National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a sectoral strategic document of Ethiopia. Its main goal is that effective systems are established that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of Ethiopia’s biodiversity, that provide for the equitable sharing of the costs and benefits arising therefrom, and that contribute to the well-being and security of the nation.
It has four strategic objectives: (1) representative examples of Ethiopia’s remaining ecosystems are conserved through a network of effectively managed protected areas; (2) by 2020, all remaining natural ecosystems outside of the protected areas are under sustainable use management; (3) the costs and benefits on biodiversity conservation are equitably shared through a range of public, private, community/CBO and NGO partnerships for protected areas management and for sustainable use and marketing of biodiversity; and (4) the rich agro-biodiversity of Ethiopia is effectively conserved through a mix of in situ and ex situ programs.
The NBSAP notes that it will address interlinked issues comprising biodiversity protection and management for food security (poverty reduction), health and livelihood improvement of the Ethiopian population especially the rural communities (farmers and pastoralists) whose survival depends on the use of natural resources.
The document also provides for sustainable development and ecosystem preservation. It aims to develop effective, integrated sustainable use of natural resources management systems at pilot sites using innovative public/ CBO/ private/ NGO partnerships in accordance with the Reclassification Plan. Additionally, it notes that sustainable management systems will be replicated/ adapted and applied to all remaining natural areas outside of protected areas of the country. With regard to the ecosystem preservation, it intends to adopt appropriate policies and plans that promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and integrate biodiversity conservation measures into sectoral plans and programmes. It also provides for ex-situ and in-situ conservation measures.
According to the document, the overall responsibility for implementation of the NBSAP at the federal level will be that of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Ministry in collaboration with Institute will establish a Federal Biodiversity Steering Committee composed of relevant institutions.