Cali Fund Secures Only $7,085, Missing $1 Billion Annual Target

The Cali Fund, a global biodiversity initiative launched in February 2025, has accumulated just $7,085 in deposited funds as of October 22, 2026, attracting minimal private sector contributions despite an annual target of $1 billion[4][5][7][10]. This significant underfunding is a central topic at the UN biodiversity conference, COP17, underway in Yerevan, Armenia[3][4][5][6].

This shortfall raises concerns about the commitment of industries that benefit from genetic resources to contribute to the conservation of nature. The fund was intended to address a critical gap in biodiversity financing, ensuring that companies profiting from digital genetic data help reinvest in the natural systems and communities that enable their innovations[2][9][13].

What the records show

The Cali Fund was established to channel private sector contributions into protecting nature, specifically from companies that use digital genetic data commercially[2][9][10]. Its goal was to raise $1 billion annually for biodiversity conservation, particularly in low-income countries[4][5][7][8]. At least half of the fund's resources are designated for Indigenous peoples and local communities, recognizing their role as custodians of biodiversity[5][6][10][12]. As of October 22, 2026, the fund has received $10,656 in commitments, with $7,085 deposited[4][5][7]. These deposited funds came from three small private-sector companies: Prozomix contributed $5,000, TierraViva AI $1,000, and E-Biom $1,085[5]. Major pharmaceutical companies have not contributed any money to the fund[5][6][7]. A study by Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA) indicated that the top 15 pharmaceutical companies could have contributed $756 million in 2025, based on a suggested guideline of 1% of their profits or 0.1% of their revenue[5][6][7][10]. These companies collectively generated $161 billion in profits in 2025[5][7].

The timeline

The Cali Fund was created in Colombia in late 2024 and officially launched on February 28, 2025[1][10][13]. The UN biodiversity conference, COP17, is taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19-30, 2026[3][10]. The minimal funding figures were reported on October 22, 2026, during the conference[4]. Governments at COP17 are expected to finalize contribution thresholds, rates, and distribution formulas for the fund[10].

What changed and for whom

The Cali Fund was envisioned as a significant step to mobilize private sector contributions for nature finance, ensuring that industries benefiting from genetic resources contribute to conservation efforts[2][4]. However, its current underfunded status means that the intended support for biodiversity protection and the communities on the frontlines of this effort remains largely undelivered[4][5][12]. The lack of contributions, particularly from major pharmaceutical companies, has led to accusations of these companies