You are on page 1of 81

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,

!!"
Republic of Yemen
National Biodiversity Strategy
and Action Plan
``For a sustainable and decent standard of living of Yemeni
people while respecting the limits of nature and the integrity
of creation``
January, 2005
Ministry of Water and Environment
Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
UNP!"E#!$U%N
&EM!'(!")*
#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
+e,u-.ic of &emen
Nationa. /iodiversity 0trate1y and Action P.an
2a-.e of contents
Foreword by Prime !inister
Preface by !inister of "ater and #nvironment
Preface by the #nvironment Protection Authority
Ac$nowledgements
#%ecutive summary
$N2+3U%2$3N
&he convention on biological diversity
A national endeavour for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development
A portrait of biodiversity in Yemen
&he role and importance of biodiversity for Yemen
!a'or threats to biodiversity in Yemen
24E NA2$3NA5 /$3$6E+0$2& 02+A2E"&
A national vision
(uiding principles
!ain strategic goals
"oa. *7 %onservation of natura. resources
) Protected Areas
* #ndemic and #ndangered Species
+ #% situ ,onservation
- Alien .nvasive Species
"oa. 27 0ustaina-.e use of natura. resources
/ &errestrial "ildlife Resources 0Fauna and Flora1
2 ,oastal3!arine 4ife and Fisheries
5 Agro6biodiversity 0Agriculture and Animal Production1
"oa. )7 $nte1ratin1 -iodiversity in sectora. deve.o,ment ,.ans
7 .nfrastructures and .ndustry
8 Biotechnology and Biosafety
)9 &ourism and #co6tourism
)) :rban; Rural <evelopment and 4and :se Planning
)* "aste !anagement
)+ "ater !anagement
)- ,limate ,hange and #nergy

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
"oa. 87 $m,.ementation of ena-.in1 mechanisms
)/ Public Awareness and Participation
)2 .ndigenous =nowledge and &raditions
)5 ,apacity Building
)7 #>uitable Sharing of Biodiversity Benefits
)8 Policy; 4egislation and .nstitutional Structure
*9 !onitoring and Reporting
*) Regional and .nternational ,ooperation
24E A%2$3N P5AN
) #stablishment and <evelopment of a ,omprehensive National .ntegrated Protected
Areas System in Yemen 0N.PASY1
* <evelopment and .mplementation of an .ntegrated ,oastal ?one !anagement Plan
0.,?!P1
+ <evelopment and .mplementation of Specific Policies; 4egislation and Regulations on
Biodiversity .ssues in Yemen
- #ssential !easures for the ,onservation of Agro6biodiversity in Yemen
/ Reviving &raditional and .ndigenous =nowledge in Natural Resource !anagement
Systems
2 National Biodiversity #ducation and Awareness Program
5 Regulations and (uidelines for Biosafety
ANNE9 *7 Wor:in1 1rou,s, team mem-ers, contri-utin1 e;,erts and or1ani<ations7
$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
E;ecutive 0ummary
For millennia; the people of Yemen have been $nown for their sophisticated systems of
agricultural terracing; rational use of arid rangelands; and sustainable fishing practices along
the country@s e%tensive coastline Aighly developed ancient cultures e%isted as far bac$ as the
5
th
century B, Prehistoric Yemen was prosperous using its natural resources wisely and
sustainably while #urope was still primitive Refined engineering pro'ects such as the !arib
<am and associated irrigation systems helped to create a surplus in agricultural products
Although they have suffered abuse and degradation; today; YemenBs natural resources still
represent the basis of the national economy &he low average rainfall for most of the country
coupled with the changing socioeconomic patterns; population e%plosion and urbaniCation
have severely strained Yemen@s already limited renewable water resources
&he biological diversity of Yemen occurs in a spectrum of habitats ranging from coastal
mangroves and coral reefs to the highlands and deserts of the interior &hese habitats harbor a
great number of uni>ue species of wildlife and domesticated animals and plants But now;
much of our country@s great natural biological wealth has become severely threatened over the
last few decades by the changing patterns of human use and abuse which have degraded the
very systems and resources on which the nation depends "ithout serious and deliberate
remedial actions and interventions; many of native species of wildlife of local and global
importance will be pushed towards e%tinction and their uni>ue habitats laid fallow
&he medium and long6term economic development of Yemen is very much dependent upon
the appropriate management and sustainability of the limited resources in the country &he
vision of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen 0NBSAPY1 is to achieve a
better >uality of life for all Yemeni people through the conservation and sustainable use of
biological resources and stabiliCing resource consumption in harmony with the limits of the
carrying capacity of nature and the integrity of creation &his vision shall be achieved by
mobiliCing the resourcefulness of the Yemeni people and applying international technical and
financial support Yemen aims at nothing less than the restoration and rehabilitation of its
diversity of species; genetic resources and ecosystems As custodians of their national and
global heritage; Yemenis are coming to realiCe that their livelihood and security are in peril
until present and future generations are assured about the safety and integrity of their own
biodiversity and natural resource base
Dn the basis of a detailed situation analysis of biodiversity in Yemen; specific goals and
ob'ectives were identified to govern the thrust of the action plan outlined in this document
&hese goals spell out the pathways to preserve and use in a sustainable way the irreplaceable
biodiversity and natural resources of Yemen Such pathways are guiding principles; which
represent the broad consensus of all the partners; who developed the strategy &he principles
include; first and foremost; striving to maintain the integrity of Yemen@s land and marine
resources and their biotic wealth &hey include respect for the intrinsic value of all life forms;
while their use needs to be sustainable and e>uitable &hey also include the pursuit of
collaborative management agreements and institutions All affected communities and groups
shall participate in policy actions that affect their right entitlements for the biotic resource
&he indigenous natural resource management systems of the Yemeni people will be
supported; protected; utiliCed and seen as a rich natural heritage &he basic principles also
incorporate responsible public management based on accountability; transparency;
participation in decision ma$ing and a full analysis of impacts
%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
&he strategy is illustrated according to its strategic goalsE which are bro$en down into sub6
goals; each targeted to a strategic area and complemented with a number of priority ob'ectives
re>uiring immediate; medium or long6term attention Some highlights of the agenda for each
goal are presented belowF
2a-.e *= 0trate1ic 1oa.s, su->1oa.s and re.ated strate1ic areas of intervention
"oa. *7 %onservation of Natura. +esource
0trate1ic area of
intervention
0u->1oa.
*7 Protected Areas ,onservation of Yemen@s eco6systems through developing and
maintaining a comprehensive and ade>uate networ$ of protected areas;
supported by effective coordinating management mechanism;
ade>uately funded management plans and improved information system
27 Endemic and
Endan1ered
0,ecies
,onservation and rehabilitation of $ey endangered species through law
enforcement; information gathering and implementation of community6
base in6situ conservation programs of $ey endangered flora and fauna
)7E;>situ
%onservation
#%6situ conservation of rare and endangered native ta%onomic groups of
plants species by improving $nowledge and understanding of species
and ecosystems; and through the establishment and strengthening of
gene ban$s; seed ban$s; green belts; botanical gardens and public
gardens
87 A.ien $nvasive
0,ecies
#stablishment of an effective control and monitoring system bac$ed up
with information system and legislative framewor$ for the trade; use;
and control of alien invasive species
0trate1ic "oa. 27 0ustaina-.e Use of Natura. +esources
57 2errestria.
Wi.d.ife
+esources
Strengthening the sustainable utiliCation of terrestrial wildlife resources
through developing legislations and policies prohibiting hunting and
capturing wildlife and e%panding programs on rangelands; forest
restoration and abatement of desertification
(7 %oasta.!Marine
5ife and #isheries
,onservation and sustainable use of marine and fishery resources
through the development and strict implementation of policy; legislation
and management tools that ensure harvest level of biological resources
are maintained within the biological limits #%amples are the
development of costal Cone management plans; establishment of marine
protected areas; control haCard; illegal and unsustainable fishing; etc
"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
?7 A1ro>
-iodiversity
,onservation of biological resources through the adoption of
ecologically sustainable agricultural and pastoral management practices;
including control of fertiliCer and pesticides; terrace management;
traditional land use and water management systems; introduction of
modern irrigation systems; etc
0trate1ic "oa. )7 $nte1ration of /iodiversity in 0ectora. eve.o,ment P.ans
@7 $nfrastructures
and $ndustry
Reducing infrastructures and industry adverse impacts on habitats and
ecosystems through eco6tech introduction; #.A enforcement and
effective regulating policy
'7 /iotechno.o1y
and /iosafety
!itigating the potential ris$s associated with the use and release of
living modified organisms 04!Ds1 and the introduction of
biotechnology on human and biological diversity through development
and implementation of biosafety framewor$s; developing biosafety
guidelines and creating an entity to manage and control biotechnology
and biosafety issues
&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
%ont7 ta-.e*= 0trate1ic 1oa.s, su->1oa.s and re.ated strate1ic areas of intervention
%ont72a-.e*= 0trate1ic "oa. )= $nte1ration of /iodiversity in 0ectora. eve.o,ment P.ans
0trate1ic area of
intervention
0u->1oa.
*07 2ourism and Eco>
tourism
Achieving the conservation of biological resources through the
adoption of ecologically sustainable management practices for
tourism and recreation
**7 Ur-an, +ura.
eve.o,ment and
5and> P.annin1
!inimiCe uncontrolled urbaniCation through developing and
implementing land use management plans and enforcing land use
regulations
*27 Waste Mana1ement Reducing adverse waste impact on ecosystems through the adoption
of ecological policy and the introduction of new techni>ues such as
recycling and treatment and green technology
*)7 Water Mana1ement Protecting the country limited water resources from over6e%ploitation
and >uality deterioration through optimal allocations of water
resources and the use of improved >uality control techni>ues
*87%.imate %han1e and
Ener1y
!itigate the impacts of energy (A( emissions and the
subse>uent climate change on biodiversity and desertification
through energy mitigation strategy and a National Adaptation
Program of Action 0NAPA1
0trate1ic "oa. 87 $m,.ementation of Ena-.in1 Mechanisms
*57 Pu-.ic AAareness
and Partici,ation
Rising environmental awareness of Yemeni society through
integrating environmental themes into university and school
curricula; promoting green media; and supporting youth clubs and
eco6industry
*(7 $ndi1enous
BnoA.ed1e and
2raditions
Reviving traditional biological $nowledge; innovations and
techni>ues in conserving biological resources
*?7 %a,acity /ui.din1 Strengthening productive capacities and potential of individuals;
agencies; and communities in the planning; implementation;
monitoring and evaluating of biodiversity conservation programs
*@7 ECuita-.e 0harin1
of /iodiversity /enefits
#nabling communities and individuals to conserve and sustainably
use biological resources by facilitating their participation in the
planning and management of natural resources and providing them
with secure access to biological resources and sufficient financial and
technical funding for community6based environmental programs
*'7 Po.icy, 5e1is.ation
and $nstitutiona.
