ARLINGTON, Virginia (May 1, 2025) – The French Development Agency (AFD) and Conservation International have signed a historic agreement to protect, restore, and mobilize financing for nature and biodiversity at scale.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed today in Arlington by Rémy Rioux, Chief Executive Officer of AFD, and Dr. M. Sanjayan, Chief Executive Officer of Conservation International. It represents their joint commitment to tackling biodiversity protection, supporting sustainable development, and creating new mechanisms to finance the long-term preservation of nature and communities.
“When it comes to protecting some of the planet’s most vital and irreplaceable ecosystems, AFD continues to lead with courage and commitment,” said Dr. Sanjayan. “Our decades-long partnership has laid a strong foundation for deeper collaboration in these three priority areas and beyond. That AFD sees Conservation International as a trusted partner to help advance our shared mission to restore and strengthen humanity’s relationship with nature speaks volumes.”
Mr. Rioux emphasized the urgency of action, stating: “Strengthening our cooperation with Conservation International today is a natural step to continue our joint commitment to protecting the planet and the most vulnerable. We are deeply dependent on nature, and we must remember how interconnected systems are. Together with CI and all willing partners, we aim to mobilize at scale and swiftly to invest in nature-positive economies.”
A Consolidated Long-Term Partnership
This five-year strategic partnership will leverage the unique strengths and expertise of both organizations to advance crucial initiatives, build stronger partnerships, develop synergies, increase biodiversity conservation funding, and foster innovation for better conservation outcomes. It builds on a longstanding collaboration that began in 2004 and has grown through key initiatives such as the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
Transforming Global Conservation: 3 Strategic Pillars for Action
AFD, as an inclusive public financial institution and a key player in France’s international partnerships, will broaden and deepen its collaboration with Conservation International across several shared priorities, including:
- Nature-Positive Economies: Driving and accelerating large-scale transitions to nature-positive development models, including nature-based supply chains and sustainable watershed management.
- Oceans and Blue Economy: Supporting the protection of at least 30% of the world’s oceans and ensuring that at least 75% of global seafood is produced using socially responsible and environmentally sustainable practices by 2030.
- Partnership with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LC): Supporting their efforts to conserve, defend, and manage their lands and strengthen their livelihoods.
Additionally, AFD and Conservation International will collaborate across research, training, communications, the arts, and development to amplify impact.
Catalyzing Billions for Nature: A Financial Plan for Global Impact
As part of their shared commitment, Conservation International and AFD will work to mobilize private and multilateral donors for nature. Conservation International will engage major corporations and investors to establish innovative investment vehicles to catalyze private finance supporting restoration, sustainable forestry, carbon markets, and small to medium-sized enterprises.
This Memorandum of Understanding marks a major step forward in financing biodiversity conservation and ensuring the essential benefits that nature provides to humanity.
About Conservation International:
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for climate, biodiversity, and people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in over 100, Conservation International partners with governments, businesses, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help both people and nature thrive. Visit Conservation.org to learn more and follow us on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
About the French Development Agency (AFD):
The French Development Agency (AFD) advances France’s policy on sustainable investment and international solidarity. Through its public financing operations, research and publications (AFD Editions), sustainable development training programs (AFD Group Campus), and awareness initiatives in France, AFD funds, supports, and drives the transition to a fairer and more resilient world. Together with our partners, we deliver sustainable solutions for and with communities. Our teams are involved in more than 2,700 field projects in over 115 countries, including French overseas territories, supporting initiatives for the climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality, and global health. Alongside Proparco and Expertise France, AFD supports France’s and the French people’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Working with you, for a world in common.
