Countries protecting forests and wildlife are looking beyond donations to secure lasting income from conservation, with an investment forum planned for June next year.

President Dr Irfaan Ali said the meeting, likely to be held in London, will advance the financing mechanisms discussed at the recent Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in Georgetown. He was speaking at the King Charles-led Commonwealth Nature Initiative in Antigua and Barbuda.

“…we engaged the private sector, philanthropy, and scientists to develop and advance new mechanisms that recognise the value of biodiversity services and compensate countries that protect ecosystems of global importance. We agreed on practical next steps, including an investment and finance forum in June next year—most likely in London,” the President said.
The Georgetown summit secured an initial US$12.5 million conservation pledge from four organisations, including the Bezos Earth Fund and Rainforest Trust.

The funding will support conservation efforts in Guyana, including the proposed Acarai-Rupununi Corridor. However, Ali said the broader goal is to ensure conservation generates economic opportunities for the countries and communities protecting these ecosystems.
“How do we ensure nature and biodiversity is taken in that broader development conversation where it is linked to economy, people, jobs, and opportunities?” the President asked.

He pointed to Guyana’s forest partnerships and carbon-credit earnings as an example of conservation supporting national development.
Ali also highlighted plans for a Commonwealth Centre of Excellence to advance biodiversity science, knowledge sharing and innovative financing.