As negotiations at CBD COP17 unfold, this press conference will examine what the emerging outcomes on the so-called “innovative schemes,” including biodiversity offsets and credits, mean for Indigenous peoples, local communities, women and youth, as well as for efforts to address the root causes of biodiversity and forest loss.
Civil society organizations and academic experts have raised serious concerns about the risks of biodiversity markets, including questions about their integrity and effectiveness in addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss and upholding human rights. Speakers will share evidence and perspectives on the implications of promoting, developing and using biodiversity offsets and credits as tools to mobilize biodiversity finance, and contrast these approaches with real solutions centered on rights-based, gender-responsive and Indigenous-led approaches. They will highlight practical alternatives for mobilising finance in ways that are equitable, effective and capable of driving transformative change.
The press conference will also provide an opportunity to discuss and respond to developments in the COP17 negotiations, including their implications for equity, rights and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
When: Thursday, 22 October 2026, 2:15 PM local time (Yerevan / UTC+4)
Where: CBD Press Conference Room, Meridian Expo and Event Centre, Yerevan, Armenia
Livestream: Watch on UN Web TV
For the latest information on the COP17 programme, press conferences and ways to follow the negotiations, visit the official CBD COP17 website.
Speakers
Valentina Figuera Martínez
Gender Justice and Forests Campaign Coordinator, Global Forest Coalition (GFC)
Mirna Fernández
Researcher, Third World Network (TWN)
Uli Arta Siagian
WALHI National Campaign Coordinator
Pantori Tri Kuswardono
Executive Director, Yayasan Pikul-Indonesia
Heitor Delastra
Policy Co-coordinator, Global Biodiversity Youth Network (GYBN)
Nele Mariën
Forests and Biodiversity Coordinator, Friends of the Earth International (FoEI)
