National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2006 – 2020).

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the policy is 15 years between 2006 and 2020. The goals of the Biodiversity Strategy are: (I) biodiversity conservation through protection and enhancement of habitat and species at the local, regional and national levels, (II) sustainable use for biological, cultural and natural resources in the local and national economic activities, (III) application of research and education to create access to environmentally sound and safe development, transfer, handling and use of biotechnology and modified organisms, (IV) access to genetic resources and the associated traditional knowledge and equitable benefit- sharing, (V) institutional capacity building for sustainable management and monitoring of biodiversity, (VI) public awareness on biodiversity, cultural and nature conservation planning, management and monitoring at the local and national levels through education and communication opportunities, (VII) public participation in biodiversity planning, management and monitoring, including communities, scientific community and businesses.
This policy lays down strategies for the development of the economy and management of the natural resources in a biologically and culturally sustainable manner. In order to conserve and sustainably use the nation’s biodiversity and biological resources, the legal and policy frameworks relating to the conservation of habitat and species will be developed. The capacity of government institutions responsible for the control and enforcement of biodiversity measures will be strengthened. Protected area management will be strengthened in an efficient and effective manner by expanding existing protected areas and developing new ones. Sustainable use of agricultural lands will be ensured by reducing use of pesticides, and promoting organic agriculture and soil and water conservation practices. Sustainable forestry management systems will be developed by strengthening the enforcement to better control illegal harvesting of timber and other forest products, and to prevent the illegal conversion of forest areas to non-forest use, as well as, by rehabilitating degraded forest areas and by reforestation.
The active involvement and collaboration of all stakeholders will be encouraged with regard to policy measures and planning. Moreover, the collaborative involvement of local communities will be promoted in all aspects of biodiversity conservation planning, management, administration, and enforcement. In addition to that, employment opportunities will be increased in conservation related activities. Agricultural extension services will be provided, including training and education, and awareness campaigns on the need for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. Environmental education initiatives will be supported to increase community awareness of the roles and value of biodiversity and traditional culture.
Research and inventory programmes will be promoted to increase knowledge of species diversity, understanding of their biology and ecology, and the impacts of human activities on species and their habitats. Measures will be taken against alien invasive species, including quarantine control measures, to preserve ecosystems and wildlife. The trade and use of alien and domestic species and varieties for flora, fauna, and biological organisms will be controlled and monitored. Appropriate services will be provided to strengthen the traditional permanent agricultural practices of Maroon and indigenous communities. The participation of the private sector in the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources will be promoted by developing economic incentive schemes. Monitoring and enforcement of fisheries conservation rules and management programmes will be strengthened to ensure sustainable use and management of marine resources. A research institute will be established for biotechnology risk analysis and management. Research and education will be applied to facilitate access to genetic resources whilst ensuring equitable sharing of any benefits which may arise. Moreover, a national committee will be established to improve the technical data available to support conservation planning and decision-making.