Convention on Biological Diversity - Swaziland Status
Achievements
Our main achievements:
Formulated the NBSAP
Prepared National Reports (First and second report to COP)
Prepared National Environment Action Plan
Established a National Committee to oversee implementation of convention CBD (BPIC)
Formulated the Forest Policy and in the process of finalising the preparation of the National Forestry Action Programme and Forestry legislation
Acquired Block B funds from GEF to prepare a project on biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism development
In a process if formulating a National Biosafety framework and legislation
Identified the Protection Worthy Areas
In a process of formulating a National Biosafety Framework and legislation
Strengthening the National Plant Genetic Resources centre the National Herbarium and National Museum
Established National Regulations on Environment Impact Assessment
Carrying out Farm Animals Genetic Resources survey
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 constrains 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
Most of the legislation is outdated, there is need for the comprehensive legislation for biodiversity
