COP16 reaches fragile biodiversity agreement, critics unsatisfied

The UN biodiversity conference, Cop16, concluded in Rome with a fragile agreement on nature finance after intense negotiations. The deal aims to address funding for conservation but leaves key issues unresolved, including the creation of a new fund for distribution. Ministers expressed concerns that the goal of halting nature loss by 2030 is becoming increasingly difficult. Critics argue the agreement lacks ambition and may dilute commitments to biodiversity, with urgent action needed as species face extinction and ecosystems degrade. The agreement includes a roadmap for raising $200 billion annually for biodiversity, with developed nations committing to $20 billion by 2025. A monitoring framework was established to hold countries accountable for their progress on biodiversity targets.