Kiribati seized the spotlight at the 17th UN Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, with Minister Tokaibure Rabaua declaring finance the true test of COP17. His message made clear that the world must deliver on its financial promises to protect ocean biodiversity.
Finance Demands Drive Kiribati’s COP17 Call
Kiribati is finalising its national Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and updating its Integrated Environment Policy to align with the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The moves embed biodiversity into the country’s 20‑Year Vision.
“Our commitment is real. The barrier is access to finance, not commitment,” said Minister Rabaua.
He demanded that the promised $20 billion a year by 2025 and $30 billion by 2030 be delivered in full, stressing that quality of finance matters as much as quantity.
Rabaua warned that Pacific Small Island Developing States need grant‑based, predictable funding that flows directly to national institutions, not loans that deepen debt.
He called for simplified, direct access to the Global Biodiversity Fund and Global Environment Facility, with a dedicated window for Small Islands Developing States, as Kiribati prepares an autonomous National Environment Fund.
The minister noted that technical support is welcome, but sustained finance is essential to execute projects across its scattered islands.
He reiterated that Article 20 obliges developed nations to meet their obligations, and the escalating triple planetary crisis demands new, additional resources—not a shift of existing commitments.
Rabaua urged partners to contribute according to real capacity, ensuring Small Island Developing States are not forced into proxy arrangements.
He highlighted that the first global review of the KMGBF must include ocean biodiversity, making coral reefs, lagoons, fisheries and coastal ecosystems visible in the worldwide picture.
The minister concluded that partnership with Kiribati delivers impact across 3.5 million square kilometres of ocean, safeguarding food security and global ocean health.
He called on world leaders to move from promises to results, with Yerevan marking the turning point.
