National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

This document lays down the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), a multi-sectoral instrument laying down the framework for conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity use and ecosystems services of the country. It also provides a framework for maintaining the necessary environmental conditions to reduce poverty, ensure sustainable development and food security in the country. The long-term vision is that, by 2040, national biodiversity be restored and conserved, contributing to economic prosperity and human well-being through delivering benefits essential for Rwandan society in general. Therefore the overall objective of the NBSAP is to preserve the national biodiversity in order to ensure that its various components are utilized in a sustainable manner for attending socio-economic development of the nation and ensuring better livelihood of Rwandans. The major objectives of the NBSAP are to: (a) improve environmental stability for natural ecosystems and their biodiversity; (b) restore degraded ecosystems and maintain equilibrium among biological communities; (c) establish an appropriate framework for access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity use and ecosystems services; (d) improve policy, legal and institutional framework for a better management and conservation of national biodiversity. Nineteen biodiversity national targets are set in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity strategic goal and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
The document recognizes the importance of biodiversity with respect to food security. The NBSAP is aimed at eliminating hunger and malnutrition.
Further the NBSAP is focused on sustainable use of natural resources. It aims at making agriculture more productive and sustainable. Chapter 8.4.1.1 is devoted to technology need in the agriculture sector, with a view to ensuring the sustainable exploitation of natural resources. Measures concerning in vitro gene bank, irrigation and crop rotation are outlined. Technologies need in the forestry sector are described as well.
The Ministry of Natural Resources Management through Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) will participate to the implementation of the NBSAP, with other government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and communities based organizations taking responsibilities for activities that fall within their mandate. The NBSAP further aims at strengthening the Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity Conservation to coordinate the implementation programme. As regards public participation, the following strategies have been established: partnership development, stakeholders’ involvement and set up transboundary management mechanisms of the biodiversity; promotion of Community-Based Natural Resources Management around natural ecosystems; community awareness raising and capacity building in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.