As the world gathers in Yerevan, Armenia, for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) from 19-30 October 2026, governments, conservation organisations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and development partners will take stock of global progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). COP17 marks the first global review of collective efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, making it a critical moment for translating commitments into measurable action.
For Africa, the question is not whether biodiversity matters. The continent’s development, climate resilience, food security, water resources, and economic transformation all depend on healthy ecosystems. The real question is whether COP17 can accelerate investment and action at a scale capable of meeting both biodiversity and development ambitions.
At ARCOS, we see COP17 as an opportunity to reaffirm a simple but powerful message: nature action succeeds when local communities are placed at the centre of conservation and restoration efforts.
Across Africa, communities are already demonstrating what is possible. They are restoring forests and wetlands, managing watersheds, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, creating green enterprises, and investing in nature-positive livelihoods. The challenge is not a lack of solutions. The challenge is scaling proven solutions through stronger partnerships, better policies, and adequate financing.
From targets to transformation
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework provides a roadmap for reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. However, success will ultimately be measured by tangible outcomes on the ground.
From ARCOS’s experience across landscapes in Eastern and Central Africa, three priorities deserve greater attention at COP17.
First, restoration must move from pilot projects to landscape-scale investments.
Africa has made significant commitments to restore degraded ecosystems, yet millions of hectares continue to suffer from degradation. Restoration efforts must generate ecological, social, and economic benefits simultaneously. Investments should strengthen biodiversity while improving livelihoods, water security, climate resilience, and local economies.
Second, biodiversity finance must reach communities.
Global discussions increasingly focus on mobilising billions of dollars for biodiversity. While this is important, financing mechanisms must ensure that resources reach the communities and institutions delivering conservation outcomes on the ground. Community conservation groups, local governments, youth organisations, women-led enterprises, and grassroots institutions remain among the most effective drivers of long-term nature action.
Third, biodiversity and climate agendas must work together.
Africa cannot afford fragmented approaches. Restoration, sustainable agriculture, wetland conservation, and forest protection contribute simultaneously to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and sustainable development. COP17 should strengthen these connections and encourage integrated investments that maximise multiple benefits.
Investing in nature is investing in development
ARCOS believes that biodiversity should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental issue. Nature is foundational infrastructure.
Healthy forests regulate water flows. Wetlands reduce climate risks and support livelihoods. Sustainable agricultural systems enhance food security. Biodiversity-rich landscapes underpin tourism, employment, and local economies.
For African countries pursuing sustainable development, investing in nature is therefore an economic strategy as much as an environmental one.
This perspective becomes particularly important as governments seek pathways to implement both the Global Biodiversity Framework and their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
An opportunity for African leadership
Africa arrives at COP17 with valuable experience and lessons to share. Across the continent, governments, communities, civil society organisations, and private-sector actors are demonstrating innovative approaches to restoration, conservation financing, environmental education, and climate resilience.
COP17 offers an opportunity to elevate these experiences and position Africa not only as a region facing biodiversity challenges, but also as a source of solutions.
For ARCOS, success at COP17 will not be measured solely by decisions adopted in negotiation rooms. It will be measured by whether the conference catalyses stronger investment, deeper partnerships, and accelerated implementation of actions that improve the health of ecosystems and the well-being of communities.
Looking ahead
The world has less than four years remaining to achieve the 2030 biodiversity targets.
COP17 must therefore become a turning point from ambition to action.
ARCOS calls for increased investment in ecosystem restoration, community-led conservation, nature-based solutions, environmental education, and innovative financing mechanisms that enable people and nature to thrive together.
The solutions already exist. The challenge before COP17 is to mobilise the commitment, partnerships, and resources needed to scale them.
The future of biodiversity in Africa will depend not on what we promise, but on what we implement.
