Yerevan, Armenia – Greenpeace is demanding governments at the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17) move from simply recognising gaps and deliver strong, action-oriented decisions to prevent irreversible ecosystem collapse and biodiversity loss. Four years after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), CBD COP17 will conclude the Convention's first Global Review1 of collective progress towards the framework's goals and targets.
An Lambrechts, Head of the Greenpeace delegation to CBD COP17 said: "We're halfway to 2030 and the evidence is clear: we are far off track to reach the 30×30 targets. The systems that sustain life on Earth are under threat, and decisions made at COP17 must deliver a clear course correction to protect our planet's ecosystems. This COP can't become a mere entry in a vast log of destruction. Governments need to agree on concrete actions that tackle the drivers of biodiversity loss, increase finance and redirect money flows to where they are needed. But decisions in Yerevan will only matter if governments follow through at home. They cannot continue promising to protect nature while supporting its destruction through harmful subsidies and incoherent policies. Any more delay is a threat to our survival on the planet."
Protecting and conserving at least 30% of land, and water by 2030 is one of the most visible targets of the KM-GBF. Yet the quality of protection matters as much as the area covered. Effective conservation must safeguard ecosystem integrity, prevent habitat loss and degradation, and recognise the rights and leadership of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose territories and stewardship practices are essential to protecting biodiversity.
Nichanan Tanthanawit, Ocean Justice Campaign Global Project Lead said: "Protecting 30% of the planet by 2030 is not just a numerical target. Our ambition must be centered around justice, equity, and those who protect nature. Indigenous Peoples and local communities have cared for these lands and waters for generations, yet their knowledge, rights, and leadership are still too often overlooked. Governments must recognise Indigenous and Traditional Territories as distinct conservation systems, secure customary tenure rights, and provide direct funding for community-led solutions. We cannot call conservation a success if it is not grounded in the rights, realities, and leadership of the people on the forefront of nature protection."
With all three Rio Conventions meeting in 2026, this year is also critical to strengthen cooperation and align action across biodiversity, climate and land use agendas. COP17 must help translate this momentum into coordinated action, with ecosystem integrity and human rights at the heart of decisions and implementation.
Camila Jardim, International Political Expert, Greenpeace Brazil said: "The world is moving towards a looming 1.5°C overshoot and the sixth mass extinction, with the human caused climate and biodiversity crises already severely impacting people all over the world. Those are not separate issues, but pieces of the same puzzle, and action is more urgent than ever. Governments can make the most impact with aligned policies to address both crises them together, with clear actions for the short, medium and long term. This is especially critical for primary forests, which are essential for both climate stability and biodiversity protection, and the Brazil-led roadmap to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030 offers a real opportunity for strengthening synergies between conventions. Protection means tackling not only deforestation but also degradation, and ensuring that climate and biodiversity commitments reinforce each other rather than pull in different directions."
Ahead of governments beginning discussions, Greenpeace activists deployed a hot air balloon in the historical village of Garni, Armenia, with the message "Delay is Destruction".
Greenpeace is calling on governments at COP17 to:
- Address gaps in the implementation of the KM-GBF with concrete and forward-looking action;
- Increase finance from public sources, through aligning global and national economic and fiscal policies with the goals and targets of the KM-GBF, including removing harmful subsidies, tackling illicit financial flows and progressive environmental taxation to make nature destroyers pay;
- Ensure the quality of 30×30 protection and restoration, from the worlds' forests to the high seas, by safeguarding ecosystem integrity, addressing drivers and respecting rights;
- Maximise synergies between biodiversity and climate policies and action globally and nationally.
