The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Rome from February 24 to 27, 2025, marked a crucial step in the fight to protect biodiversity. The event brought together delegates from over 140 countries to define the financial mechanisms needed to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The central goal of this agreement is to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

The conference underscored the urgency of coordinated action and laid the groundwork for new financing and monitoring tools, essential for turning commitments into concrete action.

The discussions at COP16 focused on three main priorities:

• Mobilizing financial resources to support biodiversity initiatives
• Establishing funding mechanisms for developing countries and Indigenous communities
• Implementing monitoring systems to ensure transparency and accountability

One of the major successes of the conference was the agreement to mobilize $200 billion per year by 2030, with funds primarily directed toward biodiversity conservation, particularly in the most vulnerable nations. Additionally, the Cali Fund was established—an initiative that will collect contributions from industries benefiting from biodiversity, such as the pharmaceutical and agri-food sectors.

Another significant milestone was the adoption of a blended financing model, combining public and private resources, along with the introduction of innovative financial instruments to support conservation efforts. At the same time, transparency obligations were reinforced, requiring nations to publish regular reports on their progress in protecting ecosystems.

However, despite these achievements, the conference also highlighted several challenges. The lack of a dedicated biodiversity fund before 2028, due to disagreements over resource management, remains a major concern. Moreover, the reliance on voluntary corporate donations raises doubts about whether the necessary funding will be secured. Another critical issue is the absence of immediate measures to eliminate harmful subsidies, which continues to slow the transition to more sustainable economic models.

The outcomes of COP16 lay the foundation for the next summit, set to take place in Armenia in 2026, where progress on financing and the implementation of the KMGBF will be assessed. The real challenge, however, will be turning promises into tangible action, ensuring the commitment of governments, businesses, and local communities.

Environmental impact cannot be measured by commitments alone—it requires concrete data and regenerative strategies. Through its Biodiversity Impact Model, Regg3 enables companies to assess their contribution to ecosystem protection and identify opportunities to create real value.

Protecting biodiversity demands transparent measurement tools that track the effectiveness of actions taken. That’s why Regg3 supports businesses and institutions in moving from reporting to regeneration, helping them transform sustainability strategies into both a competitive advantage and a meaningful impact.