Ecuador to Host COP18 in 2028 as Africa Seeks Progress on Biodiversity Commitments
Ecuador has been elected to host the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2028, following a vote during the final plenary session of COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia.
The South American country secured 55 votes against Panama’s 53, with Quito set to host the next global biodiversity conference.
The decision comes as countries continue efforts to implement the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
The framework includes 23 targets covering ecosystem protection, restoration, sustainable use of biodiversity, financing and the equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
COP18 will provide an opportunity for countries to review progress and address challenges in implementing these commitments.
Africa’s Biodiversity Priorities
For African countries, the next conference will provide another opportunity to raise concerns about biodiversity financing, technology transfer and capacity building.
Many African countries face challenges in protecting biodiversity while responding to growing demands for agricultural production, infrastructure development and economic growth.
Access to funding remains a major concern. Under the Kunming–Montreal framework, countries agreed to mobilise at least US$200 billion annually for biodiversity by 2030, including increased international financial support for developing countries.
African countries are also seeking greater participation in research and decisions concerning the use of genetic resources, including fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
These issues are particularly relevant as countries review their national biodiversity strategies and action plans ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Genetic Biocontrol and Biodiversity Conservation
The discussions also have implications for emerging biotechnologies, including genetic biocontrol approaches being investigated to manage disease vectors, agricultural pests and invasive species.
Such technologies present potential opportunities for public health and biodiversity management, but their development and possible application require scientific assessment, appropriate regulatory oversight and public engagement.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety provides an international framework for the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology, while the Nagoya Protocol addresses access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation.
For the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (AGBC), these issues are closely linked to its work supporting African participation in research, capacity strengthening and informed decision-making on genetic biocontrol technologies.
The Consortium will host the Third Global Congress on Genetic Biocontrol Technologies in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 18 March 2027.
The Congress will bring together scientists, regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss emerging research, biosafety, regulatory preparedness and the responsible development of genetic biocontrol technologies.
The discussions in Nairobi will provide an opportunity to examine scientific and regulatory issues relevant to Africa’s public health and biodiversity priorities.
Reference links
- Ecuador Ministry of Environment and Energy — Official announcement dated 30 October 2026 confirming Ecuador’s selection as COP18 host.
- IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin — Detailed account of the final plenary, confirming Quito’s selection by 55 votes to Panama City’s 53. Includes photographs available with attribution.
- IISD – COP17 Outcomes — Covers biodiversity financing, implementation gaps, harmful subsidies and preparations for COP18.
- Reuters – COP17 Biodiversity Agreement — Independent reporting on the Yerevan agreement, financing challenges and developing-country priorities.
- Carbon Brief – COP17 Key Outcomes — Detailed analysis of biodiversity targets, genetic resources, financing negotiations and Kenya’s participation.
- https://theclimatewatch.com/ecuador-beats-panama-by-two-votes-to-host-2028-un-biodiversity-summit/
