UN talks end in Rome with nations backing $200 billion a year plan to protect nature

BOGOTA, Colombia — Global negotiators concluded an extended session of the United Nations biodiversity conference, COP16, with key commitments on funds needed and the institutions through which the funds will be channeled to protect the world’s biodiversity. Climate demonstrators take part in a protest holding a sign that reads “tax fossils, protect biodiversity” as the COP16 biodiversity conference continues on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Rome. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print As the meeting concluded late Thursday in Rome, participants stood up and applauded the outcomes. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print The two-day meeting addressed issues that were left unresolved in earlier discussions held in Cali, Colombia in late 2024, focusing on securing funds to meet ambitious targets set in Montreal in 2022. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Even though key issues related to funding were finally resolved in the extended meeting in Rome, the COP16 talks in Colombia, which concluded in November, produced several notable agreements, including a landmark deal requiring companies that profit from natural genetic resources, such as developing medicines from rainforest plants, to share those benefits.