Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWE is strengthening financing for biodiversity conservation after the adoption of the third National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2025-2030, a framework aimed at halting biodiversity loss, while safeguarding ecosystems.
The strategy, recently adopted by Cabinet aligns the country with the global biodiversity framework and recognises natural resources as a key driver for economic growth, environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods.
Officials have revealed that Zimbabwe requires an estimated US$1.5 billion over the next six years to implement the biodiversity strategy, translating to roughly US$300 million annually from public, private, and innovative financing sources.
Government, working with the United Nations Development Programme, has now rolled out the Biodiversity Finance Initiative, a programme designed to assess biodiversity spending and unlock sustainable funding.
“A few weeks ago, Cabinet approved the National Biodiversity Strategy 2025-2030, which aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030. It is imperative that we develop the biodiversity economy to realise economic benefits for the nation and ensure that we also develop our economy to attain our patient candidate,” Acting Deputy Director Biodiversity and Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Tendai Ruzvidzo noted.
The adoption of the initiative has been welcomed by experts for championing inclusive growth.
“When we look at biodiversity and the way our economy is dependent on intact ecosystems, it is critically important, and exciting that Zimbabwe now has approved its National Biodiversity Strategy and action plan, but there can be no action without finance. So Zimbabwe, working with UNDP with the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), is an exciting development which shows how we are going from ambition to implementation,” environmental expert, Ms Chiedza Heri said.
“The idea to have this operationalisation is noble, given that the economy from tourism is largely dependent on our biodiversity. So now that there is need to finance it, it is critical that systems are in place from private players, just like any other sectors and countries, to identify financing gaps and develop practical solutions such as biodiversity funds, fiscal incentives and stronger private sector participation in conservation,” climate change expert, Mr Lawrence Mashungu added.
After Cabinet approved the initiative, Zimbabwe joined 90 other countries in implementing the BIOFIN Strategy, whose goal is to mobilise resources for biodiversity conservation and unlock financial value that directly benefits local communities.
Zimbabwe’s Third National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025-2030) aligns the country with the global Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems worldwide.
The strategy identifies biodiversity as a critical economic asset supporting agriculture, tourism, water resources and rural livelihoods.
Through the BIOFIN, Zimbabwe will conduct a Policy and Institutional Review, Biodiversity Expenditure Review, Financial Needs Assessment and develop a Biodiversity Finance Plan.
The programme will also explore innovative financing solutions, including the establishment of a Biodiversity Conservation Fund and integration of biodiversity priorities into national planning and budgeting systems.
