Unlocking Green Finance: Bangladesh’s New Initiative to Boost Nature Conservation

Bangladesh Launches Biodiversity Finance Initiative

On May 18, 2025, Bangladesh took an important step to protect its natural resources by launching the “Umbrella Programme to Support Development of Biodiversity Finance Plans.” This initiative aims to secure funding for biodiversity conservation in the country.

This program is part of the global Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and backed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It involves over 130 countries working together to find innovative ways to finance nature conservation.

The launch event took place in Dhaka, organized by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It highlights Bangladesh’s commitment to its duties under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Dr. Farhina Ahmed, the Environment Secretary, stressed the need for teamwork in environmental governance. She said, “This initiative is key to closing funding gaps and achieving sustainable development for both people and the planet.”

Sonali Dayaratne, UNDP’s resident representative in Bangladesh, added, “Ecosystems are vital economic assets. Investing in biodiversity is essential for food security, climate resilience, and overall well-being.”

Arif M. Faisal, a UNDP programme specialist, shared that Bangladesh faces significant financing gaps in biodiversity. He proposed creating a National Biodiversity Trust Fund and implementing strategies like biodiversity budget tagging and eco-tourism revenue sharing.

Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, the DoE director general, called the initiative a “milestone.” He urged for collaborative efforts to bolster biodiversity through innovative financing.

The event included discussions on successful global practices and potential financing solutions aligned with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Annabelle C. Trinidad from BIOFIN spoke on the global perspectives of biodiversity finance and innovative conservation methods.

This program’s launch gathered representatives from various sectors—government, civil society, academia, and the private sector—who are united by a common goal: fostering sustainable finance that supports nature conservation.

Understanding that ecosystems directly affect livelihoods, recent studies show that investing in nature can yield around four times the initial investment in benefits. As environmental challenges grow, initiatives like this demonstrate a commitment not just to nature but to future generations.

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