Maseru, December 15, 2025 – The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the United Nations Development Programme, officially launched the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) yesterday in Maseru, Lesotho.
BIOFIN is a global programme designed to help countries identify, mobilise and manage financial resources needed to protect biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience. In Lesotho, the initiative will support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan III by addressing gaps in biodiversity financing.
The launch introduced the BIOFIN Lesotho Project for 2024 to 2028, outlining key activities including policy and institutional assessments, biodiversity expenditure reviews, financial needs analysis, and the creation of a National Biodiversity Finance Plan. The project also aims to improve national capacity to incorporate biodiversity considerations into planning and budgeting across sectors.
Honourable Letsema Adontši, Minister of Environment and Forestry, said the launch marks a significant step in positioning biodiversity as a core pillar of national development. “This is a milestone in our collective journey to secure sustainable protection for our biodiversity,” he said.
Mr Taye Amsalu, Deputy Director Representative of the UNDP Institute, said the initiative underscores the link between biodiversity, sustainable development and the well-being of Lesotho’s people. He noted that daily lives, development pathways and resilience to climate shocks depend on how natural resources are managed. “If we take care of our nature, it will take care of us. Our biodiversity is the foundation for sustainable development for present and future generations,” he said.
Mr Amsalu added that while Lesotho has led in ratifying international environmental treaties, the focus now is on implementing these commitments domestically. Strengthening biodiversity financing through understanding existing resources, identifying gaps, and building a coordinated national approach led by the government with support from UNDP, civil society and the private sector will be central to this effort.
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