Georgetown, Guyana, November 3, 2026 — President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has called for stronger partnerships among Commonwealth countries to advance biodiversity conservation, improve access to environmental financing and ensure that protecting nature creates meaningful economic opportunities for communities.
The President made the call while attending the launch of the Commonwealth Nature Initiative (CNI), a King Charles III-led environmental conservation programme, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Ali urged Commonwealth member states to strengthen cooperation in biodiversity science, financing and knowledge-sharing, stressing that international commitments must be translated into practical action.
He said the Commonwealth has an important role in connecting countries with the expertise, financial resources and partnerships needed to accelerate environmental protection.
President Calls for Action Beyond International Commitments
President Ali argued that biodiversity conservation must move beyond discussions and declarations towards implementation, investment and sustainable development.
He highlighted the importance of connecting environmental protection with national economic planning, including opportunities for employment, community development and business growth.
According to the President, countries with extensive forests and rich ecosystems need to receive tangible economic benefits from protecting their natural resources if conservation efforts are to remain sustainable over the long term.
He also recognised the longstanding environmental leadership of King Charles III, noting that the monarch’s vision connects nature protection with opportunities for people and economies.
Guyana’s LCDS and Global Biodiversity Alliance Offer Examples
The President pointed to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) as examples of how environmental conservation and financing can work together.
He explained that the GBA is exploring innovative mechanisms to recognise the economic value of biodiversity services and compensate countries that protect ecosystems of global importance.
At the recent GBA Summit in Georgetown, governments, scientists, philanthropic organisations and private-sector representatives discussed ways to develop financing arrangements that support conservation.
Ali said these partnerships are important to moving away from traditional approaches and creating practical financial mechanisms that reward countries for protecting nature.
London Investment and Finance Forum Planned for 2027
President Ali disclosed that practical steps have already been agreed upon, including plans for an investment and finance forum expected to take place in London next year.
The proposed forum is intended to bring together investors, financial institutions, private-sector representatives, philanthropic organisations and other partners to explore opportunities for biodiversity financing.
The initiative is expected to build on discussions held through the Global Biodiversity Alliance and encourage greater investment in countries with significant natural resources.
The President stressed that international cooperation must produce financing arrangements capable of supporting conservation projects and delivering benefits to local communities.
Commonwealth Nature Initiative Begins With US$202.2 Million Pledge
The Commonwealth Nature Initiative was launched with an initial funding pledge of US$202.2 million to help middle- and low-income Commonwealth countries accelerate conservation efforts.
The programme aims to support progress towards the global 30×30 target, which calls for protecting at least 30 per cent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.
The initiative is expected to support the establishment and expansion of protected areas while strengthening conservation programmes and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Its focus also includes helping countries access the resources and partnerships required to protect important ecosystems.
Conservation Must Deliver Opportunities for Communities
President Ali emphasised that biodiversity protection should be connected to people’s livelihoods and broader economic development.
He questioned how nature could be more effectively integrated into national development strategies so that conservation generates jobs, investment and opportunities.
He said communities that depend on forests and other natural ecosystems must be able to benefit from protecting these resources.
The President also encouraged Commonwealth countries to combine their scientific expertise, financial capacity and natural resources to address biodiversity loss through coordinated action.
Guyana Seeks Stronger International Environmental Cooperation
Guyana continues to promote international cooperation through its forest conservation initiatives, Low Carbon Development Strategy and leadership in establishing the Global Biodiversity Alliance.
President Ali’s remarks at the Commonwealth Nature Initiative launch reinforce the country’s position that environmental protection must be supported by sustainable financing and economic opportunities.
The proposed partnerships between the Commonwealth, the GBA and other international conservation organisations could provide additional opportunities to mobilise resources, exchange knowledge and strengthen biodiversity protection.
The President urged member states to turn their shared commitments into practical programmes that protect nature while improving the lives of people across the Commonwealth.