Casablanca Hosts a Regional Francophone Workshop on Biodiversity Finance Ahead of COP17.
As part of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Kingdom of Morocco hosted a regional Francophone workshop on biodiversity finance in Casablanca, bringing together representatives from 24 African Francophone countries.
Jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-BIOFIN), the Institute of the Francophonie for Sustainable Development (IFDD), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this workshop forms part of ongoing international efforts to strengthen countries’ capacities to mobilize sustainable and structured financing for biodiversity.
A Strategic Priority for Sustainable Development
In the face of accelerating ecosystem degradation and a global biodiversity financing gap estimated at over USD 700 billion annually, the workshop aims to equip participating countries with practical tools to integrate biodiversity into public policies, budgeting systems, and investment frameworks .
Biodiversity and ecosystem services are increasingly recognized as essential foundations for food security, climate resilience, and socio-economic development, particularly in rural, coastal, and mountainous areas.
Morocco’s Commitment to Biodiversity Finance
On this occasion, the Kingdom of Morocco reaffirmed its strong commitment to integrating biodiversity into public policies and financial mechanisms, notably through the development of its National Biodiversity Finance Plan.
It was emphasized that strengthening synergies between biodiversity and climate finance represents a key lever to accelerate the implementation of international commitments.
A Structured and Operational Methodological Approach
The workshop builds on the methodology of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), which supports countries through four key steps:
- Policy and institutional analysis
- Biodiversity expenditure review
- Financial needs assessment
- Development of national biodiversity finance plans tailored to country contexts
This approach has already contributed to mobilizing significant financial resources globally and improving the effectiveness of biodiversity-related public policies.
Strengthening Francophone Cooperation and Peer Learning
The workshop also provides a platform for peer exchange, enabling participating countries to share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, thereby accelerating the implementation of innovative and context-specific financing solutions.
It contributes to building a sustainable Francophone network dedicated to biodiversity finance.
A Direct Contribution to International Milestones
The outcomes of this workshop will directly inform international discussions, particularly in the lead-up to the COP17 on biodiversity, where countries are expected to demonstrate concrete progress in planning, resource mobilization, and implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
In this context, strengthening national capacities and structuring financing mechanisms are essential to achieving the 2030 targets.
Media Contact
UNDP – BIOFIN Initiative
Mahtab Haider
Global Communications Specialist
Email: Mahtab.haider@undp.org
