Minister launches National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Minister of Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim has launched the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in a ceremony held at the ministry on Sunday.

Compiling a NBSAP – strategy and action plan of how each country will protect its biodiversity - is compulsory for all countries that have signed the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Speaking during the ceremony, Thoriq said that Maldivians had always prioritized protecting the environment given how fragile it was.

“This is something that all countries agree is very important, we are doing. This document we launched today is very important,” said Thoriq.

Minister Thoriq speaking during ceremony held to launch National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan on June 5, 2016. Sun photo: Ali Rifshan

He said that the NBSAP includes strategies and action plans to protect the country’s biodiversity from 2016 to 2025.

“NBSAP is compiled into two sections. The first section includes six strategies, 25 targets and action plans to reach the 25 targets related to biodiversity. The second section includes how the targets will be implemented and an estimate of assets needed for it,” said Thoriq.

Ministry of Environment said that NBSAP was to protect the biodiversity of the country, given its unique and fragile nature.