The 17th UN Conference of the Parties (COP17) on biodiversity opens in Armenia as nearly 200 countries take stock of progress toward global nature goals. The talks focus on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. Multiple outlets report that current implementation is falling short, with wildlife populations continuing to decline and protected areas facing growing pressures.

Countries are also expected to address unresolved divisions over financing. Sources note that more resources still go into activities that harm ecosystems than into protection, and that gaps in funding could limit governments’ ability to meet 23 targets agreed at COP15 in 2022. The Guardian and other outlets describe COP17 as the first major review of progress under the framework, while reporting warnings that fewer than half of national targets are assessed as being on track.