What to know about Rwanda's new Rwf400bn plan to curb biodiversity loss

The government has launched a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), expected to cost Rwf399.8 billion from 2025 to 2030. Developed under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the plan complies with Article 6, according to Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). ALSO READ: Eight key findings from biodiversity survey on Rwanda's protected Rugezi Marsh The CBD is an international treaty adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. In 2022, the convention parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), setting targets for 2030, including protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans. “Rwanda continues to advance its commitments under the CBD. Article 6 requires countries to develop National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and integrate biodiversity conservation into national policies,” Kabera said. Rwanda’s 2025–2030 strategy outlines 22 national targets, integrated across sectors. Here are 22 national targets 1. Close to zero biodiversity loss By 2030, land use planning and management will ensure biodiversity loss is close to zero. 2. Restore degraded lands, inland waters by 10% The government will restore degraded lands and inland waters by at least 10% by 2030. The Climate, Environment and Natural Resources Sector Strategic Plan (2024–2029) aims to increase restored area from 332,861 ha to 600,000 ha. 3. Conservation of terrestrial and inland water areas By 2030, 11% of land and inland water areas will be conserved through protected areas. Protected areas currently cover 9.1% of Rwanda. 4. Halting the extinction of threatened species Conservation efforts will be enhanced to improve biodiversity, halt species extinction, and manage human-wildlife conflict. ALSO READ: Akagera’s new rhino crash to boost biodiversity, tourism 5. Curb illegal harvesting of wild species Rwanda will sustainably manage wild species on all lands and eliminate illegal harvesting. 6. Controlling invasive alien species by 50% Invasive alien species will be reduced by 50% in protected areas by 2030. A 2016 REMA study identified 47 such species in Rwanda. 7. Reduce major pollutants from agriculture Pollutants from agriculture, industry, and mining will be reduced to non-harmful levels for biodiversity through efficient nutrient cycling and reduced pesticide use. 8. Minimise the impacts of climate change on biodiversity The strategy will build resilience to climate change through expanded nature-based and ecosystem-based solutions in vulnerable areas. 9. Sustainable management and use of wild species Wild species will be managed sustainably to protect biodiversity and benefit communities. 10. Management of areas under agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry Agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry areas will adopt biodiversity-friendly practices. Conservation agriculture will expand by 22,000 ha as per PSTA 5. 11. Ecosystem services Ecosystem services will be restored and enhanced through nature-based solutions to improve human well-being and sustainability. ALSO READ: Safety concerns prompt relocation of 11 island communities in Rwanda 12. Improving urban green spaces Urban planning will increase green spaces using native species, supporting biodiversity and urban well-being. 13. Benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources Legal frameworks will ensure fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. 14. Integration in policies, laws Biodiversity values will be integrated into laws, regulations, plans, and decision-making across all sectors. 15. Financial institutions' role Large businesses and financial institutions in Rwanda will assess, disclose, and reduce biodiversity-related risks and impacts. 16. Reducing waste Sectors will implement sustainable production and consumption strategies to reduce waste and overconsumption. 17. Biosafety measures in place Capacity will be strengthened for biosafety and sustainable use of biotechnology products and services. 18. Identify possible harmful incentives and subsidies Harmful incentives that damage biodiversity will be identified, while positive incentives will be promoted. 19. $500m to be mobilised Rwanda will mobilise $500 million from public and private sources and align financial flows with biodiversity goals. 20. Technology transfer Capacity-building, technology transfer, research, and communication will be enhanced to support biodiversity efforts. 21. Data Biodiversity data will be made accessible and used to guide conservation and sustainable use. 22. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities involved All stakeholders, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, will participate in biodiversity-related decision-making, respecting traditional knowledge. Economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services The strategy is based on the economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in protected areas, showing significant national benefits. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s tourism generates $647m in 2024, eyes over $700m in 2025 Nyungwe National Park was valued at $4.8 billion in 2014. Rugezi Wetlands had a Total Monetary Value of $374 million, while the Mukura Landscape was estimated at $1.4 million annually. An assessment of the Akagera Wetland Complex found annual benefits of $12 million and a carbon storage stock value of $1.1 billion. The Kigali City Wetlands Complex provides $22 million annually in provisioning services and $499,000 in regulating services. Tourism and recreation in this complex have an estimated annual value of $83,333. One of biodiversity's largest contributions to Rwanda’s economy is through ecotourism. Tourism remains a key sector for sustainable development and income generation.

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What to know about Rwanda's new Rwf400bn plan to curb biodiversity loss