COP16 resumes in Rome this week
The Finance for Biodiversity Foundation’s Public Policy Advocacy Working Group has reconvened ahead of the resumed COP16 negotiations running from February 25 – 27, 2025 in Rome, setting the stage with a series of bold policy recommendations aimed at aligning global financial flows with biodiversity goals. These proposals are central to achieving the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
“The resumed session in Rome presents a pivotal moment for biodiversity finance. Governments, financial institutions, and other stakeholders must come together to ensure that the goals and targets of the GBF are not just promises but rather a roadmap to a sustainable future”, said Sonya Likthman (Federated Hermes Limited), co-chair of the Public Policy Advocacy working group, in an opinion piece last week.
Urgent Call for Financial Transformation
As discussions restart at COP16 2.0, the Foundation is urging governments to take immediate and decisive action by creating the necessary incentives, policies, and regulations to shift financial systems toward nature-positive outcomes. The group’s key messages stress that realigning financial flows is critical for closing the significant nature funding gap.
Members of the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation’s Public Policy Advocacy working group have drafted proposed text for inclusion in the Resource Mobilisation Strategy to specifically address these challenges and maximise the impact that private finance can have on addressing nature-related risks and opportunities.
Policy Asks on the Table
The Foundation’s policy proposals include:
1. Adopt a Resource Mobilisation Strategy: A comprehensive strategy outlining concrete actions to align financial flows with biodiversity goals. This includes addressing Goal D and Target 14 of the GBF, with the aim of closing the nature funding gap (Target 19) and harnessing the potential of private finance.
2. Establish a Comprehensive Monitoring Framework: Developing a robust framework with meaningful indicators to ensure accountability. This framework would track government progress on implementing GBF targets and establish nature-related disclosure requirements.
3. Redirect Financial Flows for a Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Economy: Encouraging governments to create sectoral transformation pathways that drive investment towards sustainable and nature-positive outcomes, supporting a broader transition to a net-zero economy.
Embedding Biodiversity Finance in Global Systems
“Now is the time for policymakers to take bold action and embed biodiversity finance into global economic and financial systems,” emphasised Anita de Horde, Executive Director of the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation. “The Foundation’s recommendations underscore the transformative potential of finance in protecting and restoring nature, ensuring that biodiversity remains a central pillar in the global dialogue on sustainability.”
As the COP16.2 discussions get underway, the Foundation’s proposals aim to keep biodiversity finance at the forefront of international policy discussions, pushing for systemic changes that can make a lasting impact on the health of the planet.
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