What is the project about?

BIOFIN (Biodiversity Finance Initiative) is a global initiative that supports countries in preparing their National Biodiversity Finance Plans. In Türkiye, the project is implemented in partnership with UNDP Türkiye, with the main goal of increasing and making more effective use of financial resources required for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The project aims to develop a plan that provides feasible and concrete financial solutions tailored to Türkiye’s needs and priorities. 

What is the current situation?

Türkiye’s genetic diversity is of exceptional global importance, particularly for plant genetic resources. Situated at the intersection of the Mediterranean and Near Eastern gene centres, the country lies within one of the cradles of agricultural civilization. The country is home to five micro-gene centres where over a 100 species exhibit remarkable variation. These areas are origins or secondary centres for many globally important crops and medicinal plants, offering vital genetic resources for future agricultural resilience. 

Türkiye’s contribution to global biodiversity also extends to animal genetic resources. Many of the world’s domestic animal breeds are believed to have originated in Anatolia, where early pastoral communities first domesticated and selectively bred species suited to local environments. From this ancient crossroads, domesticated breeds spread outward to neighbouring regions, shaping livestock diversity across continents.

Biodiversity is in rapid decline across the globe, driven by a range of anthropogenic pressures, including changes in land and sea use, direct exploitation of organisms, climate change, pollution, and invasion of alien species. Some of these global challenges are also evident in Türkiye and threaten the country’s exceptionally rich biodiversity, which is supported by its unique geographical location. 

To counter these pressures, Türkiye has implemented key initiatives including the monitoring and inventory studies on the national level, the development of Species Action Plans, and the establishment of the Noah’s Ark National Biodiversity Database. The country is also enhancing its capacity for prevention, early detection, and management of invasive alien species through science-based monitoring and stronger cross-sectoral cooperation, to maintain ecosystem resilience and reduce the economic and ecological costs associated with biological invasions. 

The ongoing update of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan demonstrates Türkiye’s commitment to aligning its national policies with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Continued improvements in protected area management, sustainable use of natural resources, and institutional coordination will be vital to safeguarding Türkiye’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

What is our mission?

The mission of the project is to support Türkiye in developing sustainable financial solutions tailored to its needs, by leveraging innovative financing approaches, strengthening the policy framework, and aligning public and private sector investments with biodiversity objectives.

BIOFIN supports Türkiye in closing the biodiversity financing gap through a systematic and collaborative approach. By fostering institutional cooperation and promoting evidence-based policymaking, BIOFIN helps advance the implementation of biodiversity finance solutions that address conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this approach supports Türkiye in integrating biodiversity considerations into national development strategies, paving the way towards a nature-positive economy and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth. Moreover, it provides a global platform where Türkiye can interact with the other countries on this global problem.

How do we do it?

The BIOFIN methodology is a globally tested and proven approach, consisting of four main steps:

1. Review of Finance Policies and Institutional Framework: Assessing biodiversity finance-related policies, institutions, and the economic framework, while mapping existing financing solutions.
2. Biodiversity Expenditure Review: Measuring and analyzing current biodiversity-related expenditures by the public and private sectors, donors, and NGOs.
3. Assessment of Financial Needs: Estimating the financial resources required to achieve Türkiye’s national biodiversity targets and comparing them with current expenditures and other available resources.
4. Biodiversity Finance Plan: Preparing a comprehensive plan that identifies the resources and policies needed to implement the most suitable finance solutions and mobilize these resources.

The methodology is implemented under the coordination of UNDP Türkiye with the participation of a broad range of stakeholders, including public institutions, the private sector, civil society, and academia. While the project is largely desk-based, it draws on international best practices and detailed analysis of national data to design context-specific financial solutions for Türkiye. This participatory, evidence-based approach will ultimately lead to the preparation of a National Biodiversity Finance Plan.

How will Türkiye benefit?

Türkiye will benefit in multiple ways from this process. The National Biodiversity Finance Plan will strengthen capacity for managing existing and potential resources while providing the financial infrastructure needed for biodiversity-based development policies. It will also enhance the implementation of NBSAPs and serve as an important support mechanism for Türkiye in achieving the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In addition, through BIOFIN’s international knowledge-sharing network and global partnerships, Türkiye will have the opportunity to exchange experiences with other countries and to identify and apply innovative financing solutions.