UN Biodiversity Chief Warns of Urgent Nature Loss Risks

Astrid Schomaker, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations, raised concerns regarding the slow response of companies and financial institutions to the issue of nature loss. She stated that many firms are “on the sidelines” and are not effectively assessing biodiversity risks within their operations.

Schomaker highlighted that financial flows continue to favor activities detrimental to nature over conservation efforts. She described the necessary shift of private investment towards nature-positive projects as critical.

This warning comes ahead of the COP17 biodiversity talks scheduled to take place in Armenia, where countries will evaluate progress on the 2022 global biodiversity framework. A key focus of these discussions will be on efforts to mobilize $200 billion annually for nature protection and the expansion of the Cali Fund to finance conservation initiatives.