Placing biodiversity at the center of development in Rwanda

“I think we cannot talk about sustainable development if we do not talk about biodiversity.”

In Rwanda, biodiversity is not treated as a standalone environmental issue. It is understood in terms of plant and animal species, their diversity, and the ecosystems they inhabit and it sits at the very core of national development planning.

From forests and national parks to wetlands, lake shores, and river buffer zones, the Government of Rwanda has established a strong framework of policies, strategies, and legal instruments to protect ecologically sensitive areas. These ecosystems are recognized not only for their intrinsic value, but for the essential role they play in supporting livelihoods, resilience, and long-term economic development.

From policy to implementation

While Rwanda has made significant progress in establishing the right institutional and policy frameworks, the real challenge and opportunity lies in implementation.

Delivering results requires coordinated action across government institutions, research bodies, and enforcement agencies. It is through this collaboration that strategies are translated into tangible outcomes on the ground.

At the same time, Rwanda’s approach reflects a growing global understanding: environmental sustainability cannot be addressed in silos. Climate, biodiversity, and development are deeply interconnected. Efforts to mobilize climate finance, for example, cannot succeed without integrating biodiversity considerations.

Aligning finance with biodiversity priorities

Recognizing this, Rwanda is actively exploring both domestic and international financing solutions. A key priority is ensuring that all financial flows entering the national budget are aligned with biodiversity conservation, protection, and sustainable use.

This integrated approach is particularly evident in sectors such as tourism, where economic success depends directly on healthy ecosystems. Sustainable tourism cannot exist without biodiversity, highlighting the need for policies and investments that reflect this interdependence.

Rwanda has developed its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which outlines funding sources, sets clear targets, and provides a roadmap for implementation. The country is currently reporting on 22 national biodiversity targets. The recent revision of the NBSAP has further strengthened clarity on priorities and improved coordination across sectors, enabling both public and private actors to contribute to solutions.

The role of BIOFIN in closing the finance gap

Historically, environmental finance has not always clearly distinguished biodiversity as a priority area. This is where the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) has played a critical role.

Through its methodology, BIOFIN has helped Rwanda assess how much funding is currently directed toward biodiversity, evaluate its effectiveness, and identify financing gaps. It has also supported the design of new finance solutions and the exploration of innovative funding sources.

In many countries, access to specialized expertise in biodiversity finance remains limited. Through partnerships with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Rwanda has been able to access the tools, knowledge, and technical support needed to strengthen its approach.

These tools have also helped communicate the value of biodiversity more effectively, particularly to ministries of finance, where competing priorities often shape budget decisions. By framing biodiversity as an investment rather than a cost, Rwanda is making a stronger case for sustained and scaled-up financing.

Reforming harmful subsidies

As part of its efforts to improve financial alignment, Rwanda is preparing to share findings on harmful subsidies, an area that has historically lacked accessible data and analysis.

With BIOFIN’s support, the country has completed an assessment to identify subsidies that may negatively impact biodiversity. This work will help guide financial institutions and policymakers in reforming or redirecting these subsidies toward more sustainable and nature-positive outcomes.

From commitment to action

Rwanda’s experience highlights a broader lesson for countries worldwide: achieving sustainable development requires placing biodiversity at the center of policy, planning, and finance.

With strong institutional frameworks, a clear strategic direction, and support from global partnerships, Rwanda is demonstrating how countries can move from commitment to action, ensuring that biodiversity is not only protected, but actively integrated into the foundations of economic and social development.