Varuna is a dynamic program dedicated to combating biodiversity loss in the southwestern Indian Ocean, recognizing the region's critical ecological significance and the pressures it faces. Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France, Varuna operates through three main intervention axes: structuring networks of regional actors for coordinated biodiversity preservation, integrating ecological transition issues within the economic sphere, and fostering research contributions to enhance the dialogue between science and society concerning biodiversity challenges.

With a budget of €10 million and partnerships across five territories, Varuna encompasses multiple projects aimed at collaborative conservation efforts. Key initiatives include the creation of the AMP network, support for natural capital projects, and activities focused on biodiversity and business interactions. Through workshops, conferences, and engaging outreach strategies, Varuna endeavors to raise awareness and drive actionable solutions for a sustainable future, benefitting local communities and preserving one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.