National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020 (NBSAP).

The NBSAP is thus the first effort in the history of Somalia to holistically and systematically look at the overall spectrum of biodiversity – ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. The formulation process comprise of situation analysis on one hand and formulating the strategic & action planning both however with keen follow-up of the CBD Strategic Plan 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets. Vision for 2050: Somalia’s biological diversity is appreciated, restored, conserved and its components are utilized in sustainable manner that contributes to the socio-economic development of the nation. The goal of this NBSAP is to restore Somalia’s ecosystems and its biodiversity by 2020. The objective of developing this first NBSAP is to provide a strategic and action framework that systematically rehabilitate and conserve Somalia’s biodiversity, enhance the sustainable use of its services and products, and ensure that the benefits and obligations are equitably distributed among various segments of the Somali society. In conformity with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, five main priority areas were agreed that consist of: 1. Creating understanding of the drivers of biodiversity degradation together with response measures; 2. Reduce the direct pressures on Somali biodiversity; 3. Safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity; 4. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity with emphasis on sharing it with marginalized groups; and 5. Enhanced participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building.
The principles of the Strategy are: The people of Somalia are entrusted with the ecosystems, its associated products and services and they understand that every form of life is unique and warrants respect from them (4.2). The effectiveness of this NBSAP demands conducive environment for policy, legislation and inclusive planning. While following the principle of Polluters Pays , the users of biodiversity should minimize the environmental impacts as well as consistently invest in replenishing the ecosystems Inter-generational consideration in the use of biological resources is essential for the lasting health of ecosystems and its products & services Attaining political support from all levels (International, National, Regional, District and community level) for the implementation of this NBSAP. Adequate maintenance, value-added processing and entrepreneurship, without compromising on the health of ecosystem are the cornerstone of sustainable use of biodiversity. Adapting knowledge based innovations while grafting contemporary scientific and indigenous biodiversity management practices. All sectors, stakeholders and local communities that influence biodiversity should plan its conservation according to the National policy.
The five goals of the global strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 are adopted as priority areas to address the pressing issues that affect the biodiversity of Somalia as follows: 1. Adequate understanding of the drivers of biodiversity degradation, adopting response measures in green sector (Strategic Target 2: By 2028 biodiversity values and poverty reduction processes have been integrated into national development plans). 2. Reduce the direct pressures on the biological diversity of Somalia and promote conservation and sustainable use of the component of biodiversity 3. Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity in Somalia 4. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services in Somalia, with specific emphasis on marginalized groups 5. Enhancing the implementation of participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Somalia.