The Brazil played a strategic role in the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB), held in Yerevan, Armenia, from November 29 to 31, 2026. The conference, which brought together representatives from 196 countries, concluded with consensus on the final document known as The Yerevan Path, which establishes new commitments for global biodiversity protection. The active presence of the Brazilian delegation was highlighted as a decisive factor in shaping a new direction for international actions on planetary life conservation.<\/p>
Contextualization of the global biodiversity crisis
Since the 2010s, the world's biodiversity has faced an accelerated crisis, with species loss, ecosystem degradation, and increased human pressure on natural resources. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB), established in 1992, aims to promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and promotion. COP17 was the first review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), approved in 2022 and establishing 23 targets for 2030, such as protecting 30% of natural ecosystems and reducing the impacts of productive activities.<\/p>
The GBF assessment report, published in 2026, concluded that global efforts to achieve these targets are insufficient. The analysis revealed that so far, only 15% of the framework's objectives have been significantly implemented, with evident gaps in areas such as financing, monitoring, and local community inclusion. COP17, therefore, was a direct response to this assessment, aiming to strengthen actions and establish new implementation mechanisms.<\/p>
The role of Brazil in COP17
Brazilian representatives, including Karen Oliveira, Director of Public Policies and Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy Brazil, emphasized the importance of Brazil's participation in shaping the final document. According to Oliveira, COP17 was a course-correcting conference, which brought concrete advances in areas such as financing, monitoring, and the inclusion of indigenous peoples and local communities.<\/p>
Brazil, with its rich biological diversity—encompassing the Amazon forests, cerrados, mangroves, and unique ecosystems—has a central role in global biodiversity protection. The country's experience in environmental policies, such as the Environmental Protection Law and natural area conservation programs, was used as a reference in international discussions. The Brazilian delegation acted as a facilitator of dialogue between developed and developing countries, especially on issues of environmental equity and justice.<\/p>
Financial commitments and the Cali Fund
One of the main achievements of the 'Yerevan Path' was the reaffirmation of the need to increase financing for biodiversity protection. The document establishes that global biodiversity protection requires approximately US$1.3 trillion annually, a figure that significantly exceeds current resources. Nevertheless, COP17 did not define a concrete annual investment value, only reinforcing the need for a more robust and balanced allocation among countries.
The Califund, established as a financing mechanism for conservation actions, was highlighted as one of the pillars of the new agreement. The document recognizes the importance of the Fund in supporting projects in developing countries, especially in high-vulnerability areas. However, the Brazilian delegation observed that the Fund's effective operation remains partially open, with a lack of clear governance, transparency, and results evaluation mechanisms.
Structural challenges
Despite progress, COP17 left several transformative environmental agenda issues partially unresolved. According to Karen Oliveira, the key points still not addressed include: the actual financing volume, the reform of agricultural and industrial subsidies, the transformation of productive sectors, and accountability for environmental outcomes.
Current subsidies, many of which are directed toward activities that generate negative impacts on biodiversity—such as the expansion of soy cultivation, livestock farming, and mining—continue to pose a barrier to conservation. Reforming these subsidies is seen as essential to align economic policies with conservation goals. However, COP17 did not establish concrete mechanisms for their transformation, raising concerns about the feasibility of structural changes.
Participation of indigenous peoples and local communities
Another positive aspect of the 'Yere-than Path' was the reaffirmation of the importance of the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in the management of lands and natural resources. The document recognizes that these populations possess traditional knowledge and conservation practices that can significantly contribute to biodiversity protection.
In international debates, Brazil has been one of the most proactive countries in promoting the inclusion of these communities. The country's experience with the Indigenous Lands Law and the National Indigenous Lands Policy has been cited as an example of good practices. COP17 reinforced the need to ensure that local communities have an active voice in decisions regarding the use and conservation of natural resources, especially in areas of high biodiversity.
Implications for the future of global conservation
The 'Yerevan Path' represents a significant milestone in the history of international environmental policy. It demonstrates that, despite structural challenges, countries are reorganizing to face the biodiversity crisis with greater awareness and cooperation. COP17 not only reaffirmed commitments but also established a new framework of actions based on clearer goals and monitoring mechanisms.
However, the effectiveness of these commitments will depend on their practical implementation. The absence of quantitative targets and evaluation mechanisms may compromise the capacity to verify whether the objectives are being achieved. Moreover, the lack of concrete actions on subsidy reform and sectoral transformation may limit the lasting impact of the decisions made in Yerevan.
Outlooks for the next phases
The next steps in implementing the 'Yere-than Path' will be decisive. The next phase will involve the development of national and regional action plans, based on the commitments established. Brazil, as a leader in the Southern American region and on biodiversity issues, is in a privileged position to lead the execution of these plans.
It is expected that, in the coming years, more robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be developed, with verifiable data and transparency. The integration of environmental indicators into public policies and the establishment of partnerships between governments, private sectors, and local communities will be fundamental to ensuring the viability of these commitments.
Despite progress, COP17 did not resolve the structural issues that underlie the biodiversity crisis. The transformation of productive sectors, the reform of subsidies, and accountability for results are issues that require deeper and more enduring actions. The next COP, scheduled for 2028, will be crucial to assess whether the advances made in Yerevan have translated into real and effective actions on the planet's land, air, and oceans.