Syrian National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

This National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a sectoral document setting out the national needs for biodiversity conservation in Syria. It deals with the needs for different habitats, namely (i) natural forests and artificial afforestation areas; (ii) deserts and dry areas; (iii) wildlife; (iv) marine biodiversity; (v) freshwater biodiversity. Regarding the forest cover, the core intervention shall be directed to (i) the qualification and training of the concerned personnel; (ii) promoting forestry research; (iii) the development of sustainable management of forests. For deserts and dry areas, it is required (i) establish reserves for pastoralism that are well managed and protected and include integrated management programs that equate them to oases for production; (ii) implement a feed trade fund; (iii) protect desert plants so that to create a feedstock through their protection and cultivation in the most degraded areas; (iv) activate the role of humanitarian organizations to defend biodiversity and achieve sustainability; (v) promotes technical cadres of workers in desert areas; (vi) raise the awareness of the inhabitants. The protection of wildlife primarily requires preparation and political and legislative support. Particular importance is given to the consideration to be given to the environmental impact of development programs, as regards the construction of dams, swamp draining, and the excavation of wells to increase agricultural areas. National needs for the conservation of marine biodiversity are (i) training on marine life and ecosystems; (ii) training on monitoring the state of marine life; (iii) establishment of taxonomic keys for all groups of biodiversity; (iv) establishment of a specialist guide for marine biology. Other fields regard (i) the importance of scientific research; (ii) the establishment of protected areas; (iii) the development of national plans for monitoring biodiversity; (iv) support to public awareness on all components of biodiversity and not only components of economic importance.