Uganda awarded for mainstreaming global biodiversity framework

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Uganda has been awarded a global accolade by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for being the best country in mainstreaming the global biodiversity framework and outstanding commitment to evidence-based species recovery through the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP).

The red NBSAP medal was awarded at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress and received by Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), H.E. Zaake Kibedi.

National Environment Management Authority, in a statement released on October 11, 2025, said they were deeply honoured to be part of “this huge success and share our commitment with you and the entire nation.”

“The distinguished award recognises countries that have demonstrated excellence in the development of evidence-based NBSAB; a key tool in reversing species decline and addressing the global diversity crisis,” the statement said.

The statement noted that the Reverse the Red initiative supports strategic recovery-focused and scientifically grounded conservation action that helps nations deliver on Goal A and target 4 of the Kumming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which seeks to halt and reverse biodiversity loss worldwide.

“Uganda’s recognition follows a rigorous review process conducted by an expert panel led by the IUCN Species Survival Commission. The assessment examined NBSAPs from all conventions on biological diversity parties, focusing on transparency, scientific rigour, stakeholder engagement and alignment with global diversity goals. Uganda emerged among the top 26 performers globally and the best in the region,” the statement said.

Speaking during the award, Prof. Paul Rodrieguez, the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, said, “for species and ecosystems to thrive, the commitment of the national government is key. Though we recognise that the biodiversity crisis is global, effective conservation actions tend to be local. We are therefore deeply enthusiastic about the work of recipients of the Red NBSAP medal as the recognition acknowledges locally driven scientific and policy processes aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity decline in their countries.”

NEMA noted that Uganda’s achievement underscores the country's unwavering dedication to sustainable development, biodiversity protection and evidence-based environmental management. “The award reaffirms Uganda’s leadership in translating international biodiversity commitments into actionable national strategies.”

KGBF is a landmark international agreement adopted in 2022 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It sets out four goals and 23 targets, such as protecting at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, and provides a plan for global action on biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable use through 2050. The framework was developed under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and replaced the previous Aichi Targets.

It aims to achieve a vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.  It includes 23 targets to be met by 2030, focusing on areas like:  Halting extinction and reducing extinction risk; Restoring at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine ecosystems; Ensuring that nature's benefits to people are maintained and enhanced; and implementing effective mechanisms for planning, monitoring, reporting, and review.