What Changed
- ICC urged COP17 to move from nature pledges to clear policy signals and investable outcomes.
- National implementation plans were advised to integrate business feedback, metrics, disclosures, and supply chain guidance.
- ICC highlighted de-risking investments and developing a workable multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism under the CBD.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing a global network of more than 45 million companies across 170 countries, has issued a direct call to state parties at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The organization urged participating governments to turn international nature pledges into clear, predictable policies and investable frameworks.
In its statement, the ICC expressed appreciation to the Government of Armenia and the CBD Secretariat for organizing the conference. The ICC emphasized that the global business community increasingly recognizes nature loss as a material economic risk requiring urgent integration into corporate strategy and operations. However, the organization stressed that driving nature-positive action at scale remains contingent upon unambiguous policy signals, credible implementation pathways, and investable outcomes.
To bridge the gap between high-level commitments and practical execution, the ICC called on COP17 Parties to prioritize actionable national biodiversity strategies and coherent regulatory frameworks designed to foster long-term commercial confidence. The organization recommended that national implementation plans integrate business feedback from the outset. Furthermore, these plans should offer practical guidance on nature metrics, corporate disclosures, nature-positive supply chains, and innovation.
To mobilize necessary financial resources, the ICC urged COP17 to create conditions that scale both public and private investment. Suggested mechanisms include de-risking nature-related investments, enhancing market integrity, aligning economic incentives with measurable nature-positive outcomes, and removing existing regulatory barriers. Finally, recognizing nature as a key source of innovation, the ICC reiterated business commitment to working alongside Parties and stakeholders toward a workable multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism that meaningfully contributes to CBD objectives.
Who May Be Affected
Businesses, financial institutions, and governments participating in COP17 and implementing CBD national biodiversity strategies.
Cross-Border Context
Applies internationally across 170 countries where ICC business networks operate under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity framework.
What to check next
- Official COP17 decision documents on national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs).
- Final negotiations regarding the CBD multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.