0tructure
<eveloping an integrated legislative and institutional framewor$
composed ofF )1 :pdated environmental laws complete with
regulations; implementation and enforcement mechanismsE *1
mandated and empowered national institutions and mechanisms for
coordinating and effecting policies; legislations and strategiesE +1
national policy advocating incorporation of biodiversity issues in the
national fiscal policy
207 Monitorin1 and
+e,ortin1
#stablishing a nationwide inter6agency mechanism for monitoring
the implementation and results of the NBSAP and other biodiversity
related programs
2*7 $nternationa. and
+e1iona. %oo,eration
!aintaining and strengthening Yemen@s relations and cooperation
with international and regional partners in the field of biodiversity
'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
.n order to develop the action plan that translate the strategy vision; goals and priority
ob'ectives into implementable actions; a long list of options composed of forty broad actions
were first identified and then they were short listed into seven priority initiatives 0pro'ect
concepts1 based on the following priority criteriaF 0)1 (eographic .mpact; 0*1 ,onsistency
with ,onvention Db'ectives; 0+1 :rgency; 0-1 Se>uence 0/1 ,ountry6driven; 021 Attainable
and Resourceable; and 051 !ultisectoral .mplications to the ob'ectives of this strategy &hese
priority pro'ect concepts form the Action Plan of this Strategy &hey are considered of
immediate importance and re>uire urgent action and attention to meet pressing biodiversity
conservation needs
2a-.e 27 Action P.an
) #stablishment and <evelopment of a ,omprehensive National .ntegrated Protected
Areas System in Yemen 0N.PASY1
* <evelopment and .mplementation of an .ntegrated ,oastal ?one !anagement Plan
0.,?!P1
+ <evelopment and .mplementation of Policies; 4egislation and Regulations on
Biodiversity .ssues in Yemen
- #ssential !easures for the ,onservation of Agro6biodiversity in Yemen
/Reviving &raditional and .ndigenous =nowledge in Natural Resource !anagement
Systems
2 National Biodiversity #ducation and Awareness Program
5 Regulations and (uidelines for Biosafety
(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
$N2+3U%2$3N
2he %onvention on -io.o1ica. diversity
Biological diversity includes the genetic variability of all species of plants; animals and
micro6organisms and the ecosystems that form their habitats #cological stability is
guaranteed mainly through biological diversityE in essence; it is the insurance policy for life
on earth .n recognition of the importance of biodiversity; during the )88* :N#P conference
0&he Rio #arth Summit1 a ,onvention on Biological <iversity 0,B<1 was open for signature
Dne year later; a hundred and si%ty eight countries had signed the ,B< ma$ing it one of the
most widespread conventions in e%istence Signatory nations commit themselves to the three
goals of the ,B<; namely 0i1 the conservation of biodiversity; 0ii1 the sustainable use of
biodiversity resources; and 0iii1 the e>uitable sharing of benefits resulting from the use of
genetic resources !oreover; signatory nations agree to elaborate a National Strategy and
Action Plan to operationaliCe the goals of the ,B< in accordance with its Articles 2 and *2; as
well as to implement all its other articles
A nationa. endeavor for -iodiversity conservation and sustaina-.e
deve.o,ment
Yemen has signed in )88* and ratified in )88/ the .nternational ,onvention on Biological
<iversity which was launched at the #arth Summit conference in )88* .n so doing; Yemen
has ac$nowledged the value of biological resources as an integral part of it@s natural heritage
with the potential for yielding long term benefits for the Yemen people and as essential
foundation for sustainable development &he (overnment of Yemen ta$es its responsibilities
for the conservation and sustainable use of its natural resource seriously .t recogniCes also
that the well being of its present and future communities depends on the conservation of the
diversity and abundance of its biological resources
(overnment focus on environmental and conservation issues is relatively new in Yemen; with
the #nvironment Protection ,ouncil only having been established in )889 and transformed in
a full blown agency in *99) .n recent years however the country ratified other international
biodiversity6related conventions such as the :N ,onvention for ,ombating <esertification;
the ,limate ,hange ,onvention and the .nternational &rade in #ndangered Species of Fauna
and Flora 0,.&#S1 convention .t also developed and implemented numerous policies and
action plans related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development including a
National "ater Strategy and "atershed Policy; a National #nvironmental Action Plan and a
National Action Plan for ,ombating <esertification
&he NBSAPY thus constitutes a complement to the #nvironment and Sustainable
<evelopment .nvestment Program *99+6*997 recently prepared by #PA as well as to other
sectoral development plans adopted or being prepared by the government
&he National Biodiversity Strategy development process has been funded by the (lobal
#nvironment Facility; administered by :nited Nations <evelopment Programme 0Sana@a1 and
coordinated through the #PA with the technical assistance of the .nternational :nion for
,onservation of Nature 0.:,N1 .:,N has provided continuing support in facilitating the
planning process through technical bac$6stopping; advice on the development of wor$ plan;
organiCational structures; terms of reference for national and international technical wor$ing
groups and assisting the editor of the strategy in editing and finaliCing the NBSAPY
)
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
.n order to assess and collect the available information on biodiversity in Yemen; #PA
contracted a number of well6>ualified national e%perts from different institutes with
competence in different areas of biodiversity conservation; including flora; fauna; marine;
freshwater; social; economic and legal issues as well as agro6biodiversity 0plant production;
animal production and honey production1 &he reports of the technical wor$ing groups were
used as the scientific basis upon which the NBSAPY was elaborated
&he wor$ of the technical groups formed a foundation for the base data and reports; which are
available at #PA Although the priorities of the NBSAPY may be refocused during its
implementation; it is essential to have clear initial targets for activities and actions that will
move the country towards the overall goals of the strategy &owards this end; an agenda for
action has been developed for each of the NBSAPY ob'ectives &hese agendas list priority
targets and recommended actions as short6term 0)6+ years1; medium6term 0-67 years1 or long6
term 0G7 years1 #ach agenda is intended to represent a list and schedule of activities that can
realistically be achieved
<uring the course of the NBSAPY formulation; a number of consultative activities with
sta$eholders were carried out in 2 provinces as representatives of the whole country &hese
included briefings; tal$s; discussion and information sharing with relevant sta$eholders;
including; government officials; N(Ds representatives and academic members H officials of
and universities and research centers &his process has contributed significantly in improving
awareness and common understanding on biodiversity issues and helped in building
consensus among stoc$holders regarding the strategy contents
"ith the active contribution of a board of directors comprised of representatives from
different line institutions; the #PA is committed to an active implementation of the NBSAPY
which includes regular reporting to the public; concerned national agencies and international
organiCations
Proposed mechanisms for implementing the National NBSAPY include the creation of a
permanent board of directors and National ,oordination unit within #PA which will be
responsible forF
Preparing an annual national report on policies; activities and plans aimed at
implementing the strategyE
,oordinating the implementation of national and international elements of the
strategyE
Recommending measures to encourage non6government participation in the
implementation of the strategyE
Regular reporting on the status of biodiversityE and;
:pdating the strategy after an initial implementation phase of /65 years
"or$ing groups could be formed on ad hoc basis to prepare and implement the different
elements of action plan
A ,ortrait of -iodiversity for &emen
&he Republic of Yemen ran$s as the most populous country in Arabian Peninsula with a
population growth rate of +/ &he country@s population; if unabated; will increase to 37
#!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
844 000 by *9*2
*
Rapid population growth and imbalances in spatial distribution would
continue if there is no recognition of the relationships between population; resources;
environment; and development in policy decision6ma$ing at all levels of governance
:nder current accelerating growth of economy; environmental >uality is fast deteriorating; as
dramatiCed by the increased occurrence of environmental problems Specifically; the gains of
economic growth are being diminished; or even negated; by numerous factors includingF
deforestationE pervasive and coral reef destructionE massive pesticide poisoningsE degradation
and erosion of agricultural landsE pollutant intrusion into a>uifersE irresponsible tourism
activitiesE marsh and mangrove destructionE loss of forest and green cover associated with
massive urbaniCationE industrial pollutionE continued reliance on non6renewable energy
sourcesE destructive fishing methodsE and indiscriminate oil e%ploration and e%ploitation
!eanwhile; conservation of biological diversity has become a focal point for environmental
conservation efforts with the declaration of a number of protected areas &here is also a
growing awareness among the environmental community of the importance of biological
diversity and the role of indigenous ways of life in maintaining the integrity of ecosystems
"hile operationaliCation has been slowE sustainable agriculture; agro6forestry; and
environmentally sound fishery initiatives have spread to the ma'ority of provinces in the
Republic of Yemen
According to ""F (lobal *999 analysis; Yemen hosts at least - globally important eco6
regionsF 0)1 Read Sea; 0*1 (olf of Aden3 Arabian Sea; 0+1 Arabian woodlands and 0-1 Socotra
&hese eco6regions are amongst the $ey areas for global biodiversity and need to be protected
from human activities
&he Red Sea is home to distinctive coral ecosystems comprising regional center of endemic
fish and invertebrates .t hosts a uni>ue flora and fauna; a number of marine turtles; and
several endemic birds and other uni>ue species Seventeen per cent of fish are endemicE more
than 89 per cent of dottybac$s 0Family Pseudochromidae1 and triplefins 0Family
Tripterygiidae1 are endemic
&he Arabian Sea hosts highly productive habitats that reflect biophysical regimes and
endemism among algal communities .t has coral reefs with over 5/ per cent cover in
selected areas and sea grass beds that provide important breeding and nursery habitats
especially for mollus$s .t hosts several endemic species of marine fauna; a wide variety of
invertebrates and algae as well as characteristic fish species
Socotra hosts a distinctive insular biota with many endemism species .t has a more diverse
and e%uberant flora and fauna than any other region in Arabia &he island of Socotra is also an
important site of local endemism for reptiles; plants; and birds &he islands have more than
*/9 endemic species of plants; 7/ of which are nearly e%tinct Socotra houses many unusual
plants; including its aloes and the endemic dragon tree 0Dracaena cinnabari1 $nown for its
Idragon@s bloodI; a brilliant red resin e%tracted from this plant &he island is also home to
several endemic plant genera; some animals and endemic bird species; including the .sland
cisticola 0Cisticola haesitatus1 and the Socotra bunting (Emberiza socotrana1
Yemen highlands woodlands and shrub6lands sustain high levels of biodiversity and provide
an important stopover site for migrating birds &he highlands support the ma'ority of endemic
or near6endemic species of plants and animals .t hosts the endemic Arabian tahr 0Hemitragus
jayakari1; Arabian gaCelle 0Gazella gazella1; Nubian ibe% 0Capra ibex nubiana1; striped hyena
1
Projected at population growth rate of 3.5%
##
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
0Hyaena hyaena1; wild cat 0elis syl!estris1; and leopard 0Panthera pardus1 Although
Arabian ory% 0"ryx leucoryx1 is e%tinct in the wild; there are efforts to reintroduce it to the
region Representative bird species include yellow6vented bulbul 0Pycnonotus xanthopygos1;
graceful warbler 0Prinia gracilis1; brown woodland warbler 0Phylloscopus umbro!irens1;
Yemen linnet 0Carduelis yemenensis1; gambage dus$y flycatcher 0#uscicapa gambagae1;
Arabian partridge 0$lectoris melanocephalia1 and blac$ $ite 0#il!us migrans1
2he ro.e and im,ortance of -iodiversity for &emen
As elsewhere in the world; the ecosystems of Yemen provide habitats for plants; animals and
micro6organisms which can be used or which perform useful functions Specifically; they
regulate thermal and water regimes; influence the climate; and play an important role in
maintaining atmospheric air >uality and in ensuring a healthy ecological environment for
humans #lements of biodiversity also act to protect the soil from erosion According to the
"orld Resources .nstitute; ecosystems are Ithe productive engines of the planetI; providing us
with everything from the water we drin$ to the food we eat and the fibre we use for clothing;
paper; or wood for construction
*
Yemeni people have hunted; fished and gathered the plants
and animals of Yemen for centuries and their uses of natural resources continuing today &able
+ gives e%amples from the array of goods and services provided by four broad ecosystem
categories found in Yemen
Natural areas provide support systems for commercially valuable natural resources such as
spawning areas in mangroves and wetlands Dther habitats act as genetic reservoirs for
commercial crops As many of the species in Yemen and elsewhere are not even $nown yet;
we can assume that with an increase in $nowledge new biological resources to increase
human welfare will be discovered &here is a clear relationship between the conservation of
biological diversity and the discovery of new biological resources
&here are numerous ways to value biological diversity "hile it is not difficult to assign a
value to biological resources that are available on mar$ets; such as vegetables; wood;
medicines; fish; etc; there are many functions that cannot be so easily measured in monetary
terms; for e%ample ecosystem services or social benefits For many people who rely on the
products of ecosystems for their daily subsistence; it would be difficult to put a monetary
value on all the products they use or benefits they en'oy
.n agriculture; biodiversity has ensured sources of food; fodder and graCing for livestoc$;
genetic variation for selection; etc Browsed and graCed plants include a large number of
trees; shrubs; grasses and weeds that are important to cattle; sheep and goats
.n medicine; some plants are e%tremely important sources of natural and commercial
remedies !edicinal and aromaticF #ven though the medicinal flora of Yemen is not well
documented it is important to note that medicinal and aromatic plants play an important role
in the lives of most Yemenis who use them as traditional remedies to cure diseases &hey are
also used as cosmetics; condiments; coloring and flavoring agents A list of **- medicinal and
aromatic plants was compiled by national e%perts
+
in )88/ Among the most common are
cassia senna whose leaves are used as a la%ative% ziziphus spina&christi as an antisepticE
lo'sonia inermis as an antiseptic and cosmeticE mentha longi(olia for abdominal disordersE
2
People and ecosystes! "he fraying we# of life $http!%%www.wri.org%wr2000%ecosystes.htl&
3
'l()u#aie and 'l(*hulaidi+ 1,,5! the list contains plant-s scientific naes+ failies+ coon naes+
distri#ution+ acti.e su#stances+ and edicinal use.
#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
'ithania somni(era and solanum incanum as a dental analgesicE and anisotes trisulcus for
$idney stones
&able +F Services and goods provided by ecosystems
8
0ervices ,rovided "oods ,rovided Ecosystem
!aintain limited watershed functions
0infiltration; flow control; partial soil
protection1
Provide habitat for birds; pollinators; soil
organisms important to agriculture
Build soil organic matter
Bind atmospheric carbon
Provide employment
Food crops
Additional food items 0eg
terrace fields; fishery
Fran$incense; fibre
,rop genetic resources crops
Agro ecosystems
Remove air pollutants; produce o%ygen
,ycle nutrients
Protect water resources 0infiltration;
purification; flow control; soil
stabiliCation1
!aintain biodiversity
Bind atmospheric carbon
!oderate weather e%tremes and impacts
(enerate soil
Provide employment
,ontribute aesthetic beauty and provide
recreation
&imber
Fuelwood
<rin$ing and irrigation
"ater
Fodder
Non6timber products
Food 0 honey; mushrooms;
fruit; and other edible plantsE
game
(enetic resources
!ountain and
Rangeland
#cosystems
4essen or prevent the impact of flooding
<ilute and carry away wastes
,ycle nutrients
!aintain biodiversity
Provide transportation corridor
Provide employment
,ontribute aesthetic beauty and provide
recreation
<rin$ing and irrigation
"ater
Fish and other a>uatic
organisms
Aydroelectricity
Aousing materials
!edicines
(enetic resources
Freshwater
#cosystems
4
/ource! adapted fro 012 2000. 3lo#al 4cosyste 'ssessent
#$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
!oderate storm impacts 0mangrovesE
barrier islands1
Provide wildlife 0marine and terrestrial1
habitat
!aintain biodiversity
<ilute and treat wastes
Provide harbors and transportation routes
Provide employment
,ontribute aesthetic beauty and provide
recreation
Fish and shellfish
Sea weeds 0for food and
industrial use
Salt
(enetic resources
,oastal and !arine
#cosystems
Rangelands; forests and other woodland areas comprise about -9J of the land area !ore
than 7 million sheep; goats and cows graCe the land &he remaining land 0/5 J of the country1
is mostly desert
Forest resources are widely used in industry and construction Species most commonly
utiliCed for fuelwood include $cacia spp)* icus spp)* Tamarix spp)* $calypha (ructosa* Cadia
purpurea* +umex ner!osus and others &imber for construction include $cacia spp)* icus
spp)* Cordia a(ricana* Terminida bro'nii* Trichlia emetica and ,iziphus spina&christi)
Fisheries are considered a promising sector for sustainable development &he Republic of
Yemen owns one of the best fisheries areas in the region &he fish stoc$ is estimated at 7/9
thousand tons allowing for catchments of +/96-/9 thousand tons annually compared to the
current catch; which did not e%ceed )/7 thousand tons in *99) &his level does not e%ceed
-9J of potential fish catchments per year &he contribution of this activity to the (<P is
limited and does not e%ceed 978 J annually 0based on fi%ed prices and )- J based on
current prices in *99)
/
1 Fish has already become Yemen@s third most important e%port food
commodityE one third of total fish production; with value of K59 million was e%ported in
*99)
(
Fish is also nutritionally significant; contributing to local food security by providing an
important source of animal protein
.t is e%pected that this sector will hold an import position in the economy of the country in the
future; either for meeting the food demands and narrowing the food security gap or for
e%portation to support country foreign currency earnings

&hough cultivated land in Yemen represents only **J of land area 0) 227 7/7 hectares1;
agriculture still plays a leading role in Yemen@s economy; accounting for about **87J of the
(<P in *99) and employing /+J of total labor force
5
&hree >uarter of the rural population
depend on the sector for the provision of their food re>uirements Aowever; the sector is
clearly and primarily sub'ect to a set of natural and human factors; which collectively lead to
the occurrence and spread of land degradation and hence the retardation of its future role
!ain field crops are cereals including sorghum; wheat; maiCe; millet and barley Legetable
crops include potato; tomato; beans; cucurbits; onions; carrots; crucifers; o$ra; eggplant and
pepper Fruit crops include grapes; dates; citrus; guava; mango; peach; apples; banana; papaya;
5
/tatistical 5ear 6oo7 2001+ 8un+ 2002+ 9entral /tatistical :rgani;ation
<
2#id
7
2#id
#%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
apricot; almond and pomegranate ,ash crops include >at; coffee; cotton; sesame and tobacco
"hile forage and feed crops include alfalfa; sorghum and grasses
4and area allocated for cultivation of cereals has dwindled from 575 999 hectares in )88/ to
5)9 //9 hectares in *99) Agricultural productivity has sharply declined during the same
period and figures show that productivity of the hectare has dropped from )27 to )2* ton for
wheat; from 982 to 98+ ton for sorghum and millet; from )+ to )** ton for legumes
@
MaDor threats to -iodiversity in &emen
As a result of e%tensive agricultural development over the last -9 years; many natural
landscapes in Yemen have been severely degraded .n *99); around 5*J of cultivable area
was under cultivation; and a further 97 million ha was covered by pasture and graCing lands
'
7
&he use and conversion of land for agriculture has resulted in degradation; and even loss; of
certain natural habitats; as well as causing large6scale pollution
.n recent years; agricultural practice in the Republic of Yemen has been characteriCed by a
significant increase in the use of mechaniCation; fertiliCers and pesticidesE bad soil fertility
managementE poor plant nutritionE and overgraCing &hese inappropriate practices impact
directly on the >uality of land resources limiting the options for other land use needs &he
continued application of chemicals is li$ely to result in some change of the soil structure &his
results from the increased use of fertiliCers as the soil loses its nutrients Dne of the long6term
conse>uences of this practice is desertification As the soil becomes less fertile; and costs rise
in using the area; it may often be abandoned
.nade>uate agricultural practices; such as the application of an often mechaniCed and repeated
single or double crop system in the rain6fed areas; has led to soil loss through wind and water
erosion; a decrease in fertility and a subse>uently decline in crop yields !ore marginal lands
being put under cultivation; even during years with rainfall deficits; fail to produce crops and
are abandoned barren; ready to contribute to desertification; while new marginal lands await
to be cultivated &he result of such practices in the coastal plains and in !a@arib is that wind
erosion ta$es place on formerly more or less stabiliCed dunes; which; are put under a
continuous process of drifting thus increasing desertification by encroachment on productive
lands and infrastructures #lsewhere in Yemen; this leads to water erosion; which affects all
lands downstream and ultimately results in widespread degradation and desertification
.n short; the country@s vegetation cover is being drastically reduced by rapid degradation of
the environment; a direct result of desertification and droughts; and as a result of the
following root causesF
a1 .nade>uate cultivation and poor agricultural practicesE
b1 "ood cutting for firewood; timber and charcoalE
c1 Dver graCingE
d1 Soil salinationE
e1 "ater and wind erosion and sand dune encroachmentE and
f1 #ncroachment due to housing and infrastructure development around cities and villages
&hreats to terrestrial fauna in Yemen are common to many countries in the regions and
includeF
a1 <estruction; degradation and loss of natural habitatsE
b1 Dver6hunting and proliferation of firearmsE and
8
2#id
,
2#id
#"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
c1 Road construction opening up avenues into the hinterland
Similarly; the >uantity and >uality of freshwater are threatened by numerous factors including
overuse of water sources; degradation of wetland ecosystems; e%cessive use of pesticides;
misuse of fertiliCers; untreated wastewater and increased industrial waste
&he coastline of Yemen is over */99 $m long and includes three different coastal regions;
namely the Red Sea; (ulf of Aden and Arabian Sea &he Red Sea region represents about one
third of this coastline; with the remainder bordering the (ulf of Aden region &he Red Sea and
(ulf of Aden region of Yemen represent a comple% and uni>ue tropical marine ecosystem
with e%traordinary biological diversity and a remar$ably high degree of endemism .t is also
an important shipping lane lin$ing the worldBs ma'or oceans For e%ample; about )99 million
tons of oil transits the Red Sea annually &he #astern (ulf of Aden and Arabian Sea region is
a highly productive fishery region due to the &ropical :pwelling phenomenon; supporting a
food web that ultimately sustains fish communities Both the Red Sea and the (ulf of Aden
are designated Mspecial areasN under the international !ARPD4 convention
Dver )*9 islands lie in the seawater of Yemen with distinct climatic and natural
characteristics !ore than ))/ of these islands lie in the Red Sea region Among those located
in this regionF =amaran .sland is the largest; and !ayoon .sland; located in the Bab !andab
Strait; has strategic importance !ost corals and coral habitats e%ist around the Yemeni
islands; but with different diversity of communities and number Socotra .sland; the largest
Yemeni island 0nearly + 2*/ $m
*
1; is located in the Arabian Sea region of Yemen and has a
more e%uberant and diverse flora and fauna than any other region in the Arabian Peninsula
,oastal and marine resources are threatened by over fishing; spear6fishing; a>uarium fishing
and dynamite fishing &hese factors also represent ma'or disturbances to the coral reefs of
Yemen Dil e%ploration and transport have resulted in several oil spills Sewage discharge;
agro6chemicals flushed by floods; and sedimentation from urban development pose further
threats to the Red SeaBs coral reefs .ndustrial and urban development; as well as e%tensive
coastal development; land filling; and coastal engineering are dramatically altering certain
coastal areas Recreation and tourism also contribute to eutrophication and reef degradation
,oastal and marine biodiversity; including the Socotra .sland; is threatened by the cutting of
mangroves for wood and the use of mangroves for feeding animals; fuel6wood supply and
new development pro'ects
Dther threats to the coastal and marine environment of Yemen include the uncontrolled use of
coastal Cones; destruction of marine and coastal habitats and ecosystems; spatial conflicts
among various users; unplanned coastal reclamation; the destruction of benthic habitats by
bottom trawling and the destruction of endangered species due to non6selective gear
24E NA2$3NA5 /$3$6E+0$2& 02+A2E"&
#&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
A Nationa. 6ision
M&o achieve a better >uality of life for all Yemeni people through the conservation and
sustainable use of biological resources and stabiliCing resource consumption in harmony with
the limits of the carrying capacity of nature and the integrity of creationN
"uidin1 Princi,.es
&he NBSAP adopts a framewor$ that places the Yemeni people and nature at the center of
the government concern in the development process &hus the components of the NBSAP
have been developed based on the following sustainable development principlesF
*7 ECuity
#nsuring social cohesion and harmony through e>uitable distribution of
resources and providing the various sectors of society with e>ual access to
development opportunities and benefits today and in the future7 No individual
or social groups should be denied the opportunity to benefit from natural
resources &he e>ual rights and opportunities of men and women must be
assured
27 0o.idarity and shared res,onsi-i.ity
RecogniCing that sustainable development is a shared; collective and indivisible
responsibility; which calls for institutional structures that are based on the spirit of
solidarity; convergence; and partnership between and among various sta$eholders
RecogniCing that since communities residing within or most pro%imate to a given
ecosystem will be the ones to most directly feels the positive and negative impacts of
human activities on that ecosystem; they should be enabled access to and control over
common natural resources; such as water and biodiversity
Protection of natural resources is viewed as a shared and indivisible responsibility of
all individuals; families; communities; and other institutions in society
Biological diversity conservation and enhancement are pursued through direct
involvement of local communities and indigenous peoples and the e%tension of
support to institutional initiatives including the harmoniCation of national and local
biodiversity6related policies; legislation and programs
)7 Eco.o1ica. 0oundness
RecogniCing nature as our common heritage and thus respecting the limited carrying
capacity and integrity of nature in the development process to ensure the right of
present and future generations to this heritage
&he integrity and carrying capacity of biological resources should not be degraded; but
rather conserved; protected and enhanced in the process of development
Yemen possess rich biotic resources many of which are now threatened and some
already e%tinct &he future development of the country must reflect the intrinsic value
of its landscapes; terraces; ecosystems; habitats; populations; species and genes
87 BnoA>hoA and eco>techno.o1y
&he biological limits to natural resource productivity are scientifically
researched and established and have become the bases and indicators for
strategic policy decisions on societal use of the country@s natural resources
#'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Regular review; proposals for appropriate amendment of the strategy; and strict
enforcement of environmental laws are underta$en by both communities and
appropriate government institutions
57 $s.amic 6a.ues
.slam commands us to respect other plants; animals and creatures living with us and to
consider them living communities; e%actly li$e man$ind (od says in the (lorious
Ouran I&here is not an animal 0that lives1 on the earth; nor a being that flies on its
wings; but 0forms part of 1 communities li$e youN
M(od created earth and all creatures living on it in due proportion and measureI (od
sayBs; ILerily all things have we created in proportion and measureN; and (od says;
IAnd the earth we have spread out I and I planted therein all $inds of things in due
balanceI So Protection; conservation and development of the environment and natural
resources is a mandatory religious duty to which every !uslim should be committed
Any deliberate or intentional damage to the natural environment and resources is a
$ind of mischief or corruption that is forbidden by .slam (od says; I<o no mischief
on the earth after it hath been set in orderI and I Pbut loveth not mischiefI
.slam calls all individuals at all levels to protect; conserve and use environment and
natural resources sustainably as per the following religious dutiesF
No e%travagance; e%cessive use or over6utiliCation (od sayBs; M#at and drin$sF waste
not by e%cess; for (od loveth not the wasterN
No illegitimate or unlawful attempt at destroying the natural resources
No damage; abuse; pollution or distortion of the natural environment in any way
,onstruction and development of the earth; its resources; elements and phenomena
through the improvement and betterment of natural resources; the protection and
conservation of all e%isting forms of life; the cultivating of land and the reclamation
and cleansing of the soil; air and water
Dwnership of all environmental elements is the common and shared right of all
members of the .slamic community #ach is entitled to use and benefit from them
without infringement; violation or delay of other
Main strate1ic 1oa.s
"oa. *7 %onservation of Natura. +esources
*7 Protected Areas
Yemen is blessed with rich; diverse and distinctive ecosystems comprising fresh waters;
wetlands; coral reefs; oceanic islands; mountainous woodlands and forests; rangelands; as
#(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
well as terraced and irrigated valleys For centuries; these ecosystems have been used;
managed and protected by Yemeni people through traditional use and management systems
&hese traditional systems include rangeland protected area 0!ah'ur1; .slamic "a>f; and local
rural 'urisdiction :nder traditional !ah'ur systems; the production of rangelands of rainy
seasons are conserved and $ept by local communities for their use in drought periods .n
.slamic "a>f systems; landowner transfers the property of privately6owned lands to the
community for their common use and for the faith of (od &hrough this system Qebel Bura
Forest was donated in )7)2 B, by its landowner to the local community; after which it has
been $ept under continued public protection :nder the tribal 'urisdiction of local shei$hs;
administrators and local development councils; there are cases of local forest felling
interdiction and entry bans into certain local areas in order to protect the environment and fees
are levied in the case of infringements
Presently traditional protection systems are retarded and this contributes to the accelerated
destruction of eco6systems &his situation is e%acerbated by the absence of a professional
agency to provide leadership; the lac$ of management infrastructure; trained staff and
funding dedicated to planning and caring for the national networ$ of protected areas .n the
absence of proper management mechanisms and under the lac$ of human and financial
resources the declared protected areas will remain no more than a list on paper and
ecosystems destruction will further increase
RecogniCing the difficulties hindering the effective management of protected areas and given
the ecological; agricultural; historical; cultural and economical importance of Yemen@s
mountainous and coastal ecosystems to Yemeni welfare and to the world biodiversity; the
government has committed to underta$e a combination of vigorous measures to address
problems hindering the effective management of protected areas &his strategy is one of the
most important measures ta$en in this conte%t and through which the proper management of
Yemen@s ecosystems; including the promotion of terraced agricultural production; integrated
watershed management and the introduction of environmentally appropriate technologies will
be facilitated
Bey $ssues
4ac$ of effective administration and conservation management regimes for
protected areasE
4imited geographic coverage of Protected areas 0PA1 associated with lac$ of
PA management plans
.nsufficient staff and resources
.ncomplete legal framewor$ for protected areas
4ac$ of precise information on the number of fauna and flora species present
in Yemen; or on rare; threatened endemic species and their habitatsE
4ac$ of ade>uate legislation to protect flora and faunaE
4ac$ of .nstitutional ,apacities for protected area
,riteria for defining critical habitats or biotypes are missing
0u->1oa.F ,onservation of Yemen@s eco6systems through developing and maintaining a
comprehensive and ade>uate networ$ of protected areas; supported by effective co6
coordinating management mechanism; ade>uately funded management plans and improved
information system
Priority 3-Dectives
#)
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
<evelop and strengthen co6ordinating management mechanisms to improve
integrated management of the protected areas system
!aintain and develop an integrated and ade>uate networ$ of protected areas;
representing $ey eco6systems of Yemen
Prepare management plans for selected priority protected areas
#stablish an integrated database for biodiversity resources and protected areas
#stablish a single department to manage protected areas
Medium>term (8>@ years)
#%pand the Protected area networ$ to include Ramsar sites; "orld Aeritage
sites; and "orld Biosphere Reserves
#%pand management planning and implementation in selected protected areas
Promote research targeted on protected areas improved conservation
management practices
Provide e>uipment; transport; communications and other material to strengthen
conservation of protected areas
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
#%pand the program in protected areas management to include one trans6
border reserve with Saudi Arabia or Dman
Review management needs for $ey priority conservation areas and facilitate
implementation
Performance $ndicators
Single department for protected area management in place
By *9)9; at least 5 new protected areas created
Results of research on protected areas published and made publicly accessible
27 Endemic and Endan1ered 0,ecies
&he flora of Yemen is very rich and heterogeneous Species diversity is a result of
considerable climatic changes in former periods; which enabled different species to survive in
the different ecological habitats Dver + 999 plant species are possibly found in the mainland;
and about )9J of them are endemic Dne chec$list
)9
comprised -25 plant species belonging
to *-- genera from 5) families Socotra .sland is uni>ue in its flora and li$e many oceanic
islands; has a high level of endemism &he latest study reported that Socotra contains
appro%imately 7/9 plant species; */- 0about +9J1 of which are endemic Dut of the eighteen
plant genera endemic to the Arabian Peninsula; ten genera are restricted to the Socotra
archipelago
&he ma'ority of endemic ta%a in Yemen are associated with mountainous areas which provide
a rich variety of ecological niches and offer a degree of environmental stability during periods
of climatic changes #ndemism is generally very high among the succulent plants &he largest
numbers of endemic species are found within the Asclepediaceae ta$ing into account the
10
9opiled #y /. 3a#ali = '. 3ifri $1,,0&.
!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Stapeliad genera 0Carraluma; Du!alia; Huernia; and +hytidocaulon1 #uphorbiaceae and
Aloeceae also have high percentage of endemism as they include the succulent #uphorbia and
Aloe species respectively Precise data on the status and number of rare and endangered
plants are not available Some eight species 0seven of these from Socotra1 are included in the
.:,N Red <ata Boo$ as being endangered or rare; and an additional )8 species are
considered to be endangered or rare at the national level in Yemen
Yemen has a rich and diverse terrestrial fauna because of the wide range of habitats in the
country and due to its position at the 'uncture of three ma'or bio6geographic regions; the pale6
arctic; Afro6tropical and oriental regions
Yemen has 5) recorded land mammal species representing eight orders including bats About
one third of the mammals are relatively large species which are rare in other parts of Arabia
such as the .dmi or Arabian !ountain (aCelle 0Gazella gazella1; .be% 0Capra ibex nubiana1;
Baboon 0Papio hamadryas1; Arabian Red Fo% 0-ulpes !ulpes arabicus1; Sand Fo% 0-ulpes
ruppelli1; BlanfordBs Fo% 0-ulpes cana1; Striped Ayena 0Hyaena hyaena1; Arabian "olf
0Canis lupus arabs1; Qac$al 0Canis aureus1; Arabian 4eopard 0Panthera pardus nimr1; and
possibly the ,heetah 0$cinonyx jubatus1
.t is notable that seven mammal species are now considered endangered including three of the
four species of gaCelle; and another three species the ,heetah; Arabian Dry% and the fourth
gaCelle; the Oueen of Sheba@s (aCelle are now e%tinct in the wild Furthermore; most siCeable
mammals have long since been hunted into e%tinction in this country where firearms abound
and a large proportion of the natural forests have been cut down "ith some dedication and
luc$; ecotourists may still spot rare land animals such as the Arabian leopard; hyena;
Aamadryas baboon; honey badger; hedgehog; ibe%; and fo%
Yemen has ratified the ,onvention on .nternational &rade in #ndangered Species of Fauna
and Flora 0,.&#S1; and has recently enacted by6laws to implement the treaty
Yemen also has a very rich bird life with more than +2+ species thus far recorded representing
)7 orders; 2) families and )55 genera .t is a home to a large number of species that are
endemic to southwest Arabia For a country to be so richly endowed with endemic birds adds
greatly to its international significance "ith the e%ception of the Arabian (olden Sparrow; all
endemic species occur on the mainland &he loss of the terracing systems could adversely
affect several of the endemics as a result of soil erosion and loss of trees &errestrial
arthropods are represented by / classes; +7 orders; +)+ families; ) 7++ genera; and + +5*
species
From an eco6tourism point of view; endemic birds have the highest relevance &he )+ endemic
and near endemic species of the mainland found in the southern portion of Arabian Peninsula
areF philby@s and Arabian partridges; Arabian woodpec$er; Yemen thrush; Arabian wheatear;
Yemen warbler; Arabian golden sparrow; Arabian wa%bill Yemen accentor; Arabian olive6
rumped and Yemen serins; Yemen linnet; and golden6winged grosbea$ &he si% endemic
species to Socotra .sland include the Socotra warbler; Socotra cisticola; Socotra sunbird;
Socotra starling; Socotra sparrow; and Socotra bunting
&he authoritative report by ! #vans et al 0)88-1 on .mportant /ird $reas o( the #iddle East
contains a detailed inventory of /5 sites; which are of vital importance for the conservation of
birds in Yemen &hese /5 sites; covering a total area of 5 +99 s> $m or about )- J of the area
of the country contain all the endemic or near6endemic bird species; as well as other rare;
#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
significant or limited6range species &hese sites; distributed around the country 0including
Socotra .sland1; also represent prime eco6tourism destinations in Yemen since; apart from
containing important and interesting avifauna; many of them consist of relatively undisturbed
natural areas and are of great botanical interest Some of them also contain other interesting
types of animals Aowever; none of these sites are legally protected for nature conservation
purposes 0although some may be covered by traditional resource6use reserves or !ah'ur1 and
many of them are in serious ris$ of degradation or destruction
Bey $ssues
"ea$ monitoring capabilities for endangered and rare species
4ac$ of enforcement of wildlife protection measures
.nade>uate systematic population monitoring of species; specially endangered ones
4ac$ of information on the status and habitat re>uirements of species at ris$
Aabitat destruction caused by activities associated with development
0u->1oa.= ,onservation and rehabilitation of $ey endangered species through law
enforcement; information gathering and implementation of community6based in6situ
conservation programs of $ey endangered flora and fauna
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
.nventory e%isting information on endemic plant and animal species
Prepare and effect by6laws and regulations on protection of endangered and
threatened wildlife species
Prepare and establish an .:,N red list of rare and endangered species of
Yemen
Medium>term (8>@ years)
<esign and implement a local community6based program related to in situ
conservation of selected endemic; endangered fauna and flora
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Prepare and implement recovery and rehabilitation plan for threatened species
Performance $ndicators
By *992; inventory of endemic species published
By *995; relevant by6laws and regulations on wildlife protection prepared and
enacted
Pilot community6based in6situ conservation programs for endemic; endangered fauna
and flora implemented
Recovery and rehabilitation plans prepared and implemented
)7 E; situ %onservation
#%6situ biodiversity conservation measures are only complementary to those for in6situ
conservation #%6situ biodiversity conservation depends on a number of $inds of facilities;
such as seed ban$s; gene ban$s; Coos; botanic gardens; etc &he N#AP pointed out the need
for inventorying species and prioritiCing those; which need e%6situ conservation &he

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
#nvironment Protection 4aw 0#P41 does not address the issue of e%6situ conservation &his
aspect of biodiversity conservation urgently needs legislation; especially as it relates to rare;
endemic and endangered species
<espite the large biodiversity and the rich genetic resources of Yemen; there is slow
development in the establishment of seed ban$s; gene ban$s; herbarium; and Coological or
botanical centers Specifically; there are only two nucleus units of genetic resources centers in
Sana@a :niversity and Agriculture Research and #%tension Authority 0AR#A1 in <hamar
&heir primary role is to collect and preserve selected organisms alive outside their natural
habitat for the purpose of captive breeding; propagation and potential re6introduction; but
their effective role is hampered by limited resources and facilities
&here is a need to prepare a national policy on e%6situ conservation addressing wild and
domesticated or cultivated biological resources 0plants; animals and microorganisms1
Among other issues the policy should address collection; research; importation and
e%portation of biological materials; and property rights over the collected specimens &he
policy should also address issues related to the management of e%6situ conservation facilities;
particularly to building human and physical capacity for establishing and maintaining e%6situ
collections &he environmental impacts of reintroducing or re6establishing species conserved
e%6situ should also be addressed &his policy should be harmoniCed with the #P4 and its
e%ecutive by6law; and with the draft by6law on access to genetic resources
Bey $ssues
4ac$ of genetic resources centers that can collect genetic materials and
conserve them to be available for research and genetic improvement
4ac$ of botanical garden for collecting and preserving rare and endangered flora
Absence of a Natural Aistory !useum for biological diversity in Yemen
0u->1oa.= #%6situ conservation of rare and endangered native ta%onomic groups of
plants species by improving $nowledge and understanding of species and ecosystems
and through the establishment and strengthening of gene ban$s; seed ban$s; green
belts; botanical gardens and public gardens
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
<evelop and establish a basic reporting system for monitoring biodiversity
deterioration
Prepare and adopt a national policy on e%6situ conservation
$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Medium>term (8>@ years)
Stimulate ex situ conservation through the establishment of gene ban$s; seed ban$s;
green belts and public gardens
<evelop guidelines for collection; maintenance and reintroduction of plants and
animal species in e%6situ programmes
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
#%pand the establishment of botanical gardens; National Aerbarium and Seed Ban$s
to collect; house and preserve rare and endangered native ta%onomic groups of plants
species of Yemen
Performance $ndicators
By *99/; a reporting system for monitoring biodiversity in place
By *997; a national policy on e%6situ conservation prepared and enacted
Number of gene ban$s; seed ban$s; green belts and public gardens established
(uidelines on collection; maintenance and reintroduction of plants and animal species
developed and used
87 A.ien $nvasive 0,ecies
.nvasive plants or animals are no e%ceptions; as non6native species; are among the highest
threat to the native species especially the threatened and3or endangered species &hey create
permanent impacts on ecosystems and ultimately contribute to the loss of biodiversity For
e%ample; invasive plants compete with native species for resources because it has no natural
predators or pests; thereby becoming dominant &hey out compete native plants that are food
supplies for animals in the ecosystem and alter the invaded ecosystem and species
composition to such an e%tent that they threaten native flora and fauna
Non6indigenous plant species are spreading rapidly in Yemen and had invaded a wide range
of habitats !oreover; the number e%otic species is not precisely $nown and not yet well
studied As the number of these invasive species increases; more native plants will come into
direct competition with and be threatened by the non6native species and become endangered
and possibly e%tinct
Yemen is characteriCed by large diversity of native species; varieties and soil types adapted to
different agro6ecological Cones :ncontrolled introduction of invasive plants; seeds;
microorganisms and animals has caused the degradation; decline and e%tinction of some
native and3or endemic species ,rops such as wheat; lentil and millet are e%amples of local
varieties whose yield and >uality are deteriorating as a result of introducing homogenous high
yielding varieties Similarly; the introduction of alien genera of honeybee has resulted in
reduction of the Yemeni honeybee race apies melli(era jemenitica as a result of spreading of
the varroa mite pest Such undesirable introduction has had ma'or environmental and
economic impacts Recent e%amples include citrus nurseries; which introduced diseases; and
the armyworm
%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Some other alien invasive species have also caused wide spread distortion of eco6systems
&his has particularly been the case when introduced under wea$ environmental management
and control system that paid insufficient attention to their potential impacts Dne good
e%ample is the species of the mes>uites plants $nown as prosopis juli(lora; which was
intentionally introduced into Aadarmout four decades ago .t was introduced as a planting
scheme along roads; farms and public garden and has subse>uently invaded many agricultural
lands; irrigation canals; drainages lines and down stream beaches of wadies Aowever; when
introduced to Say@un and &arim areas under appropriate environmental control system of
unwanted weedy comportment; P) 0uli(lora have been found of great importance to
community there; providing them with substantial >uantities of wood; firewood; charcoal and
animal fodder
.n short; undesirable introduction has had adverse environmental and economic impacts over
the past decade and thus control of alien harmful species is necessary to conserve biodiversity
and to halt further destruction of ecosystems
&here is a clear need to prepare a national policy which addresses the problems of alien
invasive species &he policy should establish the basis for an integrated ris$6based approach
to controlling and managing intentional and unintentional introductions of these organisms
.mportant pathways for introduction should be identified and appropriate legal and
institutional measures should be applied on a pathway6by6pathway basis &he policy should
also address measures for control and eradication of these organisms; including liability; after
introduction
Bey $ssues
4ac$ of ade>uate information of the type; numbers; status and structure
of alien species
4ac$ of institutional capacities in evaluating and preserving alien
species
4ac$ of monitoring system for alien invasive species
4ac$ of ade>uate legislative tools to control introductions of alien
invasive species
Absence of preventive and remediation measures
0u->1oa.= #stablishment of an effective control and monitoring system bac$ed up with
information system and legislative framewor$ for the trade; use; and control of alien invasive
species
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Prepare a list of alien invasive species and identify the most dangerous ones
!onitor and control the e%pansion of $ey alien invasive species
Strengthen >uarantine measures to control intentional and unintentional introduction
of alien invasive species
Medium>term (8>@ years)
<evelop and implement control programs for $ey alien invasive species
"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
<evelop relevant legislation to control the importation and trade of alien invasive
species
<evelop and strengthen database of alien species
#stablish a specialiCed unit to be concerned with alien invasive species
Performance $ndicators
By *995; a list of alien invasive species published and disseminated
Number of control programs for $ey alien invasive species completed
By *9)9; ade>uate legislation regulating import and trade of alien invasive species in
place
By *9)*; a list of most dangerous alien invasive species eradicated and
controlled
"oa. 27 0ustaina-.e Use of Natura. +esources
57 2errestria. Wi.d.ife +esources
Yemen hosts a variety of habitats which range from coastal mangroves; shrub lands and dunes
along the coastal plains to the eastern deserts and an array of montane habitats that reach
elevations of up to +529 m at Qabel Al6Nabi Shauib; the highest point on the Arabian
Peninsula Rapid degradation of the environment; a direct result of desertification and
droughts; among the oldest global environmental phenomena; are drastically reducing the
countryBs vegetation cover and posing severe threats to wildlife; including many endemic
species Dver the last several decades; the area of natural habitat has decreased or been
degraded; through over6e%ploitation of range resources; land conversion; poor agricultural
practices and the pressures of an ever e%panding population with a current growth rate of
some +/J per annum; one of the highest rate in the region "ildlife populations are thought
to have declined considerably; and agricultural production has undergone dramatic changes
due to the e%pansion of >at plantations at the e%pense of other crops &he centuries old
harmonious relationship of people and environment that has characteriCed Yemen@s culture
and history is rapidly disappearing &hese alarming trends demand urgent conservation
attention; if even representative portions of Yemen@s natural biotic wealth are to remain for
future generations
Bey $ssues
<egradation and conversion of natural habitat
<esertification; including wind erosion and sand dune encroachment
Agricultural e%pansion and poor agricultural practices
"ood cutting for firewood; timber and charcoal production
DvergraCing of rangelands including loss of sustainable practices of sound rangeland
management by local people
'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Dver6hunting and indiscriminate $illing of wildlife species; especially ungulates and
carnivores
Dveruse and depletion of limited fresh water
<egradation of wetland ecosystems
.mproper application and use of persistent pesticides and chemical fertiliCers
,ontamination of ecosystems with sewage; industrial waste and other pollutants
Smuggling and uncontrolled e%porting of indigenous livestoc$ and native genetic
species
4ow public awareness and appreciation for biodiversity conservation
.nade>uate legislative tools and conservation measures for the protection of
indigenous plant and animal species3varieties
0u->1oa.= Strengthening the sustainable utiliCation of terrestrial wildlife resources
through developing legislations and policies prohibiting hunting and capturing wildlife
and e%panding programs on rangelands; forest restoration and abatement of
desertification
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
#valuate maps and data availability; information accuracy and gaps for
endangered ecosystems; habitats; vegetation and threatened or rare endemic
species
<evelop and update data6base and (.S information systems on biodiversity;
including species; habitats; vegetation and other thematic information
,onduct surveys and research on rangeland utiliCation and management patterns to
assess effectiveness of rangeland management and utiliCation
Aalt hunting and capturing wildlife until utiliCation of wildlife is surveyed;
assessed and regulated
Medium>term (8>@ years)
Formulate rangeland policies and programs for improving rangeland
management
#%pand action program for forest restoration and desertification reduction
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Support traditional and environmentally sound land use practices
#%pand rangeland management program; to include more areas in the country
Performance $ndicators
(aps in maps and information pertaining to endangered ecosystems; habitats;
vegetation and rare species identified
<ata6base and (.S information systems on biodiversity established and
functioning
(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Assessments report on rangeland management and utiliCation published and
accessible
Survey and assessment report of wildlife utiliCation published
By6laws on wildlife utiliCation prepared and enforced
A rangeland policy in place and a number of rangeland management programs
completed
Number of forest restoration and desertification control programs implemented
&raditional and environmentally sound land use practices in place
(7 %oasta.!Marine 5ife and #isheries
Yemen@s coastal and marine environment is both diverse and attractive from its roc$y and
sandy coasts to the saline mud flats; mangrove swamps; coral reefs and seagrass beds .ts
patch; fringing and bottom reefs are $nown to contain at least 89 species of corals which have
thus far been recorded &here is li$ewise a great diversity of fish 0-)2 species1; 7* species of
sea and shore birds; 2*/ species of mollus$s; algae 0-7/ species1; phytoplan$ton 0*7+
species1; as well as four species of marine turtles; including the most important nesting beach
for green turtles in the entire Arabian Region at Ras Sharma ,ompared to other parts of the
Red Sea; the shallow nutrient rich waters above the wide continental shelf of Yemen are rich
fishing grounds Fish supply a great amount of protein in the diet of Yemenis; and now with
the improved road communications systems; people in the populated mountainous areas can
also en'oy a more diverse diet with seafood An array of threats from pollution to coastal
reclamation and bottom trawling currently threatens Yemen@s coastal and marine environment
.t is important to limit these threats and initiate and implement sound integrated coastal Cone
management for the sustainable use of Yemen@s marine and coastal environment including the
identification and management of protected areas
&he over * /99 $m coast of the mainland is suffering from pollution and saltwater intrusion as
most surface water is fully e%ploited upstream &he sea along the mainland coast and the
numerous islands in the Red sea are heavily traffic$ed; and prone to oil spills from ships and
oil terminals !arine critical habitats such as mangrove; seagrass and important coastal sites
for bird feeding and breeding are increasingly threatened by coastal development .f not
planned correctly; development in Socotra .sland will have considerable environmental
impact on marine resources; including coral; fish and turtle species &ourism attractions of the
country include possibilities for diving and snor$eling in the coral reefs of the Red Sea; the
(ulf of Aden and Socotra Archipelago
!oreover; coral reefs and seagrass important to fish and other marine life are destroyed by
trawling and other unsuitable harvesting methods causing loss of productivity and threat to
endemic and rare species &he formerly rich fish resources on the countryBs continental shelf
are now reduced through outta$e <ue to overe%ploitation of resources; a number of animal
and plant species; some of which are globally threatened; rare and endemic to Yemen; are
endangered or already e%tinct
Bey $ssues
!arine and coastal habitat degradation caused by unplanned coastal reclamation
Dver6e%ploitation; pollution and mismanagement of fishing in the Red Sea; Arabian
Sea; (ulf of Aden and Yemeni .slands
)
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
<egradation of coastal and marine habitats caused by ship dumping; industrial;
agricultural and sewage waste
Sharp decline in important marine resources especially lobsters; cuttlefish; shrimps
and shar$s caused by over6fishing; poaching of foreign vessels; uncontrolled gear and
fishing effort; and lac$ of >uality controls
<estruction of coral reefs and underwater habitats caused by bottom trawling;
ornamental fishing
Non6 functional fishing law
0u->1oa.= ,onservation and sustainable use of marine and fishery resources through
the development and strict implementation of policy; legislation and management tools
that ensure harvest levels of biological resources are maintained within the biological
limits #%amples of priority actions include the development of costal Cone
management plans; establishment of marine protected areas; haCard control;
prevention of illegal and unsustainable fisheries; etc
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
<esign and conduct inventory; surveys; habitat mapping; and sensitivity
analysis of the entire coastline; including distribution of rare and endangered
species
Assess impact and e%tent of mangrove cutting and graCing and find alternative
sources of wood and camel fodder
#stablish improved data base management systems of fishery resources based
on stoc$ assessment for cuttlefish; roc$ lobsters; shrimps; shar$s; sea cucumber
and other species
Prepare and implement pilot .ntegrated ,oastal ?one !anagement Plans
0.,?!P1 for Balhaf6Bir Ali area; Al6Aodidah and Qethmun6Sharma and red ses
eco6system
<eclare protection areas on Si$ha .sland; Qethmun6Sharma; AlloAayah and
=amaran
Medium>term (8>@ years)
,omplete coastal Cone mapping for the mainland and islands
#stablish a national body; with appropriate representation of communities; local
administrations and N(Ds; for .,?!P
#nhance .,?! planning through establishing regional branches of central authorities
<evelop fisheries management plans based on fish stoc$ assessments
,ontinue stoc$ assessment for other commercial pelagic and demersal fishes
,onduct studies on coastal and marine environment to develop and implement local
communities@ strategies on sustainable management and use of their fishery resources
and recovery of depleted areas
Assist fishing communities in protecting traditionally used areas from outsiders;
implementing alternative programs during fisheries recovery periods; and mar$eting
their marine products
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
$!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
,onserve $ey threatened coastal and marine species; habitats and ecosystems
Re6plant3re6forest mangroves wherever feasible
Performance $ndicators
By *995; inventory reports and maps on coastline habitats and endangered
species published
By *995; assessments report on mangrove clearance and alternative options for
camel fodder published
By *995; data base management systems for fishery resources in place and
Functional
Four pilot .ntegrated ,oastal ?one !anagement Plans implemented
By *998; two marine areas legally declared as protected areas
By *998; a national agency for costal Cone management legally declared and
functioning
Fish stoc$ assessment report prepared
Ade>uate fishery management plans officially approved
By *997; local communities@ strategies on sustainable management of fishery
developed
Pilot area of forest mangroves re6planted
?7 A1ro>-iodiversity
Aistorically; Yemen was a good e%ample of economical and sustainable use of the available
natural resources; where conservation of soil; crops and rangelands were part of the traditional
systems; and agricultural terraces were mainly built for conserving water and preventing soil
erosion (iven the low growth rate in agricultural (<P; which averaged only 25 J during
the period )8856*99); combined with population growth rate of the highest in the region
0+/J according to *99) ,ensus1; it is li$ely that natural resources deterioration associated
with critical food shortage will continue to be of pressing issues hindering sustainable
development until this situation is reversed Production systems have already approached their
ma%imum potential with the full use of limited resources such as water and natural vegetation
&he development policy in the past +9 years has been focused on short6term ob'ectives; which
provided immediate economic benefits; while the impact of this development process on the
environment was ignored As a result; destruction and degradation of natural resources have
reached a critical level .f Yemen is to achieve sustainable development in the future;
agricultural biodiversity conservation pro'ects must be included in the development and
socio6economic plans of the government
Bey $ssues
<eterioration of native genetic resources as a result of introduction of alien
species
.mproper application and use of pesticides
.nsufficient and unreliable information and networ$ing on agricultural
biodiversity
$#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
<esertification; terraces and rangeland degradation associated with rapid
urbaniCation
.ncreased water depletion for >at production and agriculture irrigation
associated with lac$ of water conservation systems
<eclining agricultural production caused by drought and degradation of agro6
systems
Abandonment of productive traditional agricultural practices
.mproper use of agro6chemicals 0pesticides; fertiliCers; fruit ripening agents;
etc1
Dver6graCing and over6cutting of trees and shrubs for fuel consumption
4imited capacity and funding for biodiversity and agricultural research
0u->1oa.= ,onservation of biological resources through the adoption of ecologically
sustainable agricultural and pastoral management practices; including control of
fertiliCer and pesticides; terrace management; traditional land use and water
management systems; introduction of modern irrigation systems; etc
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
,onduct research on improvement of drought resistant varieties; terrace
management; traditional land use and water management systems; and
introduction of efficient irrigation systems
#ncourage research on the use of alternative feed resources and agro6
processing by6products as a ruminant feed to reduce pressure on rangelands
Medium>term (8>@ years)
Promote in situ conservation of indigenous crops by farmers
Promote integrated pest management techni>ues
<evelop incentives for natural fertiliCer use in replacement of imported
agrochemicals
Provide incentives and implement pilot pro'ects in propagation of local and crop
varieties and replacing >at plantations with cash crops; coffee and grapes
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
.mplement pilot pro'ects on land use management; terrace management;
desertification; and in situ conservation of rangeland
Adopt programs to reduce ground water consumption through wastewater recycling;
efficient irrigation; etc
#nhance seed ban$s
Performance $ndicators
By *995; results of research in five agro6biodiversity areas published
Number of farms applying integrated pest management techni>ues
$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Ouantity of natural fertiliCer use increased and level of agrochemical fertiliCer
import reduced
Areas of cash crops; coffee and grapes increased and >at plantation reduced
Number of pilot pro'ects on terrace rehabilitations; desertification; and in6situ
conservation of rangeland implemented
Number of wastewater recycling and efficient irrigation programs completed
$$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
"oa. )7 $nte1ration of /iodiversity in 0ectora.
