Nairobi, Kenya | 3 September 2026 – Kenya has officially launched the implementation of the SYstemic Learning and Mainstreaming of BIOdiversity Targets for Innovative Transformation and Behavioral Change (SYMBIOTIC) Initiative, marking a significant step forward in advancing biodiversity mainstreaming across policy, planning, finance and investment. 

The launch convened representatives from government, financial institutions, the private sector, development partners, civil society, academia and research institutions to align priorities and strengthen collaboration for the next phase of implementation. 

Implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the SYMBIOTIC Initiative will build on Kenya’s existing biodiversity policies, institutions and implementation efforts. It will support national priorities under Kenya’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) while also contributing to the country’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). 

The launch comes at a timely moment for Kenya, following the recent introduction of the National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026–2036, which further strengthens the country’s policy framework for harnessing biological resources, science, innovation and investment to drive sustainable economic transformation. 

Kenya’s natural capital remains central to its economy and development trajectory. Biodiversity-rich ecosystems support agriculture, food and water security, tourism, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Ensuring that the value of these ecosystems is reflected in economic planning and investment decisions is therefore essential to the country’s long-term prosperity and resilience. 

  “Kenya has made ambitious biodiversity commitments, but ambition alone will not deliver results. We need stronger partnerships, greater investment, and better coordination across government, the private sector, and development partners. As a country whose economy depends significantly on natural capital, we must ensure biodiversity is recognized not only as an environmental priority, but as an economic imperative.” 

  Mayiani Saino, Deputy Director, Multilateral Environmental Agreements, State Department for Environment and Climate Change. 

Philippe Maupai, Climate Attaché, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kenya

“Biodiversity underpins our economies, our food systems, our climate resilience, and ultimately our prosperity. Yet its value remains insufficiently reflected in the decisions that shape our societies and economies. Through the International Climate Initiative, Germany is proud to support the SYMBIOTIC project because it addresses this challenge at its roots by strengthening awareness, education, policy integration, and financing mechanisms that can transform biodiversity from a conservation concern into a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic decision-making.” 

Philippe Maupai, Climate Attaché, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kenya

“The SYMBIOTIC initiative demonstrates the importance of partnerships in addressing biodiversity loss. Through this collaboration, GGGI and its partners will work alongside national institutions to strengthen policies, mobilize knowledge, and create practical pathways for integrating biodiversity into development planning and economic decision making.”

  Nagnouma Kone, Manager for Africa Strategy and Partnerships and Head of Kenya 

Lavenda Ondere, SYMBIOTIC Project Manager, GGGI Kenya and Ethiopia

About Symbiotic 

SYMBIOTIC (SYstemic learning and Mainstreaming of BIOdiversity Targets for Innovative transformation and behavioral Change) is a multi-country initiative led by The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) and funded through Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI). Implemented across Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan, the project seeks to strengthen biodiversity conservation by integrating biodiversity considerations into policy, economic planning, finance, education, media engagement, and stakeholder decision making. Through collaboration among governments, civil society, academia, financial institutions, the private sector, and local communities, the initiative supports transformative approaches to biodiversity mainstreaming and nature positive development. 

About GGGI 

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. GGGI works with governments, development partners, and the private sector to develop and implement solutions that deliver economic growth, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and social inclusion. In Kenya, GGGI supports national and county governments through policy advisory services, investment mobilization, capacity development, and implementation of green growth initiatives across key sectors of the economy. 

Media Contact: 

GGGI Kenya Country Office
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
Email: info_kenya@gggi.org