–urges more private sector involvement, special tax incentives for conservation activities and projects
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has called on private sector leaders in Global Biodiversity Alliance countries to develop a shared brand for biodiversity reserves, pitching conservation as an opportunity for investment as well as protection.
Addressing the alliance’s second conference and financing forum in Georgetown, President Ali proposed that countries work together to market reserves under “one brand,” with common values, regulations, and a shared platform.
“I want to ask the private sector from all the countries of our alliance so far, maybe to come together and create an investment where we can have biodiversity reserves across each one of the destinations, and we can create a marketing model where we market it as one brand, one brand with common values, common regulation, and a common platform,” he said, adding:
“We must make it easier for capital to flow into activities that protect biodiversity and generate sustainable economic return. We as a country, we as countries together, policymakers, must agree that any investment that seeks to advance the cause of biodiversity are granted special tax incentives, special fiscal incentives, and we can write that into a common agenda that all of us embrace together.”
He described the idea as a major private sector opportunity that could bring investment and economic benefits to villages, communities, and participating countries.
He said the alliance could provide a platform for countries to pursue a shared agenda and make it easier for capital to flow into conservation-related activities.
Dr. Ali later outlined an ambitious six-step action plan aimed at transforming international biodiversity commitments into practical projects, mobilising financing and creating economic opportunities for communities during the summit’s final day at the weekend.
President Ali stressed that the alliance must move beyond discussions and declarations to become a platform capable of delivering measurable results.
The plan includes establishing specialised solution labs, preparing investment-ready projects for a major financing summit in London in June 2027, and identifying up to 30 biodiversity-rich communities for initiatives that combine conservation with improved livelihoods.
He explained that the labs would bring together governments, scientists, investors, businesses and communities to examine proposals, assess their feasibility and identify practical solutions.
President Ali tasked GBA Organising Team Lead, Dr. Pradeepa Bholanath with assembling a working group to develop the structure of the labs, identify initial priorities and prepare an implementation plan by the end of November.
A major component of the plan is the preparation of biodiversity projects for an investment and financing summit, expected to be held in London in June 2027.
President Ali said the GBA would work with member countries to identify and develop projects capable of attracting support from investors, philanthropic organisations, international development agencies, private-sector entities, and participants in the bond market.
He stressed that proposals must be properly structured and technically developed before they are presented to potential financiers.
President Ali said the six priorities would be developed into a more detailed programme of work, with emphasis on practical implementation and accountability.
The alliance launched back in July 2025 had raised the level of activism and brought together more than 140 partners, including countries, academic institutions, and research bodies.
