Biological diversity is globally under threat, which calls for immediate action. Therefore, an increased appreciation of biological diversity through capacity development and transformative learning is required. To achieve this, the project applies target group-specific innovative methods in five countries: A broad communication and mobilization campaign will empower and mobilize key change makers from the public, media, youth, decision-making and local/ indigenous communities. A systemic and interactive learning program addressing educators, professionals and youth will mainstream biological diversity into education and create key knowledge agents. For mainstreaming biodiversity into the development sector, political and economic decision-makers will be capacitated and introduced to innovative tools for natural capital accounting. Finally, the project’s outputs will be promoted at the international level for a wider rollout and replication.

SYMBIOTIC is implemented in Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.

This project is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Government of Germany. Within the Federal Government, the IKI is anchored in the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Selected individual projects are also the responsibility of the Federal Foreign Office (AA). 

The project aims to mainstream biodiversity into investment policies, economic planning, and societal decision-making processes by addressing structural, institutional, and behavioral barriers. It seeks to increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity’s role in supporting economic development, climate resilience, and human wellbeing across diverse stakeholder groups. 

A core objective is to strengthen institutional capacity within government and private sector actors to integrate biodiversity into planning, budgeting, and investment decisions. In particular, GGGI plays a central role in advancing policy integration and private sector engagement, including the application of tools such as natural capital accounting, development of biodiversity-aligned investment frameworks, and promotion of biodiversity-friendly business practices in Kenya and Ethiopia. 

The project also aims to enhance communication and education systems to ensure biodiversity knowledge is accessible and embedded across sectors. By empowering youth, media, educators, and communities as change agents, it fosters behavioral change at both individual and societal levels. 

Ultimately, the project seeks to align biodiversity conservation with development priorities, enabling inclusive, gender-responsive, and sustainable growth pathways. 

Across Ethiopia and Kenya, biodiversity-rich ecosystems face increasing pressure from agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, land degradation, and climate change. Despite its importance for livelihoods, food security, and resilience, biodiversity remains insufficiently integrated into economic planning, investment decisions, and governance frameworks. 

Policies such as National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) exist but lack effective implementation and integration into fiscal systems and sectoral development strategies. Institutional fragmentation, limited awareness among decision makers, and weak communication further constrain progress. Additionally, the economic value of biodiversity is rarely quantified or reflected in national accounts, limiting its visibility in policy and investment processes. 

Local communities, youth, and women, who play critical roles in conservation, are often excluded from decision-making, while education and media systems inadequately address biodiversity issues. The project addresses these systemic barriers by promoting integrated approaches that strengthen awareness, institutional capacity, and policy coherence for biodiversity mainstreaming. 

Outcome 1: Increased awareness and societal mobilization through communication, advocacy, and engagement of media, youth, and communities as biodiversity change agents. 

Outcome 2: Strengthened knowledge systems through biodiversity education, capacity development programmes, citizen science initiatives, and digital learning platforms. 

Outcome 3: Enhanced integration of biodiversity into policies, investment planning, and economic decision-making through tools such as natural capital accounting and strengthened institutional capacities. 

Outcome 4: Improved knowledge sharing, global outreach, and replication of successful approaches through international networks, learning platforms, and dissemination of best practices.