IISD Welcomes Canada’s Contribution to the Historic Global Biodiversity Framework Fund

VANCOUVER – The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) welcomes Canada's CAD 200 million pledge to the newly ratified Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, announced today at the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) by Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of International Development, and Steven Guilbeault, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Today's announcement makes Canada one of the first movers in providing the necessary support to translate the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into action. The United Kingdom also pledged GBP 10 million to this fund.

"IISD applauds Canada for stepping up with this pivotal financial commitment, which will help to ensure the framework’s successful implementation," said IISD Interim Co-President and Co-CEO Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder at the GEF Assembly in Vancouver. "But this is just a beginning, and we'll need to see more countries taking action to confront the interwoven challenges of biodiversity degradation and climate change in order to leave a sustainable future for generations to come."

The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund was launched today at the GEF Assembly. The new fund will help countries implement the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, reached at the Convention on Biological Diversity COP 15 summit in Montreal last year. Canada’s contribution will support countries' efforts to achieve the new goals on conservation, restoration, and the sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems by 2030.

IISD is committed to supporting governments and all stakeholders to advance nature-positive outcomes. Through various programs and initiatives, IISD is advancing nature-based solutions in Canada and around the world to protect biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerabilities.