El Salvador — NBSAP Country Page

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Latin America and the CaribbeanApplies 2025–2030Source: Estrategia Nacional de Biodiversidad y Plan de Acción 2025–2030

1. Overview

El Salvador's Estrategia Nacional de Biodiversidad y Plan de Acción 2025–2030 (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030) was developed by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) in collaboration with UNDP between 2024 and 2025 [§11]. The strategy was produced through a participatory process involving public and private sector bodies, NGOs, academia, international cooperation organisations, and groups of women, young people, local communities and indigenous peoples [§11].

El Salvador's 10 national commitments* are organised under three strategic axes†: (1) active biodiversity, functional and in balance with the environment; (2) biodiversity connected and integrated with people's well-being and competitiveness; and (3) biodiversity in harmony with people, innovation and development [§38]. Each axis carries a corresponding national objective. Collectively, the 10 national commitments are supported by 24 strategic actions and 95 operational actions, monitored through 75 indicators aligned to 22 of the 23 GBF Targets [§38].

*El Salvador's NBSAP refers to these as metas nacionales (national targets). This page uses "national commitment" to avoid confusion with the 23 GBF Targets.

†The NBSAP organises its national commitments under three ejes estratégicos (strategic axes), each with a corresponding objetivo nacional (national objective). This mid-level structure is specific to El Salvador and sits between the overall vision and the individual national commitments.

The strategy updates El Salvador's 2013 National Biodiversity Strategy in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and connects to the National Environmental Policy (2022), Nationally Determined Contributions, and commitments on desertification and drought [§11]. The NBSAP explicitly acknowledges that urban green and blue spaces are not addressed in this strategy [§13].

A structural feature of the plan is El Salvador's treatment of agroecosystems — which cover 48% of national territory — as the primary delivery terrain for conservation and restoration commitments, rather than focusing exclusively on formally protected areas [§38].

El Salvador's 2025–2030 NBSAP defines 10 national commitments spanning restoration, protected area management, species recovery, agroecosystem sustainability, genetic resources, and biodiversity governance. The strategy's most financially significant commitments target at least 49,740 ha of ecological restoration and sustainable management across at least 103,991 ha of agroecosystems, backed by an estimated $493 million implementation budget. A 2024 debt conversion agreement securing $350 million for the Lempa River basin represents the largest single financing instrument in the plan.

Sources:

§11 — Introduction
§13 — 2.1 Review of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2013–2020
§38 — 3.5 Strategic axes, national objectives and targets

2. Ecological Context

El Salvador is the smallest country in continental America at approximately 21,040 km² (2,166,490 ha total), with a population exceeding 6.3 million and a marine extension three times its land area [§24]. Its location within the Central American Dry Corridor makes it particularly vulnerable to more frequent and prolonged droughts [§24].

Approximately 35% of the country retains vegetation cover, including remnants of tropical dry forest described in the NBSAP as "biologically exceptional in Mesoamerica" [§24]. Agroecosystems — including coffee, cacao, fruit and staple grain crops — cover approximately 48% of the national territory [§24]. Natural forested ecosystems account for roughly 590,507 ha, with a further 175,270 ha of natural non-forested ecosystems and 106,667 ha of continental aquatic and coastal-marine ecosystems [§24]. Mangroves cover 39,976 ha and are identified as essential for coastal biodiversity and the fishing economy; hard coral reef colonies cover less than 100 ha and are described as being in critical condition from overexploitation, climate change and pollution [§24].

The 2018 National Forest Inventory identified broadleaf forest and shade-grown coffee forest as the strata with the greatest biodiversity, and determined that soil — particularly mangrove soil — is the main carbon reservoir [§25]. Between 1990 and 2018, forest cover declined by 6.1% while agricultural area increased by 6.2%; 15% of lands are classified as severely degraded [§25]. More than 50,000 ha of agricultural and forest lands were lost to natural disasters between 2010 and 2020 [§25].

The 210-area Protected Natural Areas System (SANP) covers 80,837 ha — equivalent to 2% of national territory — while eight Ramsar Sites and three Biosphere Reserves bring the combined protection footprint to at least 27% of the country [§27]. The NBSAP identifies the El Imposible–Barra de Santiago Conservation Area, the Jaltepeque Complex Ramsar Site and the Apaneca-Ilamatepec Biosphere Reserve as the three priority restoration territories [§25].

The most recent comprehensive species inventory, conducted in 2005, documented over 3,400 flora species, more than 1,400 vertebrate species and over 3,000 invertebrate fauna species; the Official List of Threatened or Endangered Wildlife Species (updated October 2023, Executive Agreement No. 257) includes at least 290 animal and more than 250 plant species [§28]. The NBSAP explicitly flags the need to update the 2005 inventory.

Principal threats identified are overexploitation, land-use change, invasive species, pollution and climate change [§30]. Water pollution in the Lempa River — on which 55% of the population depends — reaches 97% of its course [§30]. The country generates 4,226 tonnes of solid waste daily, with 20% of its plastic component reaching rivers, lakes and beaches [§30]. Tropical storms Amanda and Cristóbal (2020) caused over $50 million in economic losses in infrastructure and agriculture [§25].

Sources:

§24 — 2.4 Conservation status of biodiversity and ecosystems
§25 — 2.5 Restoration of natural ecosystems and agroecosystems
§27 — 2.6 Natural Protected Areas
§28 — 2.7 Species diversity
§30 — 2.9 Threat factors

3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

The NBSAP defines 10 national commitments distributed across three strategic axes. The first four fall under Axis 1 (restoration and conservation), the next two under Axis 2 (sustainable use), and the final four under Axis 3 (biodiversity in development). Together they address 22 of the 23 GBF Targets [§38].

National Commitment 1 — Participatory environmental planning in 100% of terrestrial ecosystems and agroecosystems

By 2030, El Salvador commits to environmental valuation and zoning instruments covering 100% of terrestrial, continental aquatic and agroecosystem ecosystems, guaranteeing capacity to support participatory planning at sectoral and national levels [§41].

GBF alignment: GBF Target 1 (spatial planning), with additional links to Targets 2, 3, 8, 10, 11 and 14 [§45].

Key instruments: The Ecosystem and Productive Landscape Restoration Programme (PREPP, officialised 2025); landscape policies developed with the World Resources Institute (WRI); the Directorate of Environmental Assessment and Compliance (DEC-MARN) and the Directorate of Territorial Planning (DOT) as responsible bodies.

Measurability assessment: Measurable commitment. The commitment specifies a quantified threshold (100% of terrestrial and agroecosystem area) and a deadline (2030) [§41, §45].

Indicator: Percentage of terrestrial and continental aquatic ecosystem area represented in environmental assessment and zoning instruments. Baseline: no data as of 2022.

Estimated cost: $4,482,100.

National Commitment 2 — Effective restoration of at least 49,740 ha

By 2030, the ecological condition of at least 10% of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and prioritised agroecosystems will be improved through effective restoration, rehabilitation of ecological connectivity and ecosystem services, including participatory management [§45]. The action plan specifies a minimum of 49,740 ha in Ramsar Sites, Biosphere Reserves and agroecosystems [§38].

The NBSAP grounds this commitment in a diagnosed baseline: of the 497,403 ha across Ramsar Sites and Biosphere Reserves, 85% requires restoration. The three priority territories are El Imposible–Barra de Santiago, the Jaltepeque Complex and Apaneca-Ilamatepec. A prior programme of over €2.3 million through the Green Development Fund restored and protected more than 11,000 ha, benefiting over 2,500 people [§25]. Most NBSAPs express restoration goals as percentages without anchoring them to a diagnosed baseline; El Salvador names both the total area assessed and the percentage requiring intervention.

GBF alignment: GBF Target 2 (ecosystem restoration), with links to Targets 3, 8, 10, 11 and 14 [§48].

Key instruments: PREPP; Lempa River Conservation and Restoration Programme (from 2025); Ramsar Site and Biosphere Reserve management frameworks.

Measurability assessment: Measurable commitment. The commitment specifies a named hectare threshold (49,740 ha), a companion 10% ecosystem condition improvement metric, and a deadline (2030) [§45, §48].

Indicators: Percentage of area under effective restoration in prioritised ecosystems; hectares restored in connectivity areas per MSPA methodology. Baseline: 497,403.82 ha across Ramsar Sites and Biosphere Reserves as of 2024.

Estimated cost: $175,028,975.

National Commitment 3 — Effective conservation in at least 50% of Protected Natural Areas

By 2030, El Salvador commits to consolidating the SANP and strengthening participatory management in at least 50% of its 210 declared PNAs, guaranteeing representation of women, men, young people, local communities and indigenous peoples [§48].

The NBSAP documents a specific tension: while formal PNAs cover only 2% of national territory (80,837 ha), the combined SANP/Ramsar/Biosphere Reserve footprint covers 27% of the country. The strategic response to this 27%/2% asymmetry is deliberate: rather than setting an area expansion target, the commitment prioritises management quality through updated Management Plans and participatory mechanisms including Local Advisory Committees (COAL), Local Ramsar Committees and Local Sustainable Use Plans (PLAS) [Target 3 analysis].

GBF alignment: GBF Target 3 (protected areas), with links to Targets 2, 4, 9, 11 and 14 [§51].

Key instruments: Protected Natural Areas Law (2005); Management Plan updates for PNAs and Ramsar Sites; COAL, PLAS and Local Ramsar Committees; 289 park rangers as of 2024 (20% women) [§20].

Measurability assessment: Measurable commitment. The commitment specifies a quantified threshold (50% of 210 PNAs) and a deadline (2030) [§48, §51].

Indicator: Percentage of PNAs with participatory management plans in force.

Estimated cost: $79,223,500.

National Commitment 4 — Recovery of populations of key and threatened species

By 2030, El Salvador commits to generating the conditions for wildlife conservation and recovery of prioritised threatened and endangered species through participatory management and effective measures to reduce the main threats to biodiversity [§51].

Six conservation programmes are currently in operation: the National Cetacean, National Feline, National Spider Monkey, National Caiman and Crocodile, National Yellow-naped Parrot, and National Sea Turtle Conservation Programmes, developed in collaboration with universities, NGOs and the private sector [§28]. At least two additional programmes are planned. The October 2023 Official List identifies at least 290 animal and 250 plant species in threatened or endangered categories [§28].

GBF alignment: GBF Target 4 (species recovery), with links to Targets 5, 6, 8 and 14.

Key instruments: Six national species conservation programmes; Official List of Threatened or Endangered Wildlife Species (Executive Agreement No. 257, 2023); Environmental Incentives Programme.

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration. The commitment specifies intent (recovery of populations, reduction of threats) but sets no quantitative recovery threshold; the indicator — percentage of recovery of populations of prioritised key and threatened species — carries no target value; no deadline is set for any specific population outcome [§51, Target 4 analysis].

Indicators: Percentage of recovery of populations of prioritised key and threatened wild species; conservation status of key marine and coastal resource populations.

Estimated cost: $9,847,200 (inclusive of invasive species control and fire management).

National Commitment 5 — Sustainable management and use in at least 103,991 ha of agroecosystems

The NBSAP commits to sustainable management and use of biodiversity in at least 103,991 ha within agroecosystems — equivalent to at least 10% of the national agroecosystem area — through sustainable and climate change-resilient production systems by 2030 [§57, §38].

GBF alignment: GBF Target 10 (agriculture/forestry/fisheries) [§60].

Key instruments: PREPP; AFOLU 2040 initiative; REDD+ National Strategy; agroforestry programmes coordinated through MAG.

Measurability assessment: Measurable commitment. The commitment specifies a named hectare threshold (103,991 ha) and a deadline (2030) [§57, §60].

Indicators: Number of hectares of degraded land in agroecosystems restored and rehabilitated (disaggregated by crop type); number of hectares implementing sustainable production systems.

Estimated cost: $212,191,752.50 — the largest single budget line in the NBSAP.

National Commitment 6 — Access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing

The NBSAP commits to promoting access to and distribution of benefits derived from biodiversity genetic resources, digital sequence information and associated traditional knowledge, framing this as an opportunity to increase sectoral competitiveness and national development [§60].

El Salvador has not ratified the Nagoya Protocol. The NBSAP commits to "evaluating the possibilities of ratification" and allocates $1,288,000 to preparatory actions including bioprospecting research and benefit-sharing framework development [Target 13 analysis]. No indicative ratification timeline or decision criteria are provided. CENTA has maintained a seed bank since 1994 holding 342 species of strategic value, currently being digitalised under the RECLIMA project; the "PhD. Jorge Ernesto Quezada" Molecular Biology Laboratory was inaugurated in 2022 with GIZ funding for forest genetic resource research [§29].

GBF alignment: GBF Target 13 (genetic resources/ABS), with Target 17 (biosafety) also associated [§60].

Key instruments: CENTA seed bank (342 species); Molecular Biology Laboratory (inaugurated 2022); University of El Salvador bioprospecting research on cacao, antimicrobial resistance and foodborne pathogens; Cartagena Protocol (adopted 2003) [§29, §23].

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration. The commitment specifies direction (promote access and benefit-sharing) and commits to evaluating Nagoya Protocol ratification, but sets no quantified access threshold; the indicator — number of permits or their equivalent for genetic resources — carries no target value [§60, Target 13 analysis].

Indicator: Number of permits or their equivalent for genetic resources.

Estimated cost: $1,288,000.

National Commitment 7 — Integration of biodiversity in the development model

By 2030, public policy and legal frameworks will be strengthened, along with regulatory, technical and environmental planning instruments, generating enabling conditions to promote mobilisation of financial resources, capacity development and innovation, with a view to integrating biodiversity in the local and national development model [§66].

GBF alignment: GBF Targets 14 (mainstreaming), 15 (business disclosure), 16 (sustainable consumption), 17 (biosafety), 18 (environmental incentives and disincentives), and 19 (financing) [§69].

Key instruments: National System of Environmental and Economic Accounts; Environmental Incentives and Disincentives Programme; Green Finance Roadmap; voluntary private sector reporting mechanism (planned, 2028).

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration. The commitment specifies policy and legal framework strengthening; the indicator — number of harmonised instruments — has a baseline to be defined; no quantified integration threshold is set [§66, §69, Target 14 analysis].

Indicator: Number of harmonised sectoral and national policy, legal, technical and/or environmental planning instruments integrating the biodiversity approach. Baseline to be defined.

Estimated cost: $5,090,000.

National Commitment 8 — Capacity development for restoration, conservation and sustainable use

By 2030, El Salvador commits to strengthening human, technical, administrative and financial capacities for effective restoration and conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, promoting research, science and innovation, and fostering broad participation of all sectors and actors [§69].

GBF alignment: GBF Target 20 (capacity and technology).

Key instruments: MRV system design (designated as first-year implementation priority); biodiversity monitoring system updates (targeted for 2027 and 2029); at least four training and education programmes planned, at least three targeting women, communities and indigenous peoples [§88].

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration. The commitment specifies what will be strengthened; the indicator — number of training and education initiatives — carries no threshold value; the baseline references one existing MARN environmental education programme [§69, Target 20 analysis].

Indicator: Number of training and education initiatives developed, disaggregated by type of beneficiary.

Estimated cost: $1,690,000.

National Commitment 9 — Biodiversity knowledge management

By 2030, El Salvador commits to updated data and information based on scientific, technical and community evidence — including traditional knowledge — capable of supporting sectoral and national decision-making through inclusive and timely access, "promoting respect for different worldviews on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity" [§71].

GBF alignment: GBF Target 21 (data and information) [§74].

Key instruments: MRV system; National Biodiversity System (SNB); Country Reports to the CBD (due 2026 and 2029); open data dissemination platforms.

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration. The commitment specifies the type of data and access to be achieved; the indicators — number of open dissemination mechanisms and number of publications — carry no quantified thresholds [§71, §74, Target 21 analysis].

Indicators: Number of open and public mechanisms established for dissemination of biodiversity information; number of publications on biodiversity.

Estimated cost: $2,930,000.

National Commitment 10 — Broad and full participation of all sectors and actors

By 2030, El Salvador commits to promoting the broad and full participation of all sectors and actors of society, at all levels of action, in the restoration, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, including the distribution of benefits obtained from its utilisation [§74].

GBF alignment: GBF Targets 22 (inclusive participation) and 23 (gender equality) [§74].

Key instruments: NBSAP Follow-up and Evaluation Committee (planned for establishment by 2026); COAL, Local Ramsar Committees and PLAS; public consultation instruments with systematic disaggregated data collection; voluntary private sector collaboration mechanism.

Measurability assessment: Directional aspiration. The commitment specifies the scope of participation sought; the indicators — number of key stakeholders in governance mechanisms and proportion involved in biodiversity economic alternatives — carry no threshold values [§74, Target 22 analysis].

Indicators: Number of key stakeholders participating in governance mechanisms; proportion of persons involved in sustainable economic initiatives with a biodiversity focus, disaggregated by interest group.

Estimated cost: $1,770,000.

Sources:

§38 — 3.5 Strategic axes, national objectives and targets
§41 — National targets for Axis 1
§45 — Associated KMGBF target (Target 1 / NC2)
§48 — Associated KMGBF target (Target 2 / NC3)
§51 — Associated KMGBF target (Target 3 / NC4)
§55 — Axis 2: Biodiversity connected and integrated with people's well-being and competitiveness
§57 — National targets for Axis 2
§60 — Associated KMGBF target (Target 10 / NC6)
§64 — Axis 3: Biodiversity in harmony with people, innovation and development
§66 — National targets for Axis 3
§69 — Associated KMGBF targets (Targets 14–19)
§71 — National Commitment 9
§74 — Associated KMGBF target (Target 21 / NC10)

4. Delivery Architecture

Legislative and policy framework

El Salvador's biodiversity governance rests on the Environmental Law (Ley del Medio Ambiente, 1998) and the Wildlife Conservation Law (Ley de Conservación de Vida Silvestre, 1994) as foundational instruments [§20]. The Protected Natural Areas Law (2005) established the SANP, now organised across 15 Conservation Areas under Ministry Agreement No. 133 of 2024 [§20]. The Forestry Law (2002) provides for reforestation, sustainable forest management and payment for environmental services [§21]. The General Water Resources Law (2022) created the Salvadoran Water Authority (ASA) for hydrographic basin management [§20]. The General Law on the Management and Promotion of Fisheries and Aquaculture (2001, reformed 2016) regulates sustainable fishing through closed seasons and protected areas [§21]. A Special Regulation for the Safe Management of Genetically Modified Living Organisms has been in force since 2008 [§23].

At the policy level, the National Environmental Policy (2022) prioritises water security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation [§20]. The National Climate Change Plan (2022) incorporates biodiversity as a central axis for resilience and decarbonisation [§20]. The National Agricultural Policy (2019–2024), currently under review by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), promotes sustainable agricultural practices and responsible water use [§21]. The National Tourism Plan 2030 recognises natural heritage value and promotes biodiversity conservation in tourist destinations [§21, §23].

Flagship programmes and instruments

The Ecosystem and Productive Landscape Restoration Programme (PREPP, officialised 2025) promotes agroforestry and agricultural practices that strengthen ecosystem functionality and connectivity in productive landscapes, developed in coordination between MARN and MAG [§26]. The Lempa River Conservation and Restoration Programme (from 2025) addresses protection of 75,000 ha of aquifers [§17].

The Ecosystem Services Regeneration Strategy applies protocols to enhance ecosystem services with a productive focus; within it, the coffee-growing sector is to foster a mechanism for issuing biodiversity unit (BU) certificates for corporate responsibility projects [§26]. The Environmental Valuation Metric and Environmental Compensation Scheme is designed to ensure recovery of affected ecosystems, "seeking a net gain in terms of ecosystem services" [§26]. The Environmental Incentives and Disincentives Programme (mandated since 2022) aligns economic interests with conservation and restoration through credit, management and payment for environmental services incentives [§26, §95].

The SANP employs 289 park rangers as of 2024, of whom 20% are women, carrying out surveillance, environmental education, biological monitoring and community participation [§20]. Three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves — Apaneca-Ilamatepec, Xirihualtique-Jiquilisco (2007) and Trifinio Fraternidad (2011) — are being advanced as models for sustainable and climate-resilient production practices [§22].

Regional and international frameworks

El Salvador participates in the CCAD Regional Environmental Framework Strategy (ERAM) 2021–2025 and the AFOLU 2040 initiative, which promotes recovery of degraded lands and carbon neutrality in agriculture, forestry and other land uses, coordinated nationally through the AFOLU+AB National Technical Commission (COTENA) [§22, §26]. The National REDD+ MbA Strategy (2017) frames sustainable agroforestry systems and carbon market engagement [§21].

Sources:

§17 — Main opportunities identified
§20 — 2.2 Political, regulatory and institutional framework
§21 — 2.2.1 Other binding regulatory and institutional frameworks
§22 — 2.3 International commitments
§23 — 2.3 International commitments (Table 2)
§26 — Among these instruments, the following stand out
§95 — 7.1 Financing Needs for the NBSAP

4a. Agroecosystems and Productive Landscapes

El Salvador's NBSAP is structured around agroecosystems as the primary conservation and restoration delivery terrain. Agroecosystems — encompassing coffee, cacao, fruit and staple grain crops — cover 48% of the national territory, and appear as a material operative concept across six distinct parts of the strategy [§24, §38].

National Commitment 1 requires participatory environmental planning in 100% of terrestrial ecosystems and agroecosystems. National Commitment 2's 49,740 ha restoration target explicitly includes agroecosystems alongside Ramsar Sites and Biosphere Reserves. National Commitment 5 commits to sustainable management and use across at least 103,991 ha within agroecosystems, backed by the largest single budget line in the plan ($212.2 million of the $493 million total) [§38, §95, §96].

The PREPP serves as the cross-sectoral delivery vehicle for these commitments, promoting agroforestry and agricultural practices that strengthen ecosystem functionality and connectivity in productive landscapes [§26]. The AFOLU 2040 initiative and the REDD+ National Strategy extend this approach to carbon markets and climate resilience. The Ecosystem Services Regeneration Strategy includes a BU certificate mechanism initially targeting the coffee sector [§26].

This emphasis reflects the diagnostic finding that 85% of the 497,403 ha across Ramsar Sites and Biosphere Reserves requires restoration, with agroecosystems in connectivity zones identified as critical to achieving ecological recovery at scale [§45]. The NBSAP identifies productive landscape reconversion as a primary opportunity for private and financial sector engagement across all relevant national commitments [§55, §57, §94].

Sources:

§24 — 2.4 Conservation status of biodiversity and ecosystems
§26 — Among these instruments, the following stand out
§38 — 3.5 Strategic axes, national objectives and targets
§45 — Associated KMGBF target (Target 2)
§55–57 — Axis 2 objectives and national targets
§94 — Chapter 6: Institutional Arrangements
§95–96 — 7.1 Financing Needs

5. Monitoring and Accountability

Governance structure

MARN, exercising authority through its Directorate of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (DEB-MARN), holds lead responsibility for NBSAP monitoring [§91]. The CBD Focal Point within DEB-MARN is responsible for annual follow-up, incorporated into the Ministry's Annual Operational Plan (POA) [§91].

The NBSAP establishes a three-tier governance architecture [§94]. At the political-strategic level, a Follow-up and Evaluation Committee is to be created, led by MARN and comprising decision-makers from MAG, with the eventual inclusion of MITUR, the Directorate of Territorial Planning (DOT), MINEC, the Ministry of Finance (MH), the BCR's Green Finance Commission, MINSAL and MOPT [§94]. At the technical level, an advisory group will include government bodies from the National Environmental Management System (SINAMA), climate change units, academia, NGOs and representatives of women, young people, local communities and indigenous peoples [§94]. To avoid duplication, the NBSAP proposes linking this architecture with the existing Climate Change Steering Committee and COTENA [§94]. A separate monitoring and evaluation committee for the NBSAP, with representation of women, men, young people and indigenous peoples, is planned for establishment by 2026 [§89].

Monitoring framework

The monitoring plan derives 75 indicators from the 95 operational actions, aligned with 22 GBF Targets [§90]. Indicators are harmonised with CBD Decision 15/5 KMGBF headline, component and complementary indicators, and with binding national instruments related to climate change [§90]. Each indicator is described through a technical data sheet specifying responsible party, calculation method, measurement frequency, period, baseline and data source [§93].

Measurement frequency is annual at minimum; some indicators require measurement once or twice during the strategy period [§93]. Baselines are to be established in 2025 [§91], though the correlation matrix records many baselines as "to be defined" or "no data" at publication — including spatial planning coverage (NC1), species trafficking (Target 5), invasive species spread rates (Target 6), private sector biodiversity disclosure (Target 15), and funding mobilised from the Incentives Programme (Target 18) [§93].

Reporting cycle

A Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system is designated as a first-year design priority, with full implementation targeted for 2028 [§88, §91]. Annual indicator monitoring and annual follow-up reports run from 2025 through 2030. Country Reports to the CBD are scheduled for 2026 (the Seventh National Report on the State of Biodiversity of El Salvador) and 2029 [§88, §91]. The reporting process follows a defined seven-step cycle: design of information collection instruments, formal requests to designated sector officials, submission of reports, data processing and analysis, validation by reporting officials, presentation to the advisory group and Follow-up Committee, and production of annual and CBD reports [§91, §92].

A voluntary reporting mechanism for the private sector on biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use — including economic investments — is planned for 2028, developed with trade associations and business networks [§88].

Sources:

§88 — Associated KMGBF targets (Axis 3 action plan)
§89 — Associated KMGBF targets (part 4/4)
§90 — 5.1 Purpose of the NBSAP Monitoring Plan
§91 — 5.2 Mechanism for monitoring implementation
§92 — 5.2 Mechanism for monitoring implementation
§93 — 5.3 Characterisation of the indicators
§94 — Chapter 6: Institutional Arrangements

6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

Total financing need

The NBSAP estimates total implementation costs at approximately $493.5 million for 2025–2030 ($98.7 million per year), described as the first comprehensive biodiversity financing estimate produced for El Salvador [§95, §96]. This covers direct costs — external specialists, technical and pedagogical resources — and excludes human, technological and institutional resources already in place. The cost breakdown by national commitment is: sustainable use in agroecosystems (NC5) $212.2M; effective restoration (NC2) $175.0M; effective conservation in PNAs (NC3) $79.2M; wildlife and threat reduction (NC4) $9.8M; integration of biodiversity into development (NC7) $5.1M; participatory environmental planning (NC1) $4.5M; knowledge management (NC9) $2.9M; broad participation (NC10) $1.8M; capacity development (NC8) $1.7M; genetic resources and benefit-sharing (NC6) $1.3M [§96].

Current public expenditure and financing gap

Direct and indirect public biodiversity expenditure from MARN, MAG, FIAES and the tourism sector fluctuated between $5.76 million (2021) and $29.3 million (2023) over 2020–2024 [§95]. MAG accounts for the largest share, rising from $3.2 million in 2020 to $26.7 million in 2023 before declining to $18.7 million in 2024; MARN spent between $0.4 million and $2.6 million annually over the same period [§95]. The Environmental Investment Fund of El Salvador (FIAES) — created in 1993 through an agreement between the governments of the United States and El Salvador — invested at least $5.4 million across 33 restoration projects in 2019; data for subsequent years were not obtained [§95]. ASA, created in 2022, has no published biodiversity budget data [§95].

The NBSAP characterises current financing as a "critical state," noting that biodiversity "is rendered invisible as a resource or raw material with economic value" and that the national public environment sector annual average of approximately $16.3 million over 2020–2024 represents a large gap relative to the $98.7 million annual need [§95, §97].

Lempa River debt conversion

In 2024, the Government of El Salvador carried out what the NBSAP describes as the "largest debt conversion in the country's history," securing $350 million over 20 years, earmarked for the conservation of the Lempa River basin and directed towards ecosystem restoration, water quality improvement and sustainable water management [§20]. The NBSAP states that this instrument, combined with international cooperation and private sector contributions, "could quintuple the financing obtained between 2020 and 2024" [§95].

Economic context and additional instruments

Nature tourism and PNA revenues contributed approximately $200 million (0.8% of GDP per BCR data) in 2023 [§49, §97]. The agricultural, forestry and fisheries sector contributed $439.42 million to GDP in Q3 2024 alone [§58]. World Bank studies (2020) estimated ecosystem services from medicinal plants, honey, fodder, fruits and fauna at $15–$30 million annually, with recreation, water and biodiversity services contributing approximately $51 million [§65].

Additional financing instruments identified include: BIOFIN (Biodiversity Finance Initiative, with UNDP support, from 2025) to identify and mobilise resources and close financing gaps [§95, §67]; the Green Finance Roadmap led by the BCR; the Sustainable Finance Roundtable; Agricultural Development Bank (BFA) green bonds; biodiversity and carbon credit markets; payment for environmental services; blended finance; and environmental compensations [§95, §98]. The NBSAP explicitly links this chapter to GBF Target 19 (finance mobilisation), adopting KMGBF indicators D.1 (international public finance), D.2 (domestic public finance) and D.3 (private finance) [§69].

Sources:

§20 — 2.2 Political, regulatory and institutional framework
§49 — Rationale (National commitment on effective conservation in PNAs)
§58 — Rationale (National commitment on sustainable use in agriculture, livestock, forestry and fisheries)
§65 — Rationale (National commitment on integration of biodiversity into development)
§67 — Rationale (National commitment on biodiversity in local and national development)
§69 — Associated KMGBF targets
§95 — 7.1 Financing Needs for the NBSAP
§96 — 7.1 Financing Needs (cost table)
§97 — 7.2 Financing Opportunities
§98 — 7.2 Financing Opportunities (instruments table)

7. GBF Target Coverage

GBF Target 1 — Spatial planning

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 1 establishes participatory environmental planning in 100% of terrestrial ecosystems and agroecosystems by 2030, covering environmental valuation and zoning instruments across all terrestrial, continental aquatic and agroecosystem areas. Delivery is led by DEC-MARN in coordination with DOT, MAG and MITUR, with the PREPP and WRI landscape policies cited as enabling instruments. The indicator tracks the percentage of ecosystem area represented in environmental assessment and zoning instruments; baseline is noted as "no data as of 2022." Estimated cost: $4,482,100. Challenges identified include the generation and availability of spatial data and ensuring biodiversity criteria are integrated into municipal and sectoral plans for tourism, construction and fisheries.

GBF Target 2 — Ecosystem restoration

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 2 commits to effective restoration of at least 49,740 ha in Ramsar Sites, Biosphere Reserves and agroecosystems by 2030, alongside improvement of ecological conditions across at least 10% of prioritised terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The NBSAP derives the 49,740 ha target from a diagnosis that 85% of the 497,403 ha in Ramsar Sites and Biosphere Reserves requires restoration. Priority territories are El Imposible–Barra de Santiago, the Jaltepeque Complex and Apaneca-Ilamatepec. Indicators track percentage of area under effective restoration per MSPA methodology; the baseline references 497,403.82 ha across these protected categories as of 2024. Estimated cost: $175.0 million.

GBF Target 3 — Protected areas (30×30)

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 3 commits to consolidated and participatorily managed PNAs, with at least 50% of the 210 declared PNAs achieving participatory management by 2030. The NBSAP documents that formal PNAs cover 2% of national territory (80,837 ha), while the combined SANP/Ramsar/Biosphere Reserve footprint covers 27% of the country. The strategy explicitly prioritises management quality over area expansion: delivery instruments include updated Management Plans and participatory mechanisms (COAL, PLAS, Local Ramsar Committees). Of PNAs, 92% are state-owned, 2% municipal and 6% privately owned; private ownership is noted as an opportunity for biodiversity financing innovation. Estimated cost: $79.2 million.

GBF Target 4 — Species recovery

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 4 commits to generating conditions for wildlife conservation and recovery of prioritised threatened and endangered species through participatory management and threat reduction. Six national conservation programmes are in operation (cetaceans, felines, spider monkeys, caimans and crocodiles, yellow-naped parrots, sea turtles), with at least two additional programmes planned. The October 2023 Official List identifies at least 290 animal and 250 plant species in threatened or endangered categories. The indicator tracks percentage of recovery of populations of prioritised species; no quantitative recovery threshold is set. Estimated cost: $9.8 million (inclusive of invasive species control and fire management).

GBF Target 5 — Sustainable harvest

Tier 1 — Addressed. The NBSAP addresses sustainable harvest and trade through National Commitment 4 (threat reduction) and its indicator framework. El Salvador ratified CITES in 1986. The indicator matrix tracks the percentage of legal and illegal trade in key wild species and the number of legal, technical and/or administrative measures developed for responsible fishing. The fisheries sector recorded production of 340,072 tonnes between 2017 and 2021, generating 48,000 jobs. PLAS mechanisms enable community-regulated sustainable use around mangrove areas. The NBSAP commits to developing biological monitoring tools and strengthening capacities for responsible fisheries management in coordination between MARN and MAG. No baseline data on species trafficking are available.

GBF Target 6 — Invasive alien species

Tier 1 — Addressed. Invasive species are addressed under National Commitment 4 (threat reduction). Two documented cases are water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) in the El Jocotal lagoon — affecting fishing and aquatic mobility — and the neotropic cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) at the Cerrón Grande Reservoir, disrupting fishing and nautical activities. MARN has implemented mechanical removal of water hyacinth from reservoirs to improve oxygen levels and prevent obstruction of irrigation and navigation channels. The indicator tracks percentage of reduction in the rate of spread of invasive alien species. No baseline data on spread rates are available.

GBF Target 7 — Pollution reduction

Tier 2 — Mentioned. Pollution is identified throughout the NBSAP as a threat to biodiversity, particularly from agrochemicals, discharges and plastics. The indicator matrix associates Target 7 with National Commitment 4 (threat reduction), tracking the number of legal, technical and/or administrative measures updated for reducing risks and threats to biodiversity and improvement in wastewater treatment and discharge. The NBSAP does not set quantified pollution reduction targets corresponding to the specific benchmarks in GBF Target 7.

GBF Target 8 — Climate and biodiversity

Tier 2 — Mentioned. Climate change is treated as a cross-cutting threat throughout the NBSAP rather than as a dedicated national commitment. The document details climate impacts at individual, population and ecosystem levels — including habitat transformation, species range reduction, phenological changes and increased biological invasions — and cites losses of over $50 million from tropical storms Amanda and Cristóbal (2020) and over 50,000 ha of agricultural and forest lands lost to natural disasters over 2010–2020. Climate resilience measures are embedded in National Commitments 2 (restoration) and 5 (agroecosystem management), with PREPP and AFOLU 2040 as delivery instruments. The indicator matrix includes CO₂eq reduction as a metric. No national commitment corresponds directly to GBF Target 8's minimisation objective.

GBF Target 9 — Wild species use

Tier 2 — Mentioned. The NBSAP does not establish a dedicated commitment for GBF Target 9. The General Law on the Promotion of Fisheries and Aquaculture (2001, reformed 2016) regulates sustainable fishing with closed seasons and protected areas, and the 48,000-job fisheries sector provides the primary context for wild species use relevant to vulnerable populations. PLAS mechanisms around mangroves involve local communities in compliance monitoring. Coordinated biological monitoring between MARN and MAG (CENDEPESCA) is committed for fisheries resource management.

GBF Target 10 — Agriculture / forestry

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 5 commits to sustainable management and use of biodiversity in at least 103,991 ha within agroecosystems — which cover 48% of national territory — through sustainable and climate-resilient production systems by 2030. The agricultural sector contributed $439.42 million to GDP in Q3 2024 and employed 35% of the population in 2021. Key delivery instruments are PREPP, AFOLU 2040 and the REDD+ National Strategy. The indicator tracks hectares of degraded land restored in agroecosystems (disaggregated by crop type) and hectares implementing sustainable production systems. At $212.2 million, this is the largest single budget line in the NBSAP.

GBF Target 11 — Ecosystem services (NbS)

Tier 1 — Addressed. Three dedicated instruments address ecosystem services and nature-based solutions. The Ecosystem Services Regeneration Strategy includes a mechanism for issuing biodiversity unit (BU) certificates for corporate responsibility projects, initially targeting the coffee-growing sector. The Environmental Valuation Metric and Environmental Compensation Scheme is designed to "seek a net gain in terms of ecosystem services." The Environmental Incentives and Disincentives Programme provides payment for environmental services alongside credit and management incentives. World Bank studies (2020) estimated total ecosystem service values at approximately $66–81 million annually. BIOFIN implementation from 2025 will support payment for ecosystem services mechanisms.

GBF Target 12 — Urban biodiversity

Tier 3 — Not identified. Content addressing GBF Target 12 was not identified in this NBSAP. The strategy explicitly acknowledges that neither the 2013 National Biodiversity Strategy nor the National Environmental Policy addressed green and blue spaces in urban areas [§13]. The NBSAP defines urban ecosystems in its Concepts section but proposes no measures. This is stated in the document as an existing gap.

GBF Target 13 — Genetic resources / ABS

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 6 promotes access to and benefit-sharing from biodiversity genetic resources, digital sequence information and associated traditional knowledge. El Salvador has not ratified the Nagoya Protocol; the NBSAP commits to evaluating ratification possibilities, with $1,288,000 allocated to preparatory actions including bioprospecting research and benefit-sharing framework development. No indicative ratification timeline is provided. The CENTA seed bank (342 species, operational since 1994) is being digitalised under the RECLIMA project; the Molecular Biology Laboratory (inaugurated 2022 with GIZ funding) supports forest genetic resource research. The indicator tracks the number of permits or their equivalent for genetic resources; no target value is specified.

