Implementation of the CBD

Swaziland signed the CBD on 12th June 1992 and deposited the instrument of ratification on 9th November, 1994. In line with her obligations for periodic reporting on implementation, Swaziland has submitted five National Reports as follows:

Other achievements to date include:

  1. Development of the first edition of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
  1. Prepared the National Environment Action Plan http://www.environment.gov.sz/files/seap.pdf
  1. Established the Biodiversity Programme Implementation Committee (BIPC) to oversee implementation of the CBD.
  2. Formulated the Forest Policy and in the process of finalising the preparation of the National Forestry Action Programme and Forestry legislation
  3. Acquired Block B funds from GEF to prepare a project on biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism development
  4. In a process if formulating a National Biosafety framework and legislation
  1. Identified Protection Worthy Areas http://www.sntc.org.sz/reserves/proposed.asp
  2. Developed a National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy, the Biosafety Act and drafted Biosafety Regulations http://www.sea.org.sz/documents/eaarr2000.pdf
  3. Strengthening the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre http://www.gov.sz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=80:agriculture&id=732:national-plant-genetic-resource
  1. Strengthening the National Herbarium and National Museum
  1. Developed National Regulations on Environment Impact Assessment http://www.sea.org.sz/documents/eaarr2000.pdf and the EIA Guidelines http://www.sea.org.sz/documents/categories.pdf
  2. Carrying out Farm Animals Genetic Resources survey https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/10336/casestudy12.pdf?sequence=4
  1. Instituted a national fish survey

Constraints
Swaziland attaches great significance to the CBD however there are serious constrains that limit its implementation. Some of the major constraints are:

  • Insufficient expertise
  • Public awareness on Biodiversity issues is still low. The general public does not fully appreciate and internalise the issues of the convention,
  • No research Facilities and most research is or an ad hoc basis and mostly not guided by National programme,
  • Legislation on access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity conservation is absent,
  • There is a need to create comprehensive legislation that will bring all the legislation under one roof, and,
  • Most of the legislation is outdated, there is need for the comprehensive legislation for biodiversity.