COP biodiversity: in Yerevan, Armenia, nearly 200 states agree on key texts but with weakened ambition

Negotiations at the COP17 in Armenia concluded with the adoption of key biodiversity texts, albeit diluted. The Armenian environment minister, Hambardzum Matevosyan, announced the adoption late at night, expressing hope for continued commitment. Over two weeks, negotiators from around 200 countries debated critical issues, particularly financial responsibilities for biodiversity conservation. Tensions arose between developed and developing nations regarding funding, with developing countries feeling a lack of ambition from their developed counterparts.