Posted on February, 25 2025

Rome, ITALY (25 February 2025) – As delegates arrive from around the world to commence the resumed session of the UN biodiversity conference, COP16.2 in Rome this week, WWF congratulates all Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity who have helped to establish the ‘Cali Fund’. 

The fund, agreed in Colombia at part one of the conference, seeks to mobilise crucial financial resources from companies using digitally sequenced genetic data. The funding will be a boost to communities in particular, as 50% of the fund is dedicated to Indigenous Peoples and local communities to support actions for implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Vishaish Uppal, Director of Governance, Law and Policy at WWF India said: “WWF congratulates Parties on the establishment of the Cali Fund today. Its launch represents a historic moment, which speaks to the third often overlooked pillar of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity – which is to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. 

“Although there are some steps still to negotiate, we are confident that a robust pathway will be built to enable substantial contributions. The Cali Fund will be particularly significant for the Indigenous Peoples and local communities – whose territories are where these genetic resources often originate from. The funds are going to be crucial for ensuring we achieve all three objectives of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, towards 2030 and beyond.”

Ximena Barrera, Director of Government Relations and International Affairs at WWF Colombia, added: "We welcome this innovative mechanism that will strengthen the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, while ensuring direct benefits for those who have safeguarded ecosystems for centuries. The engagement of the private sector in financing biodiversity through this fund is a milestone, setting a precedent for responsible corporate contributions to nature. It is essential that its implementation and monitoring remain a priority for all Parties to ensure its long-term impact.

“With the official opening of the Cali Fund, we take a crucial step toward recognising and supporting the critical role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as stewards of biodiversity. By ensuring that at least 50% of its resources reach them, this fund acknowledges their invaluable contributions to conservation and strengthens their capacity to protect nature for future generations".

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Notes to Editors

• Contact Emma Ackerley for interviews: news@wwfint.org / Tel: +44 (0) 7570 304793 
• Read WWF’s position paper on COP16.2 here.
• Review WWF’s latest analysis of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) submitted from countries and regions, on WWF’s NBSAP Tracker.

COP16.2 is taking place from 25-27th February in Rome at the UN FAO headquarters. More information can be found at the UN CBD website: https://www.cbd.int/