eve.o,ment P.ans
@7 $nfrastructures and $ndustry
.ndustrialiCation plays a fundamental role in achieving a high rate of economic growth; in
creating 'ob opportunities and in providing for the basic needs of the population According to
the results of a recently conducted industrial survey; the siCe of the industrial sector in Yemen
accounts for only -J of (<P and employs only *J of the Yemeni labor force
Dver the past *9 years; it has been found that industry; transport and construction wor$s have
had increasing direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity resulting from the use of anti>uated
and polluting technologies; the lac$ of enforcement of #.A procedures and the absence of air
>uality and waste management standards &he gross industrial product of the nation has
resulted in the overuse of natural resources and serious ecological problems .n particular;
pollution from the mineral industry; heavy industry; household waste; air emissions and noise
has had a significant impact on biodiversity
Bey $ssues
"ea$ implementation of #.A procedures for development pro'ects
Poor investment from the private sector in community6based biodiversity
pro'ects
4ac$ of policy addressing air pollution; wastewater; and solid waste production
from industrial sources
"ea$ enforcement of standards regulating industrial activities
:se of environmentally unfriendly technologies
0u->1oa.= Reducing infrastructures and industry adverse impacts on habitats and
ecosystems through eco6tech introduction; #.A enforcement and effective regulating policy
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
#nforce #.A procedures implementation for infrastructure and industrial
pro'ects
Regulate the use of dangerous chemicals
<evelop policies and regulations concerning use of appropriate and safe technologies
Medium>term (8>@ years)
Promote certification processes leading to the adoption by industry of more
responsible and efficient production
Review; amend and ad'ust laws; by6laws; and regulations to prevent industrial
pollution
$%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Promote eco6tech in replacement of unfriendly industrial technologies polluting
coastal and marine habitats and ecosystems
Performance $ndicators
#.A procedures in place
4aws; by6laws; and regulations on preventing industrial pollution reviewed; updated
and enforced
4aws on dangerous chemicals prepared and enacted
.ndustrial certification for eco6industry and eco6 production in place
Policies and regulations on safe technologies prepared and enforced
'7 /iotechno.o1y and /iosafety
(iven that biotechnology and biosafety are relatively new issues in Yemen; there is poor
understanding and $nowledge on the nature and e%tent of the ris$s on biodiversity associated
with the transfer of biotechnology and the use of living modified organisms 04!Ds1
Furthermore; there is no specific entity responsible for handling the safe use and transfer of
biotechnology and 4!Ds &hese deficiencies; combined with unavailability of policy and
legislation framewor$ for regulating biotechnology and biosafety issues; are li$ely to cause
high level of ris$ on the country fragile ecosystems and its endemic species &herefore in
order to foster this situation and halt any further biodiversity destruction; there is a need to
develop a national biosafety framewor$
Bey $ssues
Poor $nowledge and understating of the nature and potential impacts of living
modified organisms 04!D1 on biodiversity
4ac$ of protection measures and legislations to regulate the use and release of
living modified organisms
4ac$ of institutional framewor$ for the management and monitoring of
biotechnology and biosafety issues
"ea$ of national capacity in the field of modern biotechnology
Absence of policy addressing biotechnology and biosafety issues
0u->1oa.F !itigating the potential ris$s associated with the use and release of living
modified organisms 04!Ds1 and the introduction of biotechnology on human and biological
diversity through developing and implementation of biosafety framewor$s; developing
biosafety guidelines and creating an entity to manage and control biotechnology and biosafety
issues
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
$"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
,arry out stoc$6ta$ing and assessment of e%isting biotechnologies and their
safe application and use
.dentify and analyCe options for biotechnology applications and
implementation of biosafety framewor$s
Prepare and enact national biotechnology policy and biosafety framewor$s
Medium>term (8>@ years)
,reate an entity responsible for the management and control of biotechnology
and biosafety issues
.mplement priority activities and information e%change re>uirements
<evelop National Biosafety <atabase
Assess feasibility and impacts of applying genetically engineered seeds to
introduce drought6resistant; herbicide6tolerant; insect6resistant and saline6
resistant species of crops; fruits and vegetables
Regulate; manage or control the ris$s associated with the use and release of
living modified organisms 04!Ds1 resulting from biotechnology which are
li$ely to have adverse environmental impacts affecting the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Strengthen institutional capabilities in the field of Biosafety
#nhance management s$ills in biosafety issues through training
Performance $ndicators
Stoc$6ta$ing of safe use of biotechnologies published
A national biotechnology policy and biosafety framewor$s prepared and enforced
4aws on 4!Ds and Biotechnology prepared and enacted
An entity for the management of biotechnology and biosafety created and functional
A National Biosafety <atabase established and made publicly accessible
Assess report on applying genetically engineered seeds published
Number of genetically engineered species safely introduced and controlled
Number of staff trained in Biosafety
*07 2ourism and Eco>tourism
Yemen is characteriCed by many features that ma$e it a destination for tourists from all over
the world :N#S,D has declared three ancient Yemeni cities 0SanaBa; ?abid and Shibam1 as
"orld ,ultural Aeritage Sites YemenBs uni>ue biodiversity; particularly on Socotra; attracts
eco6tourism
**
&he N#AP emphasiCed the importance of ecotourism; especially in the Socotra
Archipelago and along the thousands of $ilometers of coastal areas; which e%tend along the
Red Sea; (ulf of Aden; and the Arab Sea Nevertheless; legislation regulating tourism in
))
For the purpose if this paper; eco6tourism is defined as tourism thatF M has a low6level
impact on the environment and local cultural values and which is used to help sustain local
economies and the conservation of the natural and built heritage1)
$&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
general; and ecotourism in particular; can still be considered insufficient; and is a source of
'urisdictional overlaps and conflicts
Yemen@s #nvironmental Protection 4aw 0#P41 addresses eco6tourism in broad general terms
and there is a need for it to be amended to ade>uately account for eco6tourism concerns &he
#P4 provisions on #.A re>uirement for licensing development pro'ects or establishments
should also apply to tourism pro'ects &he (eneral Authority for the Protection of Aistorical
,ities also must approve any tourism pro'ects in historical cities or in the close vicinity of
historical monuments or sites A first step in any initiative to rationaliCe the tourism sector
must focus on 'urisdiction harmoniCation
Aware of the e%ceptional importance of eco6tourism and its enormous potential for Yemen;
the (eneral &ourism Authority established; in cooperation with #PA; a department of eco6
tourism .n *99*; the department was shifted to !inistry of ,ulture and &ourism and Aid and
support to this department is provided from various international institutions &he department
has prepared a draft law on ecotourism &here is a proposal to consolidate all the e%isting and
proposed legislations into one general law governing the sector
.n addition to legislation there is a need for a comprehensive national tourism policy; which
should set goals for the sector; establish coordination mechanisms among all institutions
involved in the sector; establish standards to be followed when developing tourism pro'ects;
define the concept of eco6tourism in the Yemeni conte%t; determine areas most suitable for
eco6tourism; etc
Bey $ssues
4ac$ of $nowledge on eco6tourism attractions
.nsufficient level of professionalism and training in the tourism sector; including eco6
tourism
Poor environmental awareness and ecological education amongst populations
A generaliCed deficiency in eco6tourism facilities
.nade>uate legislative framewor$ and wea$ enforcement of eco6tourism
legislation
"ea$ local communities and private sector participation in tourism
management and investment in this sector
0u->1oa.= Achieving the conservation of biological resources through the adoption of
ecologically sustainable management practices for tourism and recreation
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
,onduct surveys of areas suitable for eco6tourism; ta$ing into account habitat
vulnerability
,onsider criteria for eco6tourism development in protected areas and buffer
Cones
!inimiCe the impact of tourism activities on biodiversity and natural habitats
Assess impacts of recreational activities in coastal areas
Prepare proposals of pilot tourism pro'ects based on significant natural and3or
cultural attractions
$'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
<evelop manpower development plan for the sector
Medium>term (8>@ years)
Promote cooperation and participation of the private sector; N(Ds and local
communities in tourism investment and management
Review; update and publish a directory for eco6tourism sites
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Promote eco6tourism in established and managed national par$s
Performance $ndicators
Survey reports on eco6tourism published
,riteria for eco6tourism development published and enforced
Four assessment reports on eco6tourism impacts on coastal sites published
Number of pilot tourism pro'ects in areas of significant natural and3or cultural
attractions implemented
Auman resource development plan for tourism sector implemented
Number of investment pro'ect in tourism completed by private sector; N(Ds and local
communities
A directory for eco6tourism sites published
**7 Ur-an, +ura. eve.o,ment and 5and>use P.annin1
4and use planning is the process through which the allocation of discrete areas for different
land use activities is determined .n land use planning; land use areas are loc$ed out for
specific uses within the conte%t of higher order planning criteria and directives and3or
re>uirements of integrated national; regional; or urban planning
&he continuing absence of a comprehensive rural development program has contributed to
unabated migration to urban areas &he absence of far6reaching comprehensive land use and
human settlement plans has resulted in the growth of informal settlements Rapid urbaniCation
has resulted in the conversion of agricultural land to residential; commercial and industrial
uses; has displaced informal settler communities and undermined food security &hus; cities
have deteriorated as human habitats; become beset with intractable and often interrelated
problems including inade>uate mass transportation and road systemsE pollution; inade>uate
and inappropriate waste disposalE floodingE water shortageE deterioration of sanitation; health
and other basic services
&ransactions for the ac>uisition of land for urban and industrial development have grown
rapidly in all parts of the country; principally beside main roads and along coastal shores
Dwing to this; and to steady and rapid rural to urban migration; Yemen faces immediate as
well as long6term environmental problems Along the shorelines; this is leading to very
intense; erratic and unforeseeable coastal dune erosion and sand movement <ue to lac$ of
urban planning; most agricultural land in cities and along main roads is illegally e%ploited for
residential and other urban usage; resulting in the loss of highly productive agricultural lands
$(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
and causing land and water degradation &he e%plosion in building activities has resulted in
the opening of many >uarries that have affected local communities; damaged the landscape
and caused the loss of arable land
Bey $ssues
4oss of natural habitats as a result of deforestation; desertification and land
conversion
<estruction of sensitive natural habitats caused by unplanned land reclamation
Rapidly growing population with intensive use and pressure on natural
resources particularly in the densely populated centers of the country
0u->1oa.= !inimiCe uncontrolled urbaniCation through developing and implementing land
use management plans and enforcing land use regulations
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Promote traditional and environmentally friendly land use practices 0eg
traditional rain6fed agriculture; agro6forestry1
#nforce rangeland management and control illegal logging
Medium>term (8>@ years)
<evelop and implement land regulation; pricing and registration
,ontinue forest restoration and desertification control programs
Aalt uncontrolled urbaniCation and enhance land6Coning and land use management
plans
.mprove mapping of soil degradation and desertification
5on1>2erm (E@ years
.mprove maps for land registration and ownership; soil and plant cover
#%pand desertification control programsfocusing on conservation of plant
cover; reduction of soil erosion and watershed management
Performance $ndicators

Number of land6Cones and land use management plans implemented
At least three models of friendly land use practices 0eg traditional rain6fed
agriculture; agro6forestry1 replicated
Reduction rate in the volume of illegal logging
4and regulation; pricing and registration systems in place
Number of forest restoration and desertification control pro'ect carried out
$)
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Soil degradation and desertification maps developed for e%tended geographic areas
%!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
*27 Waste Mana1ement
