The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) in Djibouti, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently convened a technical workshop to discuss the final report on biodiversity financing in the country. The workshop, held at the Best Premier Dj Hotel, marks a significant step towards validating the report, expected to be finalized in October. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from the private sector, and technical and financial partners.
The workshop aimed to review and harmonize observations and recommendations made by various stakeholders during a previous technical workshop on July 23, 2026. The report, part of the global Biodiversity Financing Initiative (BIOFIN), analyzes Djibouti's policies and institutions related to biodiversity financing. It highlights achievements and challenges, including the country's heavy reliance on external funding and the need for diversified national financing mechanisms.
Djibouti's participation in the BIOFIN initiative demonstrates its commitment to strengthening conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The country is implementing its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SPANB), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The BIOFIN initiative supports countries in finding sustainable and innovative solutions to reduce the biodiversity financing gap.
The report on Djibouti identifies several areas for improvement, including the need for enhanced coordination among institutions and the exploration of new financing mechanisms, such as environmental taxation and payments for ecosystem services. The workshop discussions focused on harmonizing contributions, exploring financing solutions, and mapping revenues from natural resources. The next steps include finalizing the report and moving towards the evaluation of biodiversity financing needs and the development of a future Biodiversity Financing Plan.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary General of MEDD, M.Dini Abdallah Omar, reaffirmed Djibouti's commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. He emphasized the need for strengthened financing mechanisms and better integration of biodiversity into public policies and budgetary instruments. The UNDP Resident Representative emphasized the importance of diversifying funding sources and improving the use of available resources.
The workshop brought together high-level participants, including the Secretary General of MEDD, the Director of Environment, Idriss Ismaël Nour, and the UNDP Resident Representative. Sectoral ministries, private sector representatives, and members of the BIOFIN project steering committee were also in attendance. The discussions will inform the finalization of the report and guide future actions to enhance biodiversity financing in Djibouti.
The validation of the report is expected to take place in October, marking a crucial milestone in Djibouti's efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. The BIOFIN initiative will continue to support the country in developing innovative solutions to address the biodiversity financing gap. Key outcomes from the workshop will inform the development of a Biodiversity Financing Plan, aimed at increasing and diversifying investments in biodiversity conservation.
Key points
- Djibouti is strengthening its mechanisms for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use with the support of the BIOFIN initiative.
- The country aims to diversify its financing mechanisms and enhance coordination among institutions to address biodiversity challenges.
- The final report on biodiversity financing will guide future actions and investments in conservation and sustainable development.
