FZS Executive Director Dr. Christof Schenck calls for global momentum to keep biodiversity at the center of international decision-making.
Global Biodiversity Alliance Launched in Guyana – A Strategic Milestone for Biodiversity
From July 23–25, Guyana hosted the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit (GBAS) — a significant new platform aiming to elevate biodiversity on global agendas. Among the founding members was Dr. Christof Schenck, Executive Director of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), who emphasized the summit’s importance in catalyzing long-term global action for conservation.
“This was a great opportunity for biodiversity to be pushed back into the headlines.”
Dr. Schenck stressed that the summit must be a starting point rather than a conclusion. He called on participating countries to maintain the momentum and expand the alliance. “This global alliance needs to be carried forward and expanded to include more countries. It’s a key and pivotal moment to ensure biodiversity remains at the center of the global agenda,” he noted.
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Christof Schenck Keynote at Guyana Biodiversity Summit – 23 July 2025 (Start: 1:20 min.)
The energy from GBAS is now being directed into concrete conservation efforts in Guyana. Priorities include the designation of new protected areas and securing the necessary funding and resources for managing them effectively. This also involves increasing the operational capacity of existing sites through fully staffed ranger teams and the establishment of control posts aimed at preventing illegal logging and mining. The implementation of early intervention strategies is seen as essential to “close the floodgates” to emerging threats before they escalate.
With a long-standing presence in Guyana, FZS is playing a key role in supporting these steps. The organization continues to act as a facilitator and moderator, helping local and national partners navigate conservation challenges and align with international biodiversity targets.
One of the summit’s major outcomes was the formal signing of the Georgetown Declaration, which affirms a shared commitment by founding members to the goals of the Global Biodiversity Alliance. This declaration represents not only a symbolic milestone but also a tool for accountability, ensuring biodiversity remains a top priority in both national and global decision-making processes.
Building on the platform created by GBAS, FZS will work to advance Guyana’s national biodiversity agenda. The organization will also continue engaging with international partners and governments to broaden the Alliance’s reach and secure the long-term financing needed to make conservation efforts durable and effective.
“The momentum from GBAS must translate into action. For Guyana and beyond, it’s a pivotal time to ensure biodiversity remains in the headlines and at the heart of decision-making.”