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By Annonciata Byukusenge
The Government of Rwanda has launched an ambitious initiative to mobilize over Rwf 433 billion (approximately USD 300 million) to conserve biodiversity and protect the environment.
The program, titled “Rwanda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030,” was officially launched on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during the ISO Annual Meeting taking place in Kigali from October 6 to 10, 2025.
Minister of Environment Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye said the plan requires substantial resources and called on partners to actively contribute to its implementation.
“Through this new strategy, Rwanda aims to mobilize 300 million US dollars over the next five years to support biodiversity conservation, promote environmentally friendly businesses, and strengthen standards and regulations related to environmental protection,” Dr. Arakwiye said.
She further urged all stakeholders, development partners, investors, and Rwandan citizens to join efforts in realizing the plan’s objectives.
“I call upon all our partners in development, the private sector, and the public to come together to mobilize financing for biodiversity conservation and invest in the environment as a foundation for sustainable development,” she added.
The Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Juliet Kabera, said the project includes a variety of initiatives such as forest restoration and expansion, promotion of sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly tourism, and green industrial development.
“This plan is about sustaining biodiversity through practical action. It includes activities in agriculture, tourism, industry, and forest restoration, all aimed at promoting development without harming our ecosystems,” Kabera explained.
She noted that the funds will be mobilized through partnerships between the government and its development partners.
According to the Ministry of Environment, about 65% of Rwandans depend directly on biodiversity-related activities such as agriculture, livestock, forestry, and tourism for their livelihoods.
The ministry also revealed that Rwanda is home to over 400 animal species, more than 1,000 bird species, and around 6,000 plant species, many of which are unique to the country.
However, statistics show that up to 25% of all species in Rwanda are at risk of extinction in the coming years if no action is taken to address the threats they face.
The Ministry further warned that the global economic losses resulting from biodiversity degradation are estimated at 10 trillion US dollars annually, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to protect nature and all forms of life.
