COP17: Which countries have released new pledges to tackle nature loss?

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Carbon Brief or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A growing number of countries have submitted updated national biodiversity strategies ahead of the UN’s COP17 biodiversity summit in Yerevan, Armenia
• According to Carbon Brief’s analysis, 113 of 196 parties (58%) have published new National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), up from just 55 a year earlier
• The plans outline how countries intend to address nature loss and contribute to global biodiversity goals

🔭 The context: Under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreed in 2022, countries committed to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 through 23 targets covering ecosystem restoration, climate change and nature finance
• Although the original deadline for updated plans was October 2024, only 15% of countries had met it
• Brazil, Chile and numerous African nations have since submitted new plans, while megadiverse countries including Peru and South Africa remain among those yet to do so
• Funding constraints have been a significant obstacle for some developing countries.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: National biodiversity plans translate global commitments into domestic action to protect species, restore ecosystems and strengthen resilience to climate change
• However, submitting a plan is only the first step: measurable implementation and adequate funding will determine whether countries can reverse nature loss by 2030

⏭️ What’s next: COP17 will mark the halfway point of the global biodiversity framework and host the first global review of progress towards its targets
• Delegates will assess national commitments and reporting, highlighting gaps between international ambitions and implementation

💬 One quote: The article cites the framework’s overarching mission: “halt and reverse” biodiversity loss by 2030.

📈 One stat: 175 countries (89%) have now submitted at least one national biodiversity target, compared with 119 parties by the end of COP16

Subscribe to our free newsletters to never miss a beat in sustainability.

The world needs sustainability knowledge. At illuminem, no interest group or shareholder can influence our work. Thank you for supporting our mission to make high-quality and independent sustainability information free for all. Every contribution helps. Thank you for donating today.