Guyana will welcome more than 140 representatives from governments, financial institutions, scientific organisations, Indigenous communities and international development partners for the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Conference and Financing Forum on October 30 and 31, 2026.
The event will take place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown under the theme “Investing in Nature: From Global Commitments to Practical Action.” It aims to strengthen international cooperation and identify practical financing solutions to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Organised as part of Guyana Nature and Biodiversity Finance Week, the conference will provide a platform for policymakers, investors, researchers and community representatives to discuss strategies for turning global conservation pledges into tangible results. A central priority will be securing greater public and private investment for protecting ecosystems and ensuring that conservation initiatives deliver meaningful benefits for local populations.
Participants are expected to examine a range of financing options, including blended finance arrangements, green and biodiversity bonds, carbon and biodiversity markets, and funding opportunities through multilateral financial institutions. These mechanisms could help countries with significant natural resources attract the capital needed to protect their ecosystems and expand sustainable development initiatives.
The upcoming conference builds on the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, hosted by Guyana from July 23 to 25, 2025. The second edition is expected to advance discussions from the previous gathering, with greater emphasis on international partnerships, institutional development and financing conservation projects that can be implemented on the ground and expanded over time.
Beyond investment, the programme will address the contribution of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to environmental stewardship, alongside the roles of young people, women and scientific innovation in biodiversity protection. Delegates will also consider progress in expanding conservation areas, improving scientific monitoring and strengthening the Alliance’s institutional capacity.
Delegates engaging in panel discussions at the conference
The first day will feature a leaders’ plenary, discussions on biodiversity financing and sessions exploring the involvement of youth and women in conservation. An exhibition and dedicated networking opportunities will allow participants to showcase initiatives, establish partnerships and explore potential areas of collaboration.
On October 31, attention will shift to the Financing Forum, where delegates will discuss investment structures, enabling public policies and practical approaches to funding biodiversity projects. Regional exchanges and focused financing sessions are also expected to help identify opportunities for cooperation and implementation.
The gathering will conclude with a review of the principal discussions, agreements and proposed next steps, providing a framework for continued engagement among participating governments, institutions and communities.
As a country with extensive natural resources and a strong interest in linking environmental protection with economic development, Guyana is using the international platform to promote greater recognition of nature as an asset that requires long-term investment. The Second GBA Conference and Financing Forum is expected to reinforce efforts to bridge the gap between global biodiversity commitments and the funding, partnerships and actions needed to deliver measurable conservation outcomes.