30 September 2025

With support from UNDP and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), El Salvador launched the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP BIOFIN). The launch included a high-level meeting to establish the Project Steering Committee and a technical workshop with representatives of the public sector, private companies and international organizations. Participants discussed ways to support economic development and mobilize finance for nature.

The initiative is led by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, with support from UNDP and GEF funding. UNDP BIOFIN helps countries address the challenge of financing and implementing solutions for nature.

Implementation began with a workshop to establish the Project Steering Committee, attended by representatives of the two ministries and the Climate Finance Roundtable. Established in 2023 in connection with El Salvador’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Roundtable now also provides a forum for monitoring progress and supporting the financial sustainability of biodiversity action.

The launch included a strategic dialogue with representatives of public institutions, private companies, commercial and multilateral banks, civil society and international cooperation organizations. Participants learned about the project’s objectives, scope and methodology, and identified the conditions, partners and financing mechanisms needed to mobilize resources for biodiversity.

A global initiative with local impact

In El Salvador, UNDP BIOFIN will support the country’s international commitments by helping identify, mobilize and invest resources for its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030. Conserving nature requires participation across society, backed by sound and sustainable financing strategies.

Through the initiative, El Salvador will work to integrate biodiversity into national financial planning, identify financing gaps and opportunities, assess existing financial flows and design solutions aligned with national priorities.

UNDP will work with partners across sectors to connect biodiversity finance with economic development and environmental sustainability.

“UNDP is a global organization with expertise across many areas, and we are here to support countries where they need us. El Salvador is thinking big. Establishing the Steering Committee today is a major milestone. You are piloting this aircraft; we are here to accompany you.”

Maribel Gutiérrez, UNDP Resident Representative

“We need budgets that integrate biodiversity. Everything is connected. That is why BIOFIN matters: it is an approach that has been tested in other countries and that we, as Salvadorans, can begin to use. We all want to see this country grow and our children grow up in a green, efficient country with a thriving economy—the country we all deserve.

“We have already shown that we can change what seemed impossible. Now it is biodiversity’s turn.”

Fernando López Larreynaga, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources

“Biodiversity should be recognized as our most valuable natural capital. It is a pillar of our economy and an asset. We reaffirm our commitment to building a resilient, competitive and sustainable economy. Investing in biodiversity is an environmental necessity, a fiscal responsibility and a strategic opportunity for development.”

Jacqueline Argumedo, Director of Economic and Fiscal Policy, Ministry of Finance

Translated from the original article published by UNDP El Salvador.