EN 
AM A. National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan Updating
Biodiversity planning is a long-term, cyclical and adaptive process that involves consultation, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and revision. The national biodiversity strategy and action plan is the vehicle for developing and implementing this planning process.
The NBSAP addresses the three objectives of the Convention:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity
- Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits deriving from the utilization of genetic resources.
The NBSAP is:
1. A strategy – i.e. a strategic instrument for achieving concrete outcomes and not a scientific study, review or publication that sits on a shelf. Its role is to drive public policy and generate the activities and changes that it identifies as needed in order to meet the objectives of the CBD at national level;
2. National – it needs to be understood, adopted, and implemented by all national actors who have a stake in or whose activities directly or indirectly have an impact on biodiversity. In other words, the NBSAP presupposes mainstreaming, without which it cannot succeed in achieving its objectives; and
3. A set of action plans to implement the different elements of the strategy.
B. Convention on Biological Diversity 5th National Report
The CBD 5th National Report show the current status of biodiversity and implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the national level, and they identify what else needs to be done. National reports are available to the public. Anyone can access them on the Convention website, on the National Clearing House Mechanism for Biodiversity, or on relevant national government websites. You can also help report on biodiversity by getting involved in the process through public consultations.
National reports are an important communication tool for increasing public awareness, conveying the urgency of the situation, and for taking action and mobilizing support from all sectors of society. They’re also very useful to intergovernmental agencies, NGOs and scientists while designing and implementing strategies and programmes to assist governments addressing biodiversity issues.
The fifth national reports provide countries an opportunity to undertake a mid-term review of progress in the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and in achieving relevant goals and targets of the Millennium Development Goals. So the information from the fifth national report is essential to the successes of the Strategic Plan and the Convention as a mid-term review and decisions to be made on that basis will boost their implementation. As a communication tool, the fifth national report is also crucial for the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity.
Duration: 4 Years
Status: Ongoing
National Project Coordinator: Dr. Misikire Tessema (misikire.tessema@ebi.gov.et)