Portugal heads to Armenia's COP17 pushing nature funding and delivery of existing biodiversity pledges

Portugal will attend the UN biodiversity conference, COP17, opening in Yerevan on 19 October, arguing that existing commitments must be delivered rather than new targets set. Lisbon backs stronger funding, including nature credits to draw in private investment, and wants faster action on the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. At home, it was the third EU member state to submit a draft national restoration plan, is finalising its 61 Natura 2000 special areas of conservation, and has created a marine reserve of about 173,000 square kilometres, lifting protected national waters to roughly 25%. New river and urban restoration programmes, plus pollinator funding, support the case.