Revised policy on biological diversity sets 17 new targets

At least 20% of terrestrial areas and inland waters, together with 10% of coastal and marine areas will be conserved by 2025. These are among the 17 targets of the revised National Policy on Biological Diversity (NPBD) launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in a statement said the revised policy on the previous National Policy on Biological Diversity 1998 also aimed to protect and restore vulnerable ecosystems and habitats, particularly limestone hills, wetlands, coral reefs and seagrass beds. It also targets to reduce poaching, illegal harvesting and trade of wildlife, fish and plant; to increase the contributions of indigenous and local communities, civil society and private sector to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity as well as significant increase in funds and resources mobilised for the conservation of biodiversity from both the government and non-government sources. The statement said the NPBD 2016-2025 outlined five key principles in biodiversity management which includes heritage, precautionary, shared responsibility, participatory and good governance. "The policy revision was conducted from 2014 to 2015 with a total of 29 comprehensive stakeholder consultations were carried out in the process," the statement said. It said the purpose of the revision was to meet the current biodiversity management needs as well as to fulfil Malaysia's obligation under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). – Bernama, February 22, 2016.]]>