Commonwealth launches US$202 million nature initiative in Antigua and Barbuda
Key Points(5)
- A new Commonwealth conservation initiative backed by US$202.2 million in initial pledges was launched in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, with plans to mobilise an additional US$1 billion by 2030 to support the protection of land and marine ecosystems.
- The Commonwealth Nature Initiative (CNI) was unveiled on Nov.
- 2 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), bringing together governments, philanthropic foundations and conservation organisations to accelerate efforts to establish and manage protected areas across Commonwealth countries.
- The launch took place aboard Fortescue's Green Pioneer vessel, with King Charles III joining participating leaders and supporters for a reception following the announcement.
- The initiative will support the global 30x30 target, which calls for at least 30% of the world's land and oceans to be protected by 2030.
A new Commonwealth conservation initiative backed by US$202.2 million in initial pledges was launched in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, with plans to mobilise an additional US$1 billion by 2030 to support the protection of land and marine ecosystems.
The Commonwealth Nature Initiative (CNI) was unveiled on Nov. 2 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), bringing together governments, philanthropic foundations and conservation organisations to accelerate efforts to establish and manage protected areas across Commonwealth countries.
The launch took place aboard Fortescue's Green Pioneer vessel, with King Charles III joining participating leaders and supporters for a reception following the announcement.
The initiative will support the global 30x30 target, which calls for at least 30% of the world's land and oceans to be protected by 2030.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed Antigua and Barbuda's role in establishing the initiative, highlighting the importance of ensuring that conservation funding reaches national and regional programmes.
"I am very proud that Antigua and Barbuda was the birthplace of the Commonwealth Nature Initiative in the presence of His Majesty The King," Browne said.
He said the initiative's approach would help direct resources towards communities and deliver tangible conservation results.
The founding supporters include the Minderoo Foundation, Rob Walton Foundation, Rainforest Trust, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Waitt Foundation and National Geographic Pristine Seas.
Their initial commitments will support the creation and expansion of protected areas, improve the management of existing conservation sites, advance Indigenous Peoples' rights and strengthen the role of local communities in environmental protection.
Among the initiative's early priorities is the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States' (OECS) 30x30 Transformation Program, which aims to advance regional conservation efforts.
Other priority programmes include the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership, which seeks to secure sustainable financing for 162 important protected areas, and Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity, which supports long-term marine and coastal conservation.
At the launch, Antigua and Barbuda joined Australia, Fiji, Guyana, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Uganda, the United Kingdom and Zambia in presenting conservation plans, including proposals to establish new protected areas.
Minderoo Foundation founder Andrew Forrest said the foundation's US$10 million contribution would be available immediately to help projects get underway and attract additional philanthropic investment.
Rainforest Trust pledged US$50 million, with chief executive James Deutsch highlighting the importance of connecting international conservation commitments with funding and local leadership.
The Waitt Foundation also announced support for countries including Bermuda, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu to strengthen ocean management through monitoring, enforcement and public outreach.
The initiative comes as countries work towards the 30x30 target adopted under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022.
Commonwealth members account for almost a quarter of the world's land area and more than 40% of global ocean Exclusive Economic Zones, positioning the grouping to play a significant role in international conservation efforts.
Developed by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and conservation partners, the initiative will connect investment with country-led priorities and help secure long-term financing for protected areas.
It will operate through a small secretariat responsible for coordinating partners, mobilising investment and communicating progress. The secretariat will not directly hold funds or issue grants.
The CNI aims to build on its initial commitments by attracting a further US$1 billion from donor governments and philanthropic organisations by 2030.
