Six countries have joined Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA), further strengthening international cooperation to protect and restore the world’s biodiversity.

The newest members – Colombia, Rwanda, Panama, India, France and the United Kingdom – were formally welcomed during the official opening of the conference, where representatives received their membership certificates from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Those receiving the certificates included Colombia’s Vice-President, José Manuel Restrepo; Rwanda’s Minister of the Environment, Dr Bernadette Arakwiye; Panama’s Minister of the Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro; India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Chinmoy Naik; French Ambassador to Guyana, Olivier Plançon; and Head of the International Forest Unit at the United Kingdom’s Commonwealth and Development Office, Maggie Charnley.

With the addition of the six countries, the alliance’s membership has increased to 147.

The Second Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference and Financing Forum is being held from October 30 to 31, 2026, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, under the theme, “Investing in Nature: From Global Commitments to Practical Action.” (DPI)