LEX-FAOC083321

Namibia’s Second National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP2) is a strategic and planning instrument with a multi-sectoral approach and national coverage, relating to the period 2013-2022. The vision of NBSAP2 is for Namibia’s biodiversity to be healthy and resilient to threats, and the conservation and sustainable use are key drivers of poverty alleviation and equitable economic growth, particularly in rural areas. NBSAP2 has five key strategic objectives, each of which has a number of targets to be achieved by 2022. There are a total of 17 targets, closely aligned to the Aichi Targets. In line with the CBD Strategic Plan (2011-2020), the strategic goals of NBSAP2 are to: 1) address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society; 2) reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of biological resources; 3) improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity; 4) enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services; 5) enhance implementation of NBSAP2 through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building. The instrument aims to help eliminate food insecurity. Strategic Goal 3 to improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity) gives special attention to genetic diversity, which offers opportunities for more climate resilient agriculture and improved food security. Strategic initiatives are foreseen to maintain and enhance the genetic diversity of livestock and crop species through effective in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures and the safe use of biotechnology to improve food security and climate resilience of agriculture. Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources are taken into account for purposes of reduction of rural poverty. Furthermore, NBSAP2 seeks to increase the resilience of livelihoods to disasters. In accordance with Target 9, by 2016 ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change and their anthropogenic pressures shall be identified, and by 2018 appropriate adaptation measures shall be developed and implemented in priority areas.