Agence Française de Développement and Conservation International Strengthen Partnership to Mobilize Innovative Finance for the Long-Term Protection of Nature and People

ARLINGTON, Va. (May 1, 2025) – Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Conservation International have signed a historic agreement to protect, restore and mobilize finance for nature and biodiversity at scale.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed today in Arlington by Rémy Rioux, the CEO of AFD, the French Development Agency, and Conservation International CEO Dr. M. Sanjayan. It signifies their commitment to collectively address the protection of biodiversity, support sustainable development, and develop new ways to finance long-term protection of nature and people.

“When it comes to protecting some of the planet’s most vital and irreplaceable ecosystems, AFD continues to lead with both courage and commitment,” said Sanjayan. “Our decades-long partnership has built a strong foundation for deeper collaboration – in these three priority areas and beyond. It speaks volumes that AFD sees in Conservation International a partner equipped to help advance the shared mission to restore and strengthen humanity’s relationship with nature.”

Rioux emphasized the urgency of action, stating: “Strengthening today our cooperation with Conservation International is a matter of course to continue our common commitment to protecting the Planet and the most vulnerable. We rely on nature for so much, and we must remember how systems interconnect. So together with CI and all willing players, we aim to mobilize at scale and speed to invest in nature-positive economies.”

A consolidated long-term partnership

This strategic five-year partnership will leverage the unique strengths and expertise of both organizations to drive forward critical initiatives, to consolidate partnerships, develop synergies, increase financing to biodiversity conservation and innovate for better conservation results. It builds on 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 the main actor in France’s international partnerships, will expand and deepen collaboration with Conservation International around several joint priorities, including:

• Nature-positive economies: Trigger and accelerate large-scale transition to nature-positive economic development models, including nature-based supply chains and sustainable watershed management.
• Ocean and Blue economy: Support the protection of at least 30% of the world’s ocean and contribute to ensuring that at least 75% of seafood globally is produced using socially responsible and environmentally sustainable methods by 2030.
• Partnership with Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IP&LC) in their efforts to conserve, defend and manage their lands and strengthen their livelihoods.

Additionally, AFD and Conservation International will collaborate in the research, training, communication, and arts and development fields to leverage impact.

Catalyzing billions for Nature : a financial blueprint for global impact

As part of their joint commitment, Conservation International and AFD will work to mobilize private and multilateral donors for nature. Conservation International will collaborate with major companies and investors to establish innovative investment vehicles to catalyze private finance to support restoration, sustainable forestry, carbon markets and small-and-medium sized businesses.

This MOU marks a significant milestone in financing for biodiversity conservation and securing the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity.

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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 the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Visit Conservation.org for more, and follow us on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

About Agence Française de Développement: Agence Française de Développement (AFD) helps advance France’s policy on sustainable investment and international solidarity. Through its public sector and NGO financing operations, research and publications (Éditions AFD), sustainable development training programs (AFD Group Campus) and awareness-raising activities in France, AFD finances, supports and drives the transition to a fairer, more resilient world. Alongside our partners, we provide sustainable solutions for—and with—communities. Our teams are working on over 2,700 projects in the field, in over 115 countries, including France’s overseas departments and territories, to support projects for the climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality and global health. Together with Proparco and Expertise France, AFD supports the commitment of France and the French people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Working by your side, toward a world in common. afd.fr/en