Rwanda unveils biodiversity strategy as ISO launches first global standard to ‘end war against nature’

Rwanda unveiled its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan alongside the launch of the world’s first International Standard on Biodiversity, during the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Annual Meeting 2025 in Kigali. Launching the strategy, Minister of Environment, Bernadette Arakwiye, called for an end to humanity’s war against nature, underscoring the urgency of global cooperation in protecting ecosystems. ALSO READ: Standardisation key for trade, equitable development, says PM Nsengiyumva The Minister underscored that biodiversity is not merely an environmental concern but an economic, social, health, and security issue, stressing its central role in sustaining life on Earth. “Biodiversity sustains our food, water, climate, and economies. When biodiversity declines, so does the stability of our ecosystems, our water security, and our health. Humanity must end its war against nature and work together to restore our ecosystems,” she said. The speech coincided with the unveiling of Rwanda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2025–2030), a roadmap to conserve and sustainably manage the country’s rich natural heritage. The strategy seeks to mobilise over $300 million in the next five years to finance biodiversity conservation, promote nature-based enterprises, and strengthen national biodiversity standards. ALSO READ: Optimism for Rwandan business growth as govt slashes standardisation fees “Rwanda is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity of over 400 mammal species, more than 1,000 bird species, and nearly 6,000 plant species, many found nowhere else on Earth. This plan is our renewed commitment to ensure that development and biodiversity go hand in hand.” The launch coincided with the introduction of ISO 17298: Biodiversity for Organizations Guidelines and Requirements, a first international standard offering a structured framework to help organisations worldwide assess their biodiversity impacts, dependencies, risks, and opportunities. ISO 17298 provides a globally aligned roadmap for companies and institutions to move from environmental ambition to measurable, accountable action. It embeds biodiversity into governance, risk management, and strategic decision-making, ensuring that protecting nature becomes a business imperative. The Director General of the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), Raymond Murenzi, said the moment makes the best fit for launching the standard and at the same time tapping into the country’s orientation to protect biodiversity. “The launch of the first international standard on biodiversity by ISO in Kigali is an outstanding achievement that we are proud of as ISO members. Equally important, we are happy that at the same ceremony, Rwanda has launched the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The international standard launched would remain just a document if there was no framework guiding its implementation. It makes the best fit launching the standard and at the same time tapping into the country’s orientation to protect biodiversity,” said Murenzi. “Many organisations see the urgency of biodiversity action, but navigating the path has been complex. Until now, there has been no globally agreed standard for integrating biodiversity into strategy. ISO 17298 fills that gap,” said Noelia Garcia Nebra, ISO’s Head of Sustainability and Partnerships. ALSO READ: Made in Rwanda takes center stage as Rwanda hosts ISO 2025 The new framework is interoperable with major global initiatives such as ISO 14001, ISO 26000, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It also supports the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Target 15 on corporate accountability. Hermogene Nsengimana, the Secretary General of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), urged countries and industries to assess, act, and measure their impact on nature as a simple yet powerful framework for accountability and progress. “This is not just about having strategies or documents, it’s about action. The beauty of our National Biodiversity Strategy is that it’s not only a strategy but an action plan. The new ISO standard gives us the tools to assess, act, and measure, and this is how we ensure that our commitments translate into real results. Standards may be voluntary, but today they have become essential for trade, for sustainability, and for our collective future,” said Nsengimana. “Africa must rethink its approach to standardisation to ensure industries can comply with emerging global requirements such as ESG and deforestation regulations while harnessing biodiversity as a driver for economic opportunity.” ISO’s Director of Standardisation, Marco Rossi, said the standard represents a long-awaited unification of global biodiversity efforts. “ISO 17298 creates a common language for biodiversity. It supports the production of credible, comparable data that can inform investment, improve disclosure, and unlock access to the growing nature-positive economy.” Experts say the standard will help align corporate and national strategies, ensuring that nature protection and economic development move forward together. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) welcomed the launch, saying it would help harmonise definitions and strengthen the global response to nature-related risks.

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Rwanda unveils biodiversity strategy as ISO launches first global standard to ‘end war against nature’