GBF Target 14 — Mainstreaming

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 7 commits to strengthening public policy and legal frameworks and integrating biodiversity into the local and national development model by 2030. The NBSAP commits to promoting biodiversity recognition in the National System of Environmental and Economic Accounts, drawing on BCR data placing the agricultural and forestry sector at 6.5% of GDP and nature tourism and PNAs at 0.8% of GDP. The indicator tracks the number of harmonised sectoral and national instruments integrating the biodiversity approach; baseline to be defined. Estimated cost: $5.1 million.

GBF Target 15 — Business disclosure

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 7 explicitly associates GBF Target 15. The NBSAP proposes developing a voluntary collaboration mechanism through trade associations and business networks for private sector reporting on biodiversity initiatives and economic investments to MARN, planned for 2028. Indicators track the number of companies disclosing biodiversity information and the number reporting initiatives including economic investments; no baseline data are available. The NBSAP acknowledges that no previous reports on private sector biodiversity initiatives exist for El Salvador.

GBF Target 16 — Sustainable consumption

Tier 2 — Mentioned. GBF Target 16 is listed as an associated target under National Commitment 7. The NBSAP references transformation of production and consumption systems as a challenge and opportunity in its framing language. The indicator matrix proposes no headline indicator for Target 16, and the NBSAP includes no specific measures to reduce food waste, overconsumption or other consumption outcomes as specified in GBF Target 16.

GBF Target 17 — Biosafety

Tier 1 — Addressed. El Salvador adopted the Cartagena Protocol in 2003 and enacted a Special Regulation for the Safe Management of Genetically Modified Living Organisms in 2008. The indicator framework tracks the number of legal, technical and/or administrative measures in biosafety updated, with a baseline of one regulation as of 2024. GBF Target 17 is explicitly associated with National Commitment 7. The NBSAP notes that the 2013 NBS and the National Environmental Policy did not address biosafety; inclusion in this NBSAP is noted as addressing that gap.

GBF Target 18 — Harmful subsidies

Tier 2 — Mentioned. GBF Target 18 is listed as an associated target under National Commitment 7. The indicator matrix adopts KMGBF headline indicator 18.1 (positive incentives established for conservation and sustainable use), tracking public and private funding mobilised from the Environmental Incentives Programme; no baseline data are available. The NBSAP's content focuses on positive incentives and compensation mechanisms. The strategy does not address the identification or reform of subsidies harmful to biodiversity as specified in GBF Target 18.

GBF Target 19 — Finance mobilisation

Tier 1 — Addressed. Chapter 7 of the NBSAP is dedicated to financing, estimating total implementation costs at approximately $493.5 million for 2025–2030. The NBSAP adopts KMGBF indicators D.1, D.2 and D.3. Public expenditure averaged approximately $16.3 million per year over 2020–2024 against a need of $98.7 million per year. Key financing instruments include the $350 million Lempa River debt conversion (over 20 years); BIOFIN (from 2025); the Green Finance Roadmap; Agricultural Development Bank green bonds; payment for ecosystem services; and biodiversity and carbon credit markets. Nature tourism and PNA revenues totalled approximately $200 million (0.8% of GDP) in 2023.

GBF Target 20 — Capacity and technology

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 8 commits to strengthening human, technical, administrative and financial capacities for biodiversity restoration, conservation and sustainable use by 2030. Design of the MRV system is designated as a first-year implementation priority; biodiversity monitoring system updates are targeted for 2027 and 2029. At least four training and education programmes are planned, at least three targeted at women, young people, communities and indigenous peoples. The indicator tracks the number of training and education initiatives disaggregated by beneficiary type; baseline is one existing MARN environmental education programme. Estimated cost: $1.69 million.

GBF Target 21 — Data and information

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 9 commits to updated biodiversity data and information — including traditional knowledge — for inclusive and timely decision-making support by 2030. Two strategic actions cover data availability and knowledge generation respectively, with traditional knowledge and diverse worldviews explicitly integrated. Country Reports to the CBD are scheduled for 2026 and 2029. A seven-step monitoring cycle is specified for the MRV process, designated as a first-year design priority. The indicators track open dissemination mechanisms and publications; no quantitative thresholds are specified. Estimated cost: $2.93 million.

GBF Target 22 — Inclusive participation

Tier 1 — Addressed. National Commitment 10 commits to broad and full participation of all sectors and actors across all levels of biodiversity action by 2030. Detailed operational actions include establishing an NBSAP monitoring committee by 2026, capacity development for representative participation (2026, 2028), public consultation instruments with systematic disaggregated data collection (2025–2030), and specific initiatives for women, young people and indigenous peoples (2029–2030). The NBSAP consultation process engaged 250 people (44% women) across 57 institutions and three geographic zones. Existing mechanisms include COAL, Local Ramsar Committees and PLAS. Indicators are disaggregated by women, men, young people and indigenous peoples. Estimated cost: $1.77 million.

GBF Target 23 — Gender equality

Tier 1 — Addressed. GBF Target 23 is explicitly associated with National Commitment 10 alongside Target 22. The NBSAP integrates gender and youth considerations throughout the strategic framework rather than in a standalone commitment. Operational action 10.1.4 commits to initiatives strengthening the participation of women, young people and indigenous peoples in governance and management mechanisms, with a timeline of 2029–2030. Indicators are disaggregated by women, men, young people and indigenous peoples across multiple targets. National Commitment 8 (capacity development) specifies "including people, especially women and young people." The 44% women's participation achieved in the NBSAP consultation process is cited as a baseline reference.

Translated from Spanish.