Biodiversity investment, finance forum to be held in June 2027 – Pres Ali
As a key follow-up initiative from the second Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference recently held in Georgetown, Guyana, plans are being explored to convene an Investment and Finance Forum in June 2027, potentially in London, United Kingdom.
The forum will seek to mobilise new and innovative sources of financing for biodiversity conservation and advance practical mechanisms to reward and compensate countries for protecting ecosystems of global significance.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the planned forum while addressing the Commonwealth Nature Initiative in Antigua and Barbuda, on the sidelines of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
He stressed that biodiversity protection must be integrated into broader development plans, creating economic opportunities, jobs and benefits for communities.
“His Majesty’s vision is not simply about protecting nature but about creating opportunities for people and economies. And I think this should be the central purpose of our discussion,” he said, while recognising King Charles III’s longstanding leadership in conservation, forest protection, biodiversity and Indigenous development.
President Ali pointed to Guyana’s experience under its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and partnership with Norway as evidence that conservation can generate tangible economic returns.
He noted that the country has mobilised more than US$500 million through forest partnerships and carbon credits, demonstrating that protecting nature and advancing national development can go hand in hand.
The head of state also highlighted Guyana’s partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat to establish a Commonwealth Centre of Excellence focused on biodiversity science, knowledge sharing and innovative financing.
He said the centre, the Global Biodiversity Alliance and the Commonwealth Nature Initiative would serve as complementary platforms to strengthen international cooperation.
President Ali urged Commonwealth countries to combine their biodiversity, financial resources and scientific expertise to address the growing threat of biodiversity loss.
He warned that the loss of biodiversity threatens food security, economies, climate resilience and the wellbeing of future generations.
