Finance experts from Africa, Arab states meet on biodiversity financing
The three-day meeting, hosted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with the Rwandan government, brings together biodiversity finance experts and government representatives from over 50 countries across Africa and the Arab states to explore how national biodiversity finance plans are being transformed into practical solutions.
Delegates will explore innovative strategies for biodiversity finance by connecting public policy reform with financial instruments and strengthening collaboration with the private sector, according to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
"We have the policies. We have the political will. But the resources remain limited, fragmented, and heavily donor-dependent. This is what brings us together, a shared commitment to closing the biodiversity gap," Juliet Kabera, director general of REMA, said in her opening remarks.
Fatmata Sesay, resident representative of the UNDP in Rwanda, said Rwanda is pioneering a new model of biodiversity finance through digital innovation. She cited IremboPay, a platform that digitizes the issuance and tracking of environmental fines, which are then reinvested into the country's conservation initiatives.
Africa and the Arab states are home to some of the world's most important ecosystems. However, despite their natural wealth, these regions face serious financing gaps, officials said.
Running from June 25 to 27, the meeting will identify biodiversity finance solutions that can be adapted to the national context and set next steps for scaling up, organizers said.
Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda's minister of environment, said biodiversity requires sustained financing because it supports key economic sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism, which generate significant income and employment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
China Day at Tanzania's largest trade fair underscores innovation, collaboration
DAR ES SALAAM, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) marked a significant milestone on Sunday with the celebration of China Day, spotlighting the expanding economic and cultural partnership between China and Tanzania, according to a Tanzanian official. Fatma Mabrouk Khamis, principal secretary for the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development in Zanzibar, made the remarks when addressing the trade fair. She described China Day as a vibrant platform showcasing the richness, diversity, and innovation of Chinese industries, from cutting-edge technologies and green energy solutions to traditional craftsmanship and globally renowned manufacturing. She emphasized that Tanzania regards China not only as a key trade and investment partner but also as a driving force in building a future based on smart collaboration, mutual learning, and shared prosperity. Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian noted that over 300 Chinese companies are currently operating across various sectors in Tanzania, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and services, contributing significantly to the country's industrialization. According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade volume reached 4.1 billion U.S. dollars between January and May this year, she said. Cathy Wang, director general of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center Limited, the primary sponsor of the fair, said that approximately 200 Chinese exhibitors are participating in the 49th DITF, with many having already invested in Tanzania's growing industrial sector. "The strength of 'Made in China' is fueling Tanzania's industrial transformation," Wang stated. Joseph Mramba, founder and executive chairman of the Youth Investors Association, applauded China Day for highlighting the growing influence of Chinese enterprises in Tanzania and strengthening bilateral relations. "I encourage young Tanzanian entrepreneurs and investors to attend and explore the many opportunities for collaboration with Chinese enterprises at this year's DITF," said Mramba.
Malaysia Sun
5 hours ago
- Malaysia Sun
31st Lanzhou investment and trade fair draws global participation
LANZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) - The 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair opened on Sunday in Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, attracting over 2,000 domestic and international enterprises. This year's fair features Indonesia as its guest country of honor. Participation has surpassed previous fairs, with representatives of over 20 nations, including Germany, Spain, Russia, Malaysia and Iran, attending alongside representatives of 18 Chinese municipalities, provinces and autonomous regions, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The fair has four exhibition zones -- covering international Silk Road cooperation, regional exchange, consumer goods, and featured Gansu industries -- showcasing products across the fields of equipment manufacturing, petrochemicals, biomedicine, new materials, new energy, aerospace, agriculture, and data information, according to its organizers. More than 30 forums and trade events have been scheduled for the fair. Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun noted that Indonesia's 16 attending enterprises were presenting coffee, foods, handicrafts and traditional batik, and expressed the hope that the two countries would deepen cooperation on renewable energy, modern agriculture and cultural tourism. As Gansu's flagship international economic event since 1993, the fair has this year secured deals for 1,181 investment projects totaling over 650 billion yuan (about 90.9 billion U.S. dollars) in sectors such as new energy equipment, agricultural processing, new materials, and digital technology.
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
China, Myanmar and Thailand join hands to eradicate telecom fraud networks
BEIJING/YANGON (Xinhua): China, Myanmar and Thailand agreed to intensify cooperation to dismantle all telecom scam compounds and arrest all suspects in Myawaddy and other telecom fraud hubs, China's Ministry of Public Security announced Sunday. The decision came during a recent ministerial meeting on a joint crackdown against telecom fraud attended by law enforcement agencies of the three countries. Thanks to their joint efforts, over 5,400 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud in Myawaddy have been repatriated in 2025, marking significant progress in the tripartite crackdown campaign. - Xinhua
