BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
A biodiversity Action plan is internationally recognized program addressing threatened species
and habitats.It is designed to protect and restore biological system.The original impetus for these
plans derives from the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity . As of 2009 ,191 countries have
ratified the CBD. The CBD was signed by Pakistan in 1992 and ratified by the Cabinet in 1994.
THE GOAL OF THE BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
• To promote the conservation and sustainable use of Pakistan’s biodiversity, and
• the equitable sharing of benefits arising there from, for the well-being and security
• of the nation.
BROAD AIMS OF THE BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
The major aims of the BAP can therefore be stated as:
1) To create a policy framework that fosters the sustainable use of
biological resources and the maintenance of biodiversity;
2) To strengthen and promote National Biodiversity Conservation
Programmes and develop international and regional cooperation;
3) To create conditions and incentives for biodiversity conservation at the
local community level;
4) To strengthen and apply more broadly the tools and technologies for
conserving biodiversity; and
5) To strengthen human knowledge, will and capacity to conserve
biodiversity.
SUMMARY
Pakistan covers a land area of 882,000 km2 and spans a number of world's ecological regions
with its latitudinal spread and immense variations in latitude.These regions include the coastal
mangrove forests of the Arabian sea as well as some of highest mountains of the world, where
the western Himalayas, Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges meet.
BIODIVERSITY
This diversity encompasses a variety of habitats that support a rich biodiversity.
Mammals
Up to 174 mammal species (including yet to be published information from PMNH) have been
reported to occur in Pakistan . There are at least three endemic species & a number of endemic and
near-endemic subspecies.
Birds
At least 668 species of birds have been recorded in Pakistan , of which 375 are recorded
as breeding (Roberts 1991, Z.B. Mirza, pers. comm.). A high percentage of Pakistan's
bird fauna is migratory, with a huge invasion of Palaearctic winter visitors (over 30% of
recorded species; Roberts 1991).
Reptiles and
amphibians
Over 177 species of reptiles are known in Pakistan, (Chelonia 14, Crocodilia 1, Sauria
90, Serpentes 65). Of these, 13 species are believed to be endemic.
Only 22 species of amphibians have been recorded, of which 9 are endemic.
Fish
Pakistan has 198 freshwater fish species, including introduced species. This fish fauna is
predominantly south Asian, with some west Asian and high Asian elements. There are
29 endemic species.
Plants
About 5,700 species of flowering plants (Angiosperms) have been reported to date in the
'Flora of Pakistan’ (Nasir and Ali 1970), including both native and introduced species
MAJOR THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
Pakistan`s biodiversity although rich faces severe threats.
Overgrazing
Overharvesting
Water logging
Stalinization
Deforestation
Land conversion
Soil erosion
Desertification
Alien invasive species
Chemical pollution
Loss of habitat
Illegal hunting
CRITICAL ISSUES FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN
PAKISTAN
These are the measures to resolve issues for Biodiversity Conservation in Pakistan
The need for association policy and institutional reforms and institutional strengthening
Integration of biodiversity conservation measures into sectoral initiatives
Better understanding of all aspect of biodiversity
Developing community based biodiversity management systems
Developing and institutionalizing systems to monitor key elements of biodiversity
Better implementation of existing plans
RELATED STRATEGIES ANS PLANS
The National conservation strategy (NCS) was adopted by the government in
1992 and accepted by the world Bank as a National Environmental Action plan
.There are 14 core programs in the NCS , many of which touch upon biodiversity
issues.
The preparation of conservation and development strategies and action plans is
not new to Pakistan. Pakistan has a well established procedure for the preparation
of Five Year Plans and Annual Development Plans. Pakistan has a National
Conservation Strategy(GOP/JRC-IUCN 1992) adopted as national policy in 1993
and accepted by the World Bank as the National Environmental Action Plan. A
Sarhad Provincial Conservation Strategy (GoNWFP 1996) has been completed
and other regional strategies (Northern Areas, Balochistan) are in preparation.
There are also a number of sectoral plans for biological resources such as the
Forestry Sector Master Plan (GOP 1992).
OTHER INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY RELATED
CONVENTION TO WHITCH PAKISTAN IS A PARTY
Pakistan is a Party to two international conventions dealing with species:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(adopted in Bonn, Germany in 1979 and to which Pakistan has been a Party
since 1987);
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES) (signed in Washington in 1973, to which Pakistan has been a
Party since 1976).
Pakistan is also a party to two area-based treaties:
The Convention on Wetlands of International importance especially as
Waterfowl Habitat (signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, and to whichPakistan has
been a Party since 1978);
The Convention concerning the Protection of the World Culturaland Natural
Heritage (signed at UNESCO, Paris in 1972).
In addition to these treaties, Pakistan is a Party to the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (signed at Montego Bay in 1982),supports the
UNESCO Man and Bioshpere (MAB) programme (initiated in Paris in
1968) and has signed(but not yet ratified) the
Convention for Combatting Desertification.
