It is difficult to comment on the so-called Yerevan pathway when the final texts are not available. Although there was a sense of despondency because it seemed very difficult to reach agreements and recriminations between countries were widespread, the final session did yield agreements. 200 countries have signed it. It appears that the framework approved in the Kunming–Montreal texts is being further developed. The target of conserving 30 per cent of the Earth’s land and ocean areas by 2030 seems an almost utopian yet desirable minimum. Countries are committed to working towards this target.

How to finance these efforts to halt biodiversity loss is the key issue. The involvement of the business sector remains crucial to making progress. However, we do not yet know anything for certain.

Ultimately, the Yerevan agreement can be viewed as positive, above all because the first few days suggested complete deadlock. The mere fact that texts have been signed is a positive step. We will have to wait to see the final texts.

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