The event brought together stakeholders of Rwanda’s climate, environment, agriculture and natural resources sector including representatives from Government, Development Partners, Academia, Universities, Youth and Women-led organizations, the Private sector and Civil Societies.

Photo: International Biodiversity Day in Rwanda brought different stakeholders from Government, Development Partners, Academia, Universities, Youth and Women-led organizations, the Private sector and CSOs

“Today is a very important landmark because we need to take urgent actions to implement global biodiversity framework.”

“In 2010, there was a Convention on Biological Diversity which was adopted during the 10th meeting in Japan and at that time, they agreed on the biodiversity framework, but in reality, from 2011 to 2020, biodiversity decline continued despite, and none of the targets were achieved.” Ms. Kaori said,

She noted that “IUCN stands ready to assist government of Rwanda and other stakeholders in implementing global biodiversity framework.” adding that “in order to make it happen, it’s very important to involve all actors including local communities and indigenous people.”

Ms. Kaori also noted that “in order to succeed the implementation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, we need to take actions on spatial planning and then restoration work, and then connecting terrestrial landscapes and seascapes.”

“It’s very important we track progress against science-based indicators for this new post-2020 framework. And that’s the theme from agreement to action.” Ms. Kaori added.

At the celebration of International Biodiversity Day in Rwanda, a panel discussion was held on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets goals for restoring biodiversity.

Photo: Minister Mujawamariya, Ambassador Belen Calvo of EU, Ambassador Johanna Teague of Sweden, and Prof. Beth Kaplin, Director of Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity during panel discussion

Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya says that the country is making progress in putting in place a biodiversity framework, policy, and law and upcoming biodiversity safety law.

Mujawamariya stated that there is a country commitment to restoring 2 million hectares of landscape and to recover wetlands (five in Kigali). This is in addition to already recovered three national parks and reserves.

“I am confident that with our collective efforts, we can achieve the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework, and restore our planet’s biodiversity. Let us all commit to playing our part in protecting biodiversity,” Mujawamariya said.

Photo: Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, reaffirmed that when you protect biodiversity, biodiversity protects you as well

“When you protect biodiversity, biodiversity protects you. Let’s work together to protect all life on earth and move from agreement to action to build back biodiversity.” Mujawamariya reaffirmed.

“The EU welcomes the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It is an opportunity to reset our relationship with nature. We need to accelerate implementation of the framework by aligning national action plans and mobilising finance from all sources.” - Amb. Belen Calvo Uyarra of EU in Kigali addressed to the audience.

“We need a whole of government approach that mainstreams environment, biodiversity and conservation in national transformation strategies and brings all stakeholders to the table to achieve the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.” - Amb. Belen Calvo Uyarra concluded.

"Biodiversity is part of our lives. Growing up, I was surrounded by nature and this helped build my passion for protecting the environment and understand the importance of biodiversity. I encourage us all to reconnect with nature and prioritise biodiversity." Said Juliet Kabera, Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority.

Photo: The Ministry of Environment thanks all partners who joined efforts to build back biodiversity