Securing funds for wildlife conservation to safeguard our collective destiny
Funding wildlife conservation is essential for safeguarding our collective future.
TroibNews 
On March 3, the 12th World Wildlife Day will be commemorated under the theme "Financing Wildlife Conservation: Investing in People and the Planet." This motif underscores the vital importance of financial investment in wildlife protection, which is essential for preserving ecological balance, delivering ecosystem services, and enhancing human livelihoods.
However, global wildlife continues to face threats like illegal trade, habitat destruction, and climate change. Effective conservation initiatives demand sufficient financial backing, yet there remains a considerable funding shortfall for biodiversity conservation on a global scale.
Innovative financial instruments are being increasingly introduced in the realm of wildlife conservation internationally.
In March 2022, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a branch of the World Bank, unveiled the world's first Wildlife Conservation Bond, also referred to as the "Rhino Bond." The proceeds from this bond are aimed directly at supporting the restoration of the black rhino population within the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
In February 2025, the resumed sessions of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity concluded in Rome, where a groundbreaking financial mobilization plan was adopted to further global biodiversity efforts.
During three days of intense negotiations, COP 16 parties reached agreement on the "Mobilizing Financial Resources for Biodiversity" strategy, which seeks to secure $200 billion annually by 2030 from diverse funding sources for biodiversity initiatives. Out of this total, $20 billion is expected to stem from international financial flows by 2025, with projections suggesting an increase to $30 billion by 2030.
A significant result of the sessions was the initiation of the Cali Fund, a new financing mechanism supported by contributions from private sector entities that utilize genetic resource data commercially. This fund is designed to allocate at least 50 percent of its resources to indigenous peoples and local communities, acknowledging their crucial role as stewards of biodiversity.
In China, biodiversity conservation has emerged as a key element of the national development strategy, with ecological civilization and green development identified as focal areas that prominently feature biodiversity financing.
Ren Hai, a deputy to the National People's Congress, has advocated for the enhancement of the ex-situ conservation network and the establishment of a national zoo system to bolster biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration has been actively addressing proposals from NPC deputies and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, collaborating with relevant authorities to promote conservation policies.
In terms of financing initiatives, China has launched several biodiversity conservation financing projects in recent years. Notably, in 2021, the Bank of China issued the nation's first biodiversity-themed green bonds, valued at 1.8 billion yuan. These funds are designated for ecosystem restoration efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, afforestation, and conservation of land and marine environments.
Financing wildlife conservation is integral to global ecological protection. As the urgency of biodiversity challenges escalates, it is essential to establish stable and efficient financial mechanisms to ensure that funds are directed effectively toward conservation endeavors.
By leveraging innovative financial tools, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering international cooperation, the global community can secure more robust financial support for wildlife conservation efforts and collectively safeguard the future of both people and the planet.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
However, global wildlife continues to face threats like illegal trade, habitat destruction, and climate change. Effective conservation initiatives demand sufficient financial backing, yet there remains a considerable funding shortfall for biodiversity conservation on a global scale.
Innovative financial instruments are being increasingly introduced in the realm of wildlife conservation internationally.
In March 2022, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a branch of the World Bank, unveiled the world's first Wildlife Conservation Bond, also referred to as the "Rhino Bond." The proceeds from this bond are aimed directly at supporting the restoration of the black rhino population within the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
In February 2025, the resumed sessions of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity concluded in Rome, where a groundbreaking financial mobilization plan was adopted to further global biodiversity efforts.
During three days of intense negotiations, COP 16 parties reached agreement on the "Mobilizing Financial Resources for Biodiversity" strategy, which seeks to secure $200 billion annually by 2030 from diverse funding sources for biodiversity initiatives. Out of this total, $20 billion is expected to stem from international financial flows by 2025, with projections suggesting an increase to $30 billion by 2030.
A significant result of the sessions was the initiation of the Cali Fund, a new financing mechanism supported by contributions from private sector entities that utilize genetic resource data commercially. This fund is designed to allocate at least 50 percent of its resources to indigenous peoples and local communities, acknowledging their crucial role as stewards of biodiversity.
In China, biodiversity conservation has emerged as a key element of the national development strategy, with ecological civilization and green development identified as focal areas that prominently feature biodiversity financing.
Ren Hai, a deputy to the National People's Congress, has advocated for the enhancement of the ex-situ conservation network and the establishment of a national zoo system to bolster biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration has been actively addressing proposals from NPC deputies and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, collaborating with relevant authorities to promote conservation policies.
In terms of financing initiatives, China has launched several biodiversity conservation financing projects in recent years. Notably, in 2021, the Bank of China issued the nation's first biodiversity-themed green bonds, valued at 1.8 billion yuan. These funds are designated for ecosystem restoration efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, afforestation, and conservation of land and marine environments.
Financing wildlife conservation is integral to global ecological protection. As the urgency of biodiversity challenges escalates, it is essential to establish stable and efficient financial mechanisms to ensure that funds are directed effectively toward conservation endeavors.
By leveraging innovative financial tools, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering international cooperation, the global community can secure more robust financial support for wildlife conservation efforts and collectively safeguard the future of both people and the planet.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
