National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in Libya 2023 - 2030.

This National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2030) for Libya is a comprehensive, multisectoral framework for the conservation of biological diversity. It aims to (i) achieve the highest possible standards for the conservation and sustainability of Libya’s biological resources; (ii) ensure the sustainable use of biodiversity components in a wise, equitable, and rational manner, balanced with the nutritional and health needs of the population; (iii) strengthen public awareness of the importance of a sound scientific foundation for managing Libya’s natural resources and ensuring their sustainable use within the broader context of national development. Together, these objectives establish a robust scientific basis for the effective management and sustainable use of Libya’s natural resources. The Strategy aligns biodiversity conservation with comprehensive development efforts across key sectors—agriculture, industry, mining, tourism, and housing, while safeguarding the rights of future generations to benefit from these resources.
The Strategy is structured around three strategic axes (1) Reducing Biodiversity Loss, encompassing targets 1–8; (2) Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, encompassing targets 9–13; and (3) Implementing, Mainstreaming, and Evaluating the Strategy, encompassing targets 14–20. It sets out twenty strategic objectives to be achieved by 2030 and has been designed in alignment with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, ensuring consistency with international commitments and avoiding the need for further revision following the Framework’s adoption at the end of 2022. The strategic objectives are (1) integrate biodiversity-sensitive terrestrial and marine spatial planning into national land and water-use regulation to safeguard intact ecosystems; (2) complete a national assessment of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems and restore at least 20% of degraded ecosystems; (3) expand protected areas to cover 30% of Libya’s territory, ensure their effective management, and integrate them into the broader landscape and seascape; (4) strengthen conservation and recovery measures for wild species - particularly endemic, endangered, and migratory species - within and beyond protected areas; (5) establish an effective national framework for the sustainable harvesting, use, and trade of wild species that safeguards human health; (6) reduce the introduction of invasive alien species by 50% through monitoring, control programs, and priority actions, particularly in protected areas; (7) significantly reduce pollution from all sources, including a 50% reduction in nutrient pollution, a 60% reduction in pesticide use, and the elimination of plastic waste dumping in terrestrial and marine environments; (8) reduce climate change impacts on biodiversity by 25% through nature-based solutions and adaptation and mitigation measures; (9) ensure the sustainable management of terrestrial, marine, and aquatic species to support food security, livelihoods, and vulnerable communities; (10) implement sustainable agricultural practices on 40% of farmland and forests, and sustainable aquaculture practices on 50% of aquaculture operations; (11) implement measures and rapid-response mechanisms to protect air and water quality and address disaster and natural risks; (12) integrate sustainable urban planning principles into national expansion plans to promote environmental protection and public health, particularly in densely populated areas; (13) update legislation and procedures to operationalize the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols and document traditional knowledge related to genetic and natural resources; (14) mainstream biodiversity values into sectoral policies and national planning, ensuring environmental impact assessments for all development projects; (15) implement national programs promoting sustainable production and use of natural resources, with monitoring systems; (16) implement awareness programs to promote biodiversity conservation and reduce food and non-food waste by 50%, supporting poverty reduction efforts; (17) strengthen national and local capacities in research, technology transfer, and biotechnology risk management; (18) reform harmful incentives and redirect at least 50% of them toward positive or neutral impacts on biodiversity; (19) implement a national resource mobilization strategy to ensure adequate and sustainable financing for biodiversity conservation; (20) ensure equitable and inclusive participation of communities, women, youth, and vulnerable groups in biodiversity decision-making.
For each target, the Action Plan specifies (i) national priorities; (ii) an implementation timeline; (iii) performance indicators; (iv) responsible implementing entities; and (v) estimated implementation costs in USD.