Saving Nature: Why Funds Fall Short

Scientists and economists agree: biodiversity is declining, and it holds immense value. But why are conservation efforts failing? The Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) launched in 2022 with a big promise—$700 billion annually for conservation. Yet, two years later, only 3. 5% of this target has been met. What's the hold-up? It's not just funding; it's also about disagreements between countries. Developed, emerging, and developing nations all have different views on how to interpret KMGBF.To turn things around, conservation groups, NGOs, and government agencies could team up to create large-scale investment projects worth billions. These could be managed by trusted NGOs and bundled into the World Bank's Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). Donors might be more willing to chip in if they can see exactly where their money is going and how it's going to be used, especially if there are pluses like tourism and health benefits that could keep the funds flowing.