Financing wildlife conservation to protect our shared future

On March 3, the 12th World Wildlife Day arrives with the theme "Financing Wildlife Conservation: Investing in People and the Planet." This theme highlights the crucial role of financial investment in protecting wildlife, which is essential for maintaining ecological balance, providing ecosystem services, and supporting human livelihoods.

However, threats such as illegal trade, habitat loss and climate change continue to endanger global wildlife. Effective conservation efforts require adequate financial support, yet there remains a significant global funding gap for biodiversity conservation.

Innovative financial instruments are increasingly being introduced into wildlife conservation at an international level,.

In March 2022, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, part of the World Bank, launched the world's first Wildlife Conservation Bond, also known as the "Rhino Bond." The proceeds of this bond directly support the restoration of the black rhino population in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

In February 2025, the resumed sessions of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) concluded in Rome, adopting a landmark financial mobilization plan to advance global biodiversity efforts.

Over three days of negotiations, COP 16 parties reached a consensus on the "Mobilizing Financial Resources for Biodiversity" strategy, aiming to secure $200 billion annually by 2030 from various funding sources to support biodiversity initiatives. Of this, $20 billion will come from international financial flows by 2025, with the figure expected to rise to $30 billion by 2030.

A key outcome of the sessions was the launch of the Cali Fund, a new financing mechanism supported by contributions from private sector entities that commercially utilize genetic resource data. This fund ensures that at least 50 percent of its resources will be directed to indigenous people and local communities, recognizing their vital role as custodians of biodiversity.

China has prioritized biodiversity conservation as a national development strategy. Ecological civilization and green development have been key topics, with biodiversity financing gaining significant attention.

Ren Hai, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), has suggested improving the ex-situ conservation network and establishing a national zoo system to enhance biodiversity conservation.

Meanwhile, China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration has actively responded to proposals from NPC deputies and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, working with relevant departments to advance conservation policies.

In terms of financing initiatives, China has implemented several biodiversity conservation financing cases in recent years. In 2021, the Bank of China issued the country's first biodiversity-themed green bonds with a total value of 1.8 billion yuan (approximately $250 million). The funds were allocated to ecosystem restoration efforts, including nature reserve construction, afforestation and land and marine conservation.

Financing wildlife conservation is a crucial aspect of global ecological protection. As biodiversity challenges become more urgent, establishing stable and efficient financial mechanisms is essential to ensuring that funding is effectively directed toward conservation efforts.

Through innovative financial tools, regulatory improvements and strengthened international cooperation, the world can secure stronger financial support for wildlife conservation and work collectively to safeguard the future of people and the planet.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover designed by CGTN's Yu Peng)