– Urges greater international investment 

-by NaAsia Bristol

Former Colombian President Iván Duque is calling for greater international investment in biodiversity conservation, including through biodiversity bonds, credits and private-sector financing.

Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Duque praised Guyana’s leadership in establishing the Global Biodiversity Alliance, which is working to bring countries and partners together to finance the protection of nature.

He pointed to the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy as an example of how natural resources can support economic growth while protecting the environment.

“I think what President Ali has done is to be able to share that as important as the energy revolution that Guyana has been experiencing, Guyana has a bigger treasure, which is its nature, its biodiversity. So being able to use the richness of the underground to solve the poverty on the ground, but at the same time, protect the ecosystem, protect biodiversity, protect nature, and guarantee that that protection is the biggest investment for the future generations,” he said.

Duque says the next step is to turn international support into practical financing for conservation projects.

He identified biodiversity bonds, credits and guarantees as some of the tools that could attract investment, while stressing that Indigenous communities must also benefit from these initiatives.

He also called for international financial institutions and private investors to play a greater role in protecting nature.

“Last but not least, having the indigenous communities as a very important part of all this equation by allowing them to be in the starting role in the projects that will take place,” he said.
The Global Biodiversity Alliance was launched in Georgetown in July 2025 under Guyana’s leadership.

It has since grown to more than 140 members, with its second conference and financing forum scheduled for October 30 and 31 in Georgetown, focusing on turning global commitments into practical action.