Important Facts of the News
- More than US$2.7 billion in finance for nature has been unlocked through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative.
- Over 132 countries globally and more than 30 in Africa are advancing Biodiversity Finance Plans.
- The amount has increased from US$1.7 billion in 2024 to more than US$2.7 billion in 2025.
- Biodiversity finance solutions are being implemented in 41 countries, with work underway in 91 more.
- The initiative aligns financial planning with the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Zambia mobilized US$150 million through a green bond for renewable energy.
- Malaysia’s Ecological Fiscal Transfer scheme channels large financial allocations to nature conservation.
- Mexico has mobilized over US$14 million for biodiversity-related initiatives over 10 years.
- Kazakhstan has designated 29 million hectares as protected areas, covering 10.77 percent of land.
- The estimated global biodiversity finance gap is over US$700 billion per year.
Growing Momentum for Nature Finance
Countries across the world are increasingly aligning economic planning and budgeting systems with nature positive objectives. The Biodiversity Finance Initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme has helped governments rethink how public funds, market instruments, and investments can support ecological sustainability. This shift reflects a broader understanding that safeguarding ecosystems also strengthens long term economic stability.
Integration of Biodiversity into Public Finance
More than 132 countries are now advancing Biodiversity Finance Plans that help identify gaps and opportunities to mobilize resources for nature conservation. This work is tied closely to the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which emphasizes measurable progress in protecting ecosystems, restoring degraded lands and waters, and supporting local communities.
Biodiversity finance approaches supported through the initiative include green bonds, ecological fiscal transfers, biodiversity linked insurance, and reforms of public subsidies that may cause ecological harm. These tools are already being applied in 41 countries, while support is extending to 91 additional national governments. This represents a significant global effort to shift financial flows from activities that damage ecosystems to those that contribute to their restoration and protection.
Examples of Tangible Results
Zambia has raised US$150 million through a green bond to strengthen renewable energy development. Malaysia directs large financial allocations to state governments that conserve forested regions through its ecological fiscal transfer mechanism. In Mexico, more than US$14 million has been catalyzed for local biodiversity initiatives during a decade of collaboration. Kazakhstan has integrated biodiversity considerations within its national budgeting systems, contributing to the protection of 29 million hectares of land. Colombia, Ecuador, and the Philippines have also advanced policies that support sustainable production and ensure recurring finance for ecosystem conservation.
Addressing the Biodiversity Finance Gap
The global shortfall between available resources and what is required to safeguard nature exceeds US$700 billion annually. As climate and biodiversity challenges are increasingly interconnected, solutions that strengthen ecosystems are vital for reducing disaster risks, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining economic resilience. The movement toward nature finance highlights the role of public financial systems in shaping sustainable development.