Protected Areas Policy Implementation Plan 2018-2028.

The Protected Areas Policy Implementation Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the policy is 10 years between 2018 and 2028. This Plan sets out strategies for the effective implementation the National Protected Area Policy. The goals of this Implementation Plan are to: (I) enhance governance and management of protected areas, (II) sustain livelihoods of the communities, (III) effective and adaptive biodiversity management, (IV) establish protected area network, and (V) ensure sustainable and equitable financing.
Effective and adaptive biodiversity management will be provided to support the protected area network and to ensure that the values of the protected areas are maintained to the highest possible extent. The activities on protected areas, including compatible development, recreation, research and traditional use, will be managed in an effective manner. The monitoring and evaluation process will be strengthened for effective biodiversity management for each protected area. Furthermore, Species Management Plans will be developed for selected culturally important species. A Biodiversity Information system will be established and integrated for protected area network.
Community participation will be encouraged in the protected area management to form a well- connected and resilient system. Customary practices will be strengthened for enhancing and protecting the environment and traditional livelihoods through the establishment and management of protected areas. Additional livelihoods will be linked to effective conservation initiatives by customary landowners. Conservation initiatives will be supported by economic opportunities in the community to support the management of protected areas.
The institutional framework and capacities and legal framework will be developed for effective management and governance of the protected area network. Multilateral environment agreements will be integrated into national legal and institutional frameworks. The collaboration among the Government and various stakeholders including local communities, NGOs, private sector and donors will be strengthened. Customary landowners will be supported in their initiatives to establish effective protected areas on their land and contribute to strengthening the protected area network. Participatory land use and seascape planning guidelines will be established for terrestrial and marine protected areas. Adequate and reliable financial resources will be provided for effective designation and management of protected areas. A Biodiversity Trust Fund will be established to provide the regular income required to meet the obligations in Conservation and Benefit Sharing Agreements. Adaptive management systems will be established to raise awareness on natural and cultural values of protected areas.
Protected area management will be strengthened to increase their resilience to the negative impacts of climate change. In addition, the level of community resilience will be increased during natural and man-made disasters.