By leveraging funding from the private sector, the Cali Fund ushers in a new era for biodiversity finance
The Cali Fund, a major initiative under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), launched today in Rome during COP 16 at the UN FAO.
Backed by contributions from private companies using Digital Sequence Information (DSI), the Fund will generate new resources for biodiversity efforts worldwide.
Crucially, it supports the CBD’s core goals: conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use, and ensuring fair benefit-sharing. Half of its resources will go to indigenous peoples and local communities, especially women and youth.
Additionally, the Cali Fund will aid developing countries in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and strengthen scientific research related to DSI.
As outlined in decision 16/2, adopted at COP 16 in Colombia, the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) will manage the Fund with UNDP and UNEP. The CBD Secretariat will host the Fund’s secretariat. A Memorandum of Understanding signed today formalizes this structure.
During the launch, COP 16 President H.E. Susana Muhamad praised the Fund’s swift creation. “I applaud the CBD Secretariat for launching it just four months after the decision. Colombians are proud this breakthrough happened at La COP de la gente in Cali,” she said.
Similarly, UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mrema emphasized cooperation. “Today’s launch shows that multilateralism works. Now, businesses must act. Those who contribute will lead and gain public trust,” she added.
As a result, companies profiting from Digital Sequence Information (DSI) must contribute to the Fund. These include firms in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, breeding, biotechnology, AI, and lab equipment. However, public institutions and non-DSI users are exempt.
Meanwhile, Marcos Neto of UNDP highlighted the Fund’s real-world benefits. “It will support those caring for biodiversity. We’re proud to help launch it,” he noted.
In addition, MPTFO’s Alain Noudehou pointed to the Fund’s global importance. “This marks a new era of collective action for nature,” he said.
Finally, CBD Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker called the Fund a milestone. “For the first time, private sector contributions will support a CBD global fund. This is a major win for biodiversity.”
(UN Press Release)
