As COP16 is well underway in Cali, Colombia, our Executive Director Stefanie Lang sat down with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.) to discuss what is at stake at this iteration of the summit, as well as the unique contribution Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF) makes to global nature conservation.  

“There is a lack of money for nature conservation, especially in the major biodiversity hotspots in countries of the global South”, Stefanie said in the interview published on October 28. She described these protected areas as “biodiversity banks,” essential for the preservation and regeneration of ecosystems. Rainforests in these places play a crucial role in absorbing significant amounts of CO2 and regulating both water cycles and local microclimates, helping to mitigate extreme weather events.  

As global leaders convene to tackle the urgent challenges of biodiversity conservation, the Legacy Landscape Fund showcases a model of impactful action. Fifteen landscapes across Latin America, Asia, and Africa are already benefiting from LLF’s long-term financial support. Launched by Germany, the fund unites public and private donors from philanthropy and business to fund conservation efforts where they can make the greatest impact on biodiversity, climate resilience, and local communities. 

“We are closing a gap in the financing of nature conservation areas in countries that lack the funds for nature conservation. These countries are usually home to particularly large and species-rich areas. They are particularly important for the protection of global biodiversity.” 

Stefanie is optimistic about attracting further public and private donors for the LLF. “Politics and business increasingly understand that the loss of biodiversity is endangering our lives and our economy. The global gross national product could shrink by 50 percent if we do not manage to stop the loss.” In view of the many global crises, she added, it is important to join forces.