Hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme's Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN), the three-day 11th Regional Dialogue on Biodiversity Finance marks a decisive shift from mapping funding gaps to rolling out finance solutions - such as green bonds, nature-based insurance and biodiversity credits - tailored to national priorities.
"Rwanda is proud to host this dialogue on biodiversity finance,' said Juliet Kabera, Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority.
'As custodians of one of the world's richest ecosystems, we believe in the power of innovative solutions to transform our biodiversity commitments into tangible action. This dialogue is a vital step in creating a future where biodiversity is not just preserved but becomes a cornerstone of sustainable development. Together, we can build economies that thrive in harmony with nature," she added.
With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), more than 40 countries in the two regions are joining the dialogue for the first time, laying the foundation for long-term financing plans that align national development priorities with the global biodiversity agenda.
'Scaling biodiversity finance is not just about mobilizing funds - it's about transforming systems,' said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility.
'The momentum we see in Africa and the Arab States shows what's possible when countries take ownership and partners like the GEF and UNDP provide catalytic support,' he added.
Africa and the Arab States are home to some of the world's most important ecosystems. But despite their natural wealth, these regions face serious financing gaps.
The global shortfall in biodiversity funding is estimated at over $700 billion per year.
Through UNDP-BIOFIN's global partnership with the GEF, more than 90 new countries are advancing their national Biodiversity Finance Plans that seek to close the gap.
'This Regional Dialogue marks a pivotal moment for Africa and the Arab States. They represent the fastest-growing regions in the BIOFIN family, with 44 countries newly joining the initiativeâ€"accounting for nearly half of all recent global additions. This expansion has been made possible through the continued support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF),' said Onno van den Heuvel, Head of Nature Finance, UNDP.
'By combining innovative instruments like green bonds, nature-based insurance, and biodiversity credits with strong government and private sector partnerships, we're demonstrating that finance can be a powerful driver for conserving ecosystems and lifting communities.'
The three-day dialogue aims to support countries to move from planning to implementation, with the new cohort benefiting from the solutions that have already succeeded in their respective regions.
'Biodiversity is critical infrastructure,' said Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda.
'Nature underpins food security, water, health, and climate resilience. Without it, our economic future rests on unstable ground. Our budgets must begin to reflect biodiversity's true value. Rwanda is an example of what's possible when leadership meets innovation. By digitizing enforcement and reinvesting in ecosystems, Rwanda is not only protecting nature â€" it is powering inclusive, sustainable development."
Participating countries are expected to sharpen new finance plans while learning from early successes across the region.
IGIHE
