@techreport{,

title = {National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan},

author = {Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment},

year  = {2001},

date = {2001-01-01},

volume = {86/2001},

number = {369},

pages = {1-56},

abstract = {Executive Summary Implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity Biodiversity supports human societies ecologically, economically, culturally and spiritually. Despite its importance, ecosystems are degrading and the species and genetic diversity reducing at an alarming rate due to the impact of growing human population and increasing resource consumption. The global decline of biodiversity is now recognized as one of the most serious environmental issues facing humanity. This inspired the global community to negotiate the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Delegation from Oman actively participated in these negotiations and the Government of Oman signed the Convention in June 1992 and ratified it in 1994. The three objectives of the Biodiversity Convention are: -the conservation of biodiversity; -the sustainable use of biological resources; and -the fair and equitable sharing of benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources. These objectives form the three pillars of sustainable development, ecological integrity, economic sustainability and social equity thus illustrating the nature and scope of the Convention. As a global instrument, it sets the stage for each nation to assess the adequacy of current efforts to conserve biodiversity and sustainable use of biological resources and to determine how inadequacies will be rectified. One of the key obligations of the signatory parties to the Convention is to prepare a national biodiversity strategy and action plan. Thus, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a response to this obligation. It has been developed to guide the implementation of the Biodiversity Convention in Oman. All strategic directions contained in the Strategy are relevant from a national perspective. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan recognizes existing constitutional and legislative responsibilities for biodiversity in Oman. It also emphasizes the importance of intergovernmental co-operation to create the policy, management and research to advance ecological management. National and regional governments, sectoral agencies, and other stakeholders including the members of the public, will pursue the implementation of the Strategy as guided by their administrative and fiscal capabilities. Elements of the National Strategy and Action Plan Vision: The National Strategy and Action Plan presents a vision for Oman of: A society that is conscious of the role and issues related to biological diversity, convinced of its responsibilities toward future generations and determined to sustainably use natural resources in harmony with all other living things in accordance with the teachings of Islam. In support of this vision, the Strategy presents a series of guiding principles that provide a foundation for implementation. The Strategy provides a framework for action that will enhance our ability to ensure productivity, diversity and integrity of our natural ecosystems and, as a result, our ability as a nation to develop sustainably. It promotes the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources, and describes how we will complement international efforts to implement the Convention. Mission: "To conserve the biological diversity of the Sultanate and its terrestrial and marine environment, in accordance with the articles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, for the benefit of the present and future generations of Omanis and for mankind as a whole, with respect to the guiding principles of Islam. " Main strategic goals: -Safeguard habitats and productive renewable resources for rational and sustainable exploitation .-Conserve habitat, plant and animal diversity especially of those uncommon and also of special interest; -Provide a high quality natural environment for recreational and tourist activities; - Improve the understanding of ecosystems and increase resource management capability; - Advocate the need to conserve biodiversity and use biological resources in a sustainable manner; - Develop legislation that insures the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources; - Develop incentives that will promote, biodiversity conservation and provide employment for local people; - Equitably share the benefits of sustainable resources including genetic resources at local and regional levels. - Promote regional and international collaboration on biodiversity conservation and sustainability of natural resources. Proposed mechanisms for implementation: - Creation of a permanent interministerial biodiversity steering Committee and National Biodiversity office which will be responsible for : 1) the filing of an annual national report on policies, activities and plans aimed at implementing the Strategy; 2) co-ordinating the implementation of national and international elements of the Strategy; 3) recommend measures to permit and encourage non-government participation in the implementation of the Strategy; 4) Regular reporting on the status of biodiversity; and, 5) revision of the strategy after an initial implementation phase of five years. The National Strategy and Action Plan proposes a series of priority actions that are classified according to the following themes involving most sectors of society: .Conservation of Natural Resources (Protected areas, Endangered species, conservation) .Terrestrial and Freshwater Fauna . Marine Life and Fisheries  .Terrestrial and Aquatic Flora .Agriculture Resources.Energy Resources .Mineral Resources .Industry, Technology and Services (Biotechnology and Biosafety, Tourism) .Urban Environment .Water Resources .Environmental Emergencies .Participation of the Public, Non-Governmental Organisations and Private Sector .Societal Values (Public awareness, education and training; Environmental impact assessments; Institutional and legal framework) .Quality of Life .Spiritual Values },

keywords = {conservation, ecosystem, education, endangered, Fisheries, guiding, habitat, management, marine, objectives, Oman, population, productivity, protected areas, status},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}