Rwanda announces Rwf 433 billion investment in biodiversity conservation

Elias Hakizimana Oct 7, 2025 0 Comments

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

The Government of Rwanda has unveiled an ambitious plan to mobilize over RWF 433 billion (approximately USD 300 million) to protect biodiversity and safeguard the environment over the next five years.

The initiative, known as Rwanda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2025–2030, was launched on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) General Assembly taking place in Kigali from October 6 to 10.

Minister of Environment Dr. Arakwiye Bernadette said implementing the strategy will require significant financial resources and called on development partners to support the effort.

“Under this new plan, Rwanda aims to mobilize USD 300 million over the next five years to finance biodiversity conservation activities, promote green business initiatives, and strengthen environmental quality standards,” she said.

**Minister of Environment Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye speaks during the launch of Rwanda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030) in Kigali on October 7, 2025./ Courtesy photo**

“I call upon all development partners, investors, and Rwandan citizens to join hands in implementing this strategy, supporting resource mobilization for biodiversity protection, and investing in the environment as a foundation for sustainable development.”

Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), said the strategy includes a wide range of interventions such as forest restoration, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and green industries.

“This plan focuses on promoting development activities that do not harm biodiversity,” she explained. “It involves reforestation, sustainable farming, eco-friendly tourism, and environmentally conscious industrial practices.”

The funds will be raised through partnerships between the government and its development partners.

**Officials during the launch of Rwanda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030) in Kigali on October 7, 2025.**

According to the Ministry of Environment, 65% of Rwandans depend on biodiversity-related activities such as agriculture, tourism, livestock, and forest management for their livelihoods. Rwanda is home to over 400 animal species, more than 1,000 bird species, and over 6,000 plant species, some of which are endemic.

The Ministry warns that nearly 25% of these species are at risk of extinction in the coming years if no urgent action is taken to address threats to biodiversity.

Globally, the economic cost of biodiversity loss is estimated at USD 10 trillion annually, underscoring the urgency of coordinated measures to conserve ecosystems and species.

Through the new strategy, Rwanda seeks to strengthen environmental resilience, support green economic growth, and align national efforts with global biodiversity frameworks, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

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