COP30 Summary
The UK Government has taken bold and ambitious action to protect and restore nature at the COP30 climate meeting.
UK representatives have championed the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems around the world, and the essential work we’re doing back home to restore our forests, landscapes and seas for the British people as part of the Plan for Change.
During COP30, the first payment from a British business - TierraViva AI - to the Cali Fund was announced. This marks a major milestone since its launch earlier this year. The Fund enables companies – such as pharmaceutical and biotech companies - to share profits with Indigenous Peoples and local communities who protect the nature that provides genetic resources for their products.
The UK is working closely with the private sector and other governments to support effective implementation of the Fund, including through the Friends of the Cali Fund, and this first contribution is a real milestone in these efforts.
At COP30, the UK government also made further commitments to halt and reverse nature loss, including:
Launching the UK-Brazil Fertilisers Declaration – a global push to cut emissions from fertiliser production and use. It’s about improving food security and protecting jobs and growth by supporting farmers’ resilience and boosting agricultural productivity.
Joining the Saltmarsh Breakthrough – protecting these vital coastal ecosystems which anchor key marine food chains, shield communities from floods and lock away more carbon than most forests.
Becoming a Food Waste Breakthrough Country Champion – driving the global goal to halve food waste by 2030 and cutting methane emissions by keeping food waste out of landfills.
Nature actions - COP30 showcased the UK’s role in advancing the global ‘nature actions agenda’. The summit saw the Independent Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits launch its Nature Markets Policy Forum with the UK, France and Indonesia joining as founding members, helping to unlock innovation and investment in high integrity nature credit markets.
Congo call to action - The UK also furthered its long-standing partnership with the Congo Basin region, joining a Call to Action, to ensure the world recognises the importance of Congo’s forests and funds solutions developed by Congolese institutions and communities.
The UK’s leadership at COP30 echoes government commitments to support the environment at home.
Tuesday 18 November
Saltmarsh Breakthrough
Minister Creagh announced the UK joining the Saltmarsh Breakthrough. This programme - supported by a dedicated policy taskforce—mobilises major finance and restoration efforts to protect 500,000 hectares globally by 2030.
Saltmarshes are the foundation of key marine food chains. They protect communities from flooding and store more carbon per unit area than most forests. These vital carbon ecosystems will help to address the climate and nature crisis.
Kew Seed Banking and Biodiversity
Minister Creagh provided the opening remarks for the Kew Seed Banking and Biodiversity discussion. Celebrating 25 years of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, this event highlighted the global impact of seed banking to date, and explored the role of seed science in tackling the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. The UK Government is firmly committed to placing nature at the centre of climate action.
Monday 17 November
Memorandum of Understanding between UK & Indonesia
The UK has signed an historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indonesia. Protecting our natural world requires global collaboration. This agreement with Indonesia which will see closer work together to tackle various environmental, biodiversity, and pollution issues.
Global Fund for Coral Reefs
Minister Creagh met with delegates and representatives for the Global Fund for Coral Reefs. Defra supports the Global Fund for Coral Reefs through the Blue Planet Fund, and the minister’s presence was welcomed by delegates. Through the Blue Planet Fund, the UK protects coral reefs, particularly near small island developing states, and invests in sustainable businesses to help protect vital marine ecosystems.
Sunday 16 November
Bees and Chocolate Makers in the Amazon Rainforest
Mary Creagh MP visited the Sustainable Honey Project in the Amazon rainforest. This important project protects native bee species and tropical biodiversity, prevents deforestation, and ensures sustainability at the heart of honey production.
She also saw how the Dona Nena Chocolate Factory is committed to sustainability. By using forest friendly methods, they ensure that their production practices champion sustainability, create jobs, and protect biodiversity.
By collaborating with companies like this, the UK supports business that is not just conscious of nature and the climate, but protects it.