The 32-member Council will consider a new work program under the GEF’s eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8) totaling over USD 550 million, which is expected to generate over USD 4 billion in co-financing for projects benefitting people and the planet.

The Plenary launched the Nexus Assessment on the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food, and health, and the Transformative Change Assessment on underlying causes of biodiversity loss, determinants of transformative change, and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.

Despite long hours of difficult negotiations and progress on streamlining ideas and trying to bridge the gap between countries, delegates could not reach agreement on a new treaty to end plastic pollution. They agreed to suspend the session and reconvene in 2025.

It is time to rethink the role of wildlife and food transformation in tackling the global climate crisis. From wildlife protection and conservation to innovative policies on food production, this event highlighted policy actions that integrate biodiversity and food systems in country’s climate plans.