Why Biodiversity Matters: Rwanda Sets a Global Example in Sustainable Development

In a world where industrial growth often comes at the expense of nature, Rwanda is showing that the two can thrive together. This message resonated strongly among delegates attending the 2025 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) annual meeting, who concluded their visit deeply impressed by the country’s commitment to protecting its environment while driving development.

On the last day, participants visited Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Park — once a degraded swamp, now a thriving ecological and recreational space — and took part in a tree-planting activity at Gikondo Wetland, which is undergoing restoration to bring back its natural biodiversity. These experiences gave visitors a firsthand look at how environmental recovery can go hand in hand with urban growth.

Among the participants was Jiří Kratochvíl, President of the Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing (ÚNMZ), who expressed admiration for Rwanda’s proactive approach.

“We had a wonderful week in Rwanda,” he said. “I had heard different things before coming here, but I found a country moving in the right direction. I was impressed to see how development programs are designed in harmony with environmental protection. In our country, the Czech Republic, such initiatives came much later — so seeing Rwanda take these steps early is truly remarkable.”

Kratochvíl described planting a tree in Gikondo Wetland as a symbolic and emotional experience. He said he hopes to return in the future to see how the tree — and Rwanda — have both continued to grow.

Another participant, Yokita Akio Nevura from the Japanese Standards Association, shared similar reflections. Visiting Africa for the first time, he said Rwanda’s efforts to combine progress with preservation were both inspiring and instructive.

“Rwanda is a beautiful and peaceful country,” he said. “Although we’ve only been here a short time, we’ve learned a lot about the government’s policies and strategies to protect the environment. Rwanda stands out as a great example of a nation that integrates development with biodiversity conservation.”

Nevura also pointed out that Rwanda offers unique opportunities for investment, thanks to its stability, openness, and the active role of its citizens in building a sustainable economy.

The ISO 2025 Annual Meeting, which gathered around 1,000 participants from more than 170 countries, focused on how international standards can promote responsible business, sustainability, and innovation. During the conference, Rwanda unveiled a new guidebook outlining national standards for biodiversity conservation — reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth.

Delegates left with a sense of admiration for Rwanda’s achievements — and perhaps a renewed awareness of how biodiversity is not just about protecting nature, but about protecting our collective future.

As the lush wetlands of Nyandungu and Gikondo continue to heal and flourish, they stand as living proof of a simple but powerful truth: why biodiversity matters.