In the wake of the resumed talks of the 16th UN Conference on Biodiversity – COP16 – in Rome on Feb 27, 2025, the world stands at a pivotal crossroads. Agreements were made on financing biodiversity, setting up measurement frameworks, and implementing roadmaps for action—but will the ambition translate into real progress?  

This was the core theme of Securing Tomorrow, a film that brings together leading experts from the Natural History Museum—Dr. Blanca Huertas, Dr. Gareth Thomas, and Emma Woods—hosted by Eloïse Charreyron of AiDASH. Together, they unravelled the urgency of the biodiversity crisis, the limitations of current conservation efforts, and the tools that can help drive meaningful change.  

As nations prepare for COP17 in Armenia, where the focus will shift to assessing progress, the message is clear: time is running out, and the window for action is closing fast.

From COP16 to COP17: A Critical Window for Action 

COP16 was supposed to be the “implementation COP“—the moment when global promises turned into concrete action. Yet, despite progress, gaps remain. One of the most significant outcomes was the agreement to establish a permanent financial mechanism for biodiversity under the COP framework by 2030. This is a major step forward, as developing countries have long struggled to access existing funds from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).  

However, funding remains one of the biggest challenges. Although developed nations previously committed to delivering $20 billion in biodiversity finance per year by 2025, they have so far failed to meet that target. The new agreement aims to speed up resource mobilisation, exploring alternative funding sources, involving development banks, and strengthening international dialogue between finance and environment ministers.  

For Dr. Blanca Huertas, a leading entomologist and conservationist, COP16 underscored the importance of moving beyond commitments to implementation. In Securing Tomorrow, she noted:  

“Agreeing on a plan is only the beginning. Delivering it requires bold action.”  

One of the biggest disappointments of COP16 was the slow progress on National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)—blueprints that guide countries in meeting global biodiversity targets. At the time of the conference, only 35 out of 196 countries had submitted their strategies. With COP17 set to focus on measuring progress, nations have a limited window to finalise and implement their plans before international accountability mechanisms take effect.

Beyond 30X30: The Paradox of Protected Areas 

One of the most ambitious goals in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is the 30×30 target—protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030. But as Emma Woods, Director of Policy & Partnerships at the Natural History Museum, pointed out in Securing Tomorrow, simply designating protected areas isn’t enough:  

“Biodiversity is declining even in so-called safe havens—on average, faster than elsewhere. We need to protect the right 30% in the right ways, and do so fast enough.”  

The reality is that many protected areas are underfunded, poorly managed, or ineffective. In some cases, deforestation, illegal logging, and habitat destruction continue inside these supposed safe zones. Expanding protected areas without addressing governance, funding, and community involvement risks turning 30×30 into a symbolic victory rather than a meaningful one.  

Emma also stressed that real conservation is local—without indigenous and community-led conservation, global targets won’t translate into real-world impact. The success of 30×30 depends on ensuring that protected areas serve both people and nature, with economic alternatives to deforestation, illegal mining, and habitat destruction.  

“The challenge isn’t just about reaching 30%, it’s about ensuring that protection actually works—both for ecosystems and for the communities that rely on them.

The Role of Technology: Turning Data into Action 

A key takeaway from Securing Tomorrow was the role of technology in conservation. The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII), developed at the Natural History Museum, is revolutionising how we measure and monitor biodiversity. Dr. Gareth Thomas, Head of Research Innovation at the Museum, explained its significance:  

“Achieving 30×30 isn’t just about setting aside land and ocean—it’s about knowing where action is needed most. That’s where tools like the BII come in, helping us measure what remains and guide our efforts to protect and restore ecosystems effectively.”  

The BII provides a clear, data-driven metric that can be used to prioritise conservation efforts, assess biodiversity loss, and track progress over time. By combining satellite imagery, AI-driven analysis, and biodiversity data, policymakers can make informed decisions about where to focus restoration efforts and ensure that protected areas remain functional and effective.  

“The BII translates complex ecological changes into a clear, actionable metric. It’s bridging the gap between science and policy, ensuring that conservation decisions are based on real data, not guesswork.”