COP17 ends with commitment to "accelerate" efforts

The 17th Conference of the Parties on Biodiversity (COP17) concluded in Armenia with a commitment to accelerate efforts towards biodiversity goals by 2030, acknowledging delays. Nearly 200 countries agreed on key texts for nature protection, including a global review of the Kunming-Montreal Agreement, which sets 23 targets, such as protecting 30% of land and oceans. Despite the lack of enthusiasm in the final text, the agreement was seen as a positive step. Discussions highlighted the need to address harmful subsidies and financial incentives. The EU aimed to update the donor list for funding biodiversity efforts. Environmental group Zero criticized the lack of political will to meet biodiversity targets, emphasizing that knowledge exists but action is lacking.