National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016 - 2021

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2016 – 2021 is a cross-sectoral document that updates the first NBSAP drafted in 2007. The Strategy is based on a long term Vision aiming to “Strive towards improving resilience of all four ecosystems (namely, Marine and coastal, Agriculture, Desert and Freshwater Springs) in the Kingdom and managing sustainably ecosystems services to ensure good quality of life for the Bahraini citizens by 2030”. It means that the biodiversity needs to be assessed, mapped and valued and its conservation integrated into national policies and accounted for in national budgeting by 2021, as indicated in the Mission. The Vision and Mission are supposed to be achieved through 5 Strategic Goals, targeting all aspects of biodiversity conservation: (i) strengthen the governance of biodiversity conservation in national development strategies; (ii) infuse biodiversity conservation in schools, universities curricula and develop outreach programs addressed to the general public; (iii) bridge the gaps between scientists, citizens and decision-makers by fostering innovation and research; (iv) strengthen existing ecological functioning systems and improve resilience of all ecosystems; and (v) foster international and regional cooperation. These 5 SGs are translated into 12 national targets, draw on emerging national needs, national priorities identified and conservation status of ecosystems and their habitats, regarding: (i) Marine and coastal ecosystems; (ii) Coral Reefs; (iii) Mangroves; (iv) Desert ecosystem; (v) Agriculture ecosystem and freshwater springs.