Rome, 27 February 2025

Late last year, discussions of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16.2) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia, had ended in a deadlock, largely over funding issues. Key decisions, for example on Indigenous Peoples, had been taken. 

Delegates resumed their talks in Rome, Italy, from February 25 to 27, 2025. Discussions have focused on outstanding agenda items from COP16 in Cali, such as adoption of the Monitoring Framework for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Resource mobilization.

The resumed session has been hosted at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Together with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), FAO is co-leading the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.  Under Target 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, member states have agreed to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems worldwide. Scientists estimate that every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration yields up to USD 30 in economic returns. 

UNEP is committed to fostering harmony with nature in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework, leveraging the integrity of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems to enhance social resilience and drive progress towards a sustainable future. FAO is advocating for the transformation of agrifood systems to make them more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive—an essential step toward achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Restoration of agrifood systems under GBF Target 2 can be a critical contribution to this transformation. 

Key decisions that affect ecosystem restoration include: 

• Funding for implementation of the GBF: One of the main topics at COP16 was securing $200 billion per year by 2030 from public and private sources. The discussions have concluded successfully, with a way forward for resource mobilization. This funding is needed to close the biodiversity funding gap and support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The focus is on increasing investments in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
• Financial commitments - Developed countries have pledged to increase international biodiversity financing to $20 billion annually by 2025 and $30 billion by 2030. However, as of now, only $383 million has been pledged, highlighting a significant shortfall that could impede restoration projects (apnews.com)
• Resource mobilization strategies: Delegates were exploring innovative financing mechanisms to support restoration efforts. One such initiative is the 'Cali Fund,' designed to engage businesses that benefit from genetic resources. Companies in sectors like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are encouraged to contribute a portion of their profits to this fund, with a significant share directed to indigenous peoples and local communities who play a vital role in conservation and restoration (reuters.com)
• Global coordination and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration – The work of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is highlighted in the decision CBD/COP/16/10/Rev.1 which “Invites the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Environment Programme, in collaboration with the Rio conventions and other relevant partners, to continue to implement the Framework, including through the road map for Target 2, in consultation with Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth groups, people living with disabilities and other relevant stakeholders;”
• Monitoring and Reporting Frameworks: Establishing robust mechanisms to track progress is crucial for the success of restoration targets. Delegates have worked on finalizing indicators that will enable accurate measurement of restoration activities and their outcomes, ensuring transparency and accountability in meeting the GBF's objectives (cbd.int)
• Tracking and reporting on restoration progress – The COP16 monitoring framework (CBD/COP/16/L.26) sets a goal for at least 30% of degraded freshwater, marine, and land ecosystems to be under effective restoration by 2030. The focus is on restoring ecosystems to protect biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, and strengthen climate resilience.
• Restoration monitoring – FAO, supported by the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Task Force on Monitoring, is responsible for tracking areas under restoration, serving as the custodian of the headline indicator (2.1 – are under restoration) for Target 2. The Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) can be used for compiling and analyzing restoration data for both the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
• Support for countries in restoration monitoring - The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is working with CBD Parties to share best practices, support monitoring and reporting, and provide direct assistance for restoration and biodiversity reporting.