National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015 2020).
Country
Type of law
Policy
Abstract
The Overall Vision, Mission and Long-Term Goals of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015 2020) are as follows: the vision of NBSAP is to conserve and promote the rationale use of the biological diversity. Its mission is to recognize different forms of life and maintain a nurturing and dynamic world rich in biodiversity. Long Term Goals: 2011-2020 state that Biodiversity Strategic Plan is ambitious and provides an overarching framework for all the biodiversity related conventions and biodiversity issues at national level. Strategic Goals: A) addresses the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across Government and society; B) reduces the direct pressures on biodiversity and promotes sustainable use; C) improves the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity; D) enhances the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services; E) enhances implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building (Chap. 5). Gender mainstreaming in biodiversity planning is intended to bring the diverse roles, needs and knowledge of women and men to bear on national strategies to reverse the loss and unsustainable use of biodiversity (pag. 21).
The implementation of the NBSAP has the following principles: Biodiversity, its conservation and sustainable use is a responsibility of all Gambians. Community participation and informed stakeholder involvement in the planning, implementation and decision making processes are a prerequisite for effective conservation and sustainable use programmes. In-situ conservation, preferably within protected area systems using an ecosystems approach, is fundamental to the effective conservation of biological diversity and the protection of threatened species. Biodiversity in protected areas can be conserved when are used sustainably by the local communities through innovative management approaches such as community conservation, collaborative forest management, etc. Successful conservation of biological diversity requires incorporation of the conservation and sustainable use concepts into the relevant decision making and management processes including; resource allocation and management, development appraisals and decisions and sectoral policies. Losses of biological diversity can be slowed down only if addressing the underlying causes including population distribution and density, level of resource consumption, market factors and policies and negligence about the roles of biodiversity, etc. An integrated, rather than sectoral approach, is essential to successful conservation programmes. A key ingredient to effective long term action is capacity building at all levels, community level, field, policy and decision making levels. Target 7 states that by 2020, 50% of areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity.
Priority actions would develop and implement effective measures for management and control of activities relating to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO s) in order to manage their impact on the environment (pag. 29). 5.3 The Gambia Biodiversity National Targets will be the guideline for action for the future implementation of the convention. The Gambia has developed 20 Biodiversity Targets, through a participatory process involving various stakeholders that will expect to be attained from 2015 to 2020. Biodiversity Targets are outlined under the five Strategic Goals of the Global Strategic Plan. Indicators and actions of the Gambian Biodiversity Targets are presented in this action plan. Special attention is given to the reduction of poverty, including rural poverty, through biodiversity conservation. Target 14: By 2020, poverty would be reduced by 10% of protected area dependent communities to reduce pressure on natural resources significantly (pag. 60).
There is an increased recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge, as well as women s and men s roles as innovators regarding biodiversity conservation and farming techniques. Experience has shown the need to build on such knowledge and to ensure the participation of local women and men in order to improve tools and techniques aimed at combating desertification. The Fisheries and Forestry Sectors promote efficient conservation and management and development of the inland and marine fisheries and maintain, develop and manage 30% of the total land area under forest with a view to enhance environmental protection through minimizing soil degradation and erosion, with a view of ensuring the optimum and sustainable utilization of the fisheries and forestry resources for the benefit of the Gambian people (3.2.7 and 8). By 2020, provisions of alternative livelihoods, including jobs and alternative energy sources and use of energy efficient technologies for local communities are improved (pag. 66).
The NBSAP aims to develop through global targets by 2020 and provides an appropriate national orientation for effective response to the increasing loss of biodiversity, land degradation and climate change. Target 10: By 2020, all vulnerable ecosystems impacted by climate change minimized at least 20%. Destructive and unsustainable fishing methods and practices using trawlers and other fishing gears such as nets. Harvesting of mangroves for fuel wood supply, domestic use among others. Population pressures in urban cities due to the expansion on the various sectors of the economy as well as climate change. Deforestation making the land vulnerable to all forces of degradation especially soil erosion. Involving rural communities in biodiversity conservation, resource management and in decisions regarding environmentally sound practices and techniques aimed at combating desertification (such as rainwater harvesting, insect control, post-harvest storage, etc.) is a powerful way to mitigate the conditions and the impact of land degradation (pag. 21).
The implementation of the NBSAP has the following principles: Biodiversity, its conservation and sustainable use is a responsibility of all Gambians. Community participation and informed stakeholder involvement in the planning, implementation and decision making processes are a prerequisite for effective conservation and sustainable use programmes. In-situ conservation, preferably within protected area systems using an ecosystems approach, is fundamental to the effective conservation of biological diversity and the protection of threatened species. Biodiversity in protected areas can be conserved when are used sustainably by the local communities through innovative management approaches such as community conservation, collaborative forest management, etc. Successful conservation of biological diversity requires incorporation of the conservation and sustainable use concepts into the relevant decision making and management processes including; resource allocation and management, development appraisals and decisions and sectoral policies. Losses of biological diversity can be slowed down only if addressing the underlying causes including population distribution and density, level of resource consumption, market factors and policies and negligence about the roles of biodiversity, etc. An integrated, rather than sectoral approach, is essential to successful conservation programmes. A key ingredient to effective long term action is capacity building at all levels, community level, field, policy and decision making levels. Target 7 states that by 2020, 50% of areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity.
Priority actions would develop and implement effective measures for management and control of activities relating to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO s) in order to manage their impact on the environment (pag. 29). 5.3 The Gambia Biodiversity National Targets will be the guideline for action for the future implementation of the convention. The Gambia has developed 20 Biodiversity Targets, through a participatory process involving various stakeholders that will expect to be attained from 2015 to 2020. Biodiversity Targets are outlined under the five Strategic Goals of the Global Strategic Plan. Indicators and actions of the Gambian Biodiversity Targets are presented in this action plan. Special attention is given to the reduction of poverty, including rural poverty, through biodiversity conservation. Target 14: By 2020, poverty would be reduced by 10% of protected area dependent communities to reduce pressure on natural resources significantly (pag. 60).
There is an increased recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge, as well as women s and men s roles as innovators regarding biodiversity conservation and farming techniques. Experience has shown the need to build on such knowledge and to ensure the participation of local women and men in order to improve tools and techniques aimed at combating desertification. The Fisheries and Forestry Sectors promote efficient conservation and management and development of the inland and marine fisheries and maintain, develop and manage 30% of the total land area under forest with a view to enhance environmental protection through minimizing soil degradation and erosion, with a view of ensuring the optimum and sustainable utilization of the fisheries and forestry resources for the benefit of the Gambian people (3.2.7 and 8). By 2020, provisions of alternative livelihoods, including jobs and alternative energy sources and use of energy efficient technologies for local communities are improved (pag. 66).
The NBSAP aims to develop through global targets by 2020 and provides an appropriate national orientation for effective response to the increasing loss of biodiversity, land degradation and climate change. Target 10: By 2020, all vulnerable ecosystems impacted by climate change minimized at least 20%. Destructive and unsustainable fishing methods and practices using trawlers and other fishing gears such as nets. Harvesting of mangroves for fuel wood supply, domestic use among others. Population pressures in urban cities due to the expansion on the various sectors of the economy as well as climate change. Deforestation making the land vulnerable to all forces of degradation especially soil erosion. Involving rural communities in biodiversity conservation, resource management and in decisions regarding environmentally sound practices and techniques aimed at combating desertification (such as rainwater harvesting, insect control, post-harvest storage, etc.) is a powerful way to mitigate the conditions and the impact of land degradation (pag. 21).
Attached files
Date of text
Entry into force notes
2015-2020
Repealed
No
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No