Christopher Coye: ‘We Need $20 Billion to Protect Natural Ecosystems Worldwide’

Belize continues taking bold steps to accelerate its climate and biodiversity conservation efforts. At the recent COP 16 conference in Cali, Colombia, the country secured crucial funding for environmental preservation and continued to advocate for innovative solutions to address the global funding gap for biodiversity.

Christopher Coye, Belize’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, addressed the critical role of natural capital in closing the financing gap needed to protect the world’s ecosystems. “Biodiversity loss is accelerating, and an estimated $20 billion in annual funding is needed to protect natural ecosystems worldwide…However, current funding stands at just $400 million—only a fraction of what’s required to drive meaningful progress,” he said.

Belize has been at the forefront of these efforts, leading successful initiatives like the 2021 Blue Bond, which secured private investment for marine and coastal conservation. Minister Coye also shared that Belize is advancing a new blended finance model, set to be finalised by 2025.