"aste management is one of the ma'or environmental problems &he volume of solid; li>uid
and gaseous waste generation including haCardous waste increases rapidly in the absence of
sound and competent waste management &his may lead to serious environmental problems
affecting soil; ground water; air; human health; animals and plants; especially since some of
these wastes are haCardous
&he principal sources of environmental pollution in Yemen can be summariCed as followsF
Solid waste and sewage from cities and populated centers; which are discharged into
the sea; deposited in open spaces or buried under the soil or agricultural landE
"aste and effluents from laboratories and factoriesE
,hemical waste and effluents arising from the use of pesticides and3or other
chemicalsE
"aste oil and haCardous waste discharged on the groundE
"aste discharged by ships into Yemeni territorial waters as well as oil spills from
passing tan$ers; warships; submarinesE
Shipwrec$s and collisions at sea
&he (overnment; with limited capacities; is underta$ing a set of measures to dispose waste in
a traditional fashion in landfills; which receive waste for incineration or dumping without
separation or recycling .n the absence of financial; technical treatment and recycling
capabilities; wastewater is directly discharged in the environment without treatment Also in
the absence of effective regulations; food industry and hospitals are operating without
ade>uate consideration of environmental impact and large >uantities of untreated solid and
li>uid waste are directly dumped in the environment
Similarly; air6pollution from industry; energy and transport sectors is inade>uately controlled
causing many threats to human health and to the environment &o mitigate air pollution from
the transport sector; the (overnment has encouraged the substitution of gasoline and diesel
fuel with gas and is now preparing a national action plan to mitigate air pollution from various
sources 0see section )- on climate change1 &he industrial community is encouraged by
(overnment to prevent pollution through improved design; introduction of eco6technology;
developing new processes; recycling haCardous3useful materials from waste; and producing
non6polluting goods
Bey $ssues
"ea$ enforcement of solid waste management guidelines
.nappropriate practices3 lac$ of norms regarding waste management
"ea$ awareness and $nowledge of solid waste impact
0u->1oa.= Reducing adverse impacts of waste on ecosystems through the adoption of
ecological policy and the introduction of new techni>ues such as recycling; treatment and
green technology
%#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Priority o-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Assess water >uality; li>uid and solid waste dumping nearby coastal cities and
ports
Study the feasibility of li>uid waste recycling
#nable relevant agencies and sta$eholders including N(Ds and local
communities to implement environmentally sound techni>ues
<evelop program to decrease waste production in households
Prepare plans for improving sewage systems
Medium>term (8>@ years)
<evelop and implement Pilot pro'ects for composting; recycling; and reuse of
solid waste
#nforce regulations preventing dumping of industrial li>uid and solid waste
into coastal areas and the sea
#nforce #.A for all relevant pro'ects 0eg landfills; waste pro'ects; and
treatment plants1
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Support the implementation of the Solid "aste !anagement 0S"!1
guidelines 0eg monitoring landfills1
.mplement Pilot pro'ects to demonstrate sustainable waste management
<evelop and implement haCardous waste management systems
Performance $ndicators
Four assessment reports on water >uality and waste dumping for coastal areas
published
Feasibility study on li>uid waste recycling published
Reduction rate of household waste production
Number of new connections to sewage systems
Number of completed Pilot pro'ects pertaining to composting; recycling; and reuse of
solid waste
#nforced regulations preventing dumping of industrial li>uid and solid waste into
coastal areas and the sea
#.A fully applied to landfills; waste pro'ects; and treatment plants
Solid "aste !anagement 0S"!1 guidelines applied
AaCardous waste management system functioning
*)7 Water Mana1ement
&he degradation of watersheds; from mountain ranges to coastal and marine Cones in Yemen;
leads to rapid declines in the >uality and >uantity of water resources that are available to the
people <eforestation of upper watersheds; overgraCing; terrace degradation and changes in
land use are increasingly threatening downstream areas with floods; erosion and reduced dry6
%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
season river flows &he continued loss of water resources; forests; agro6forestry land use
systems and desertification reduces biological diversity and ecosystem integrity
Pollution of water resources has highly negative effects on health and water availability A
number of diseases are reported as being caused by polluted water and the accumulation of
garbage from houses
#nvironmental conservation is directed towards integrated water resource management .n
Yemen; li$e in many mountainous countries of the world; pressure on upland resources 0such
as overgraCing and forest destruction1 has increased and watershed degradation has become a
ma'or concern .n fact; watershed degradation effects and impacts have represented a serious
threat not only to the environment conditions but also to the survival of people living in
uplands as well as in downstream areas
&he conservation; use and sustainable management of water resources to meet the demands of
growing populations have become a ma'or concern for the country &he important role of
environment in integrated water resources management falls still behind the attention given to
technical solutions and water supply aspects in Yemen@s programmes and priorities
#nvironmental conservation and environmentally friendly natural resource management need
to be further promoted :ntil today interventions such as forest restoration and terrace
rehabilitation; which does not have a direct and short6term impact on family income is seldom
considered a priority for local communities #nvironmental awareness and natural resource
management s$ills need to be improved #PA can play a crucial role in this regard
Bey $ssues
4ac$ of information on the vulnerability of watersheds to climate change
.nade>uate systems for water management; inade>uate restrictions on well drilling and
inefficient use of irrigation facilities
Fragmented and non6participatory management and planning of watersheds
:nclear mandates of agencies involved in watershed management
"ea$ technical capacities in watershed management
0u->1oa.= Protecting the country limited water resources from over6e%ploitation and >uality
deterioration through optimal allocations of water resources and the use of improved >uality
control techni>ues7
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Promote action programs for the protection and increase in >uantity and >uality of
available water
Strengthen the National "ater Resource Administration 0N"RA1 to enforce water
abstraction licensing; control and monitoring system
.ntroduce wastewater discharge and strict water abstraction licensing and control
systems
Medium>term (8>@ years)
%$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
<evelop and implement watershed management plans for limited pilot areas
.mplement integrated water management for watershed
Assist rural communities in adopting collaborative management of water resources
including rainfed farming; water harvesting; catchments strategies and watershed
protection
.ncrease data accessibility by agencies and individuals
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
DptimiCe water use through reduction of water e%ploitation; reduction of illegal
drilling; efficient irrigation; desalinisation and rational water use in $ey areas
Apply and enforce water >uality standards 0standards for drin$ing water; irrigation
water; wastewater disposal and bottled water1
<evelop efficient methods for water withdrawals; harvesting and use in pilot areas
Performance $ndicators
At least four regional management plans developed and implemented
"ater >uantity and >uality and >uality improved
Number of drilled wells reduced
At least four watershed management plans implemented
"ater >uality standards enforced
*87 %.imate %han1e and Ener1y
Agricultural land in different areas of Yemen is sub'ected to land deterioration due to
numerous factors; of which the most important are the rapid runoff of water in the valleys
0wadies1; sand storm; the increasing use of fertiliCers and the e%cessive pumping of
underground water; in addition to the long successive period of drought <esertification of
agricultural land ranges from + to /J per annum; where the area of deteriorated land due to
soil erosion is estimated to be )* million hectares and another +7 million hectares due to
salinity
*2
Additionally; desertification is further e%acerbated by sand dune encroachment &he
dependence of rural communities on land for their livelihoods means the adverse effects of
the deterioration of land resources and desertification effect rural populations more than the
urban populations
"ith increasing evidence of climatic variability; environmental issues in Yemen could become
even more significant Periods of e%treme rainfall or drought could have serious adverse
effects on the country@s sustainability in terms of food and threats to industries; notably
tourism Dver the past decade; Yemen has faced fre>uent flash floods; resulting in wide spread
loss of agricultural land and great volumes of topsoil in the vicinities of wadies and in Socotra
island &he drought has occurred for many years causing severe impacts on locally cultivated
crops ,limate records produced by meteorological authority over the past decade indicate
that Yemen has been e%periencing less rainfall than in the earlier decades Anticipated impacts
of global climate change such as seaRlevel rise and the increasing incidence and intensity of
flood rains will also e%acerbate coastal erosion and degradation and lead to the increasing
build6up of destructive sediments and nutrients
12
/ource of inforation! Po.erty 1eduction /trategy Paper $P1/P&+ 2003(2005
%%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
&he gradual increase of temperature leaves numerous impacts on agricultural production and
brings about plant and livestoc$ diseases that raise the ris$ to agriculture; especially since
Yemeni farmers do not have the appropriate ways for protecting their crops from such change
A predicted hotter and dryer climate could also result in gradual shift of climatic Cones &his
could lead to the displacement of the dry tropical climate; prevalent in the coast areas; tens of
$ilometers into the interior &hus have an effect on the climatic features of the western and
southern slopes &his displacement could bring about rainfall and push this climate towards
the arid desert climate; or the humid tropical region could e%tend northward; which will
increase the amount of torrential rain that falls on these slopes and other areas; and thus
increase the probability of flooding towards the west; while increasing rainfall and improving
the climate in the plateaus; highlands and western regions
,limate change specialists predict that a more arid climate would be li$ely to result in further
desertification; with increases in semi6desert and desert areas; along with significant declines
in wetland areas Such changes are li$ely to have important conse>uences for plants and
animals with specific or restricted distributions; and such species may face increased ris$s of
e%tinction
Yet; information on the vulnerability of watersheds to climate change is still lac$ing and
climate change is not currently a national development priority for the Republic of Yemen
Nevertheless there is growing government endeavor to integrate climate change issues into
national development planning through the development of the National Adaptation
Programme of Action 0NAPA1 NAPA is still in its early stages of formulation and is e%pected
to enhance policy dialogue among sta$eholders .t sould also facilitate participation of
N(Ds; the private sector; community organiCations and government agencies whose role is
e%pected to minimiCe the costs and enhance the efficiency of climate change adaptation
Fuel6wood constitutes a ma'or source of energy; particularly for the rural household; in
Yemen People are highly dependent on fuelwood as there is a shortage of electricity and oil
products supply Fuel6wood consumption is estimated to be +*- million metric tons of dry
wood annually; consisting of *7 million tons of firewood; *29;999 tons for commercial
charcoal and )5+;999 tons for households@ charcoal
*)
&his level of wood harvest poses
serious threats to nearly )8 species of common trees and shrubs; which in turn results in
drastic deterioration of rangelands and wood resources &his leads to accelerated wind
erosion; sand encroachment; and subse>uently desertification associated with a notable
decline in agricultural productive lands in addition to the loss of nurseries of many mammals;
reptiles and birds inhabiting harvested areas Beside environmental problems; the removal
and burning of trees leads to the loss of carbon sin$s and to increased emissions of
greenhouse gases
.n )88/ (A( emission due to fuel6wood burning was estimated to be +// (g of ,D
*;
which
came through burning of +*- =t of dry wood mainly consumed by households sector and
smaller contribution by commercial (iven that Yemen en'oys a very diverse natural
environment and diverse climate; this level of emission can be reduced and the country@s
stoc$ of wood can be conserved substantially by shifting towards cleaner energy sources fuels
available in Yemen &hese include solar and wind energy; agricultural and municipal solid
waste and 4P( Recently; the gradual replacement of fuelwood by 4P(; which has become
the ma'or fuel for coo$ing; has led to significant reductions in fuel6wood consumption .n
order to counterbalance current trends of woodland depletion for energy purposes; this
13
>': year#oo7 on forest products+ 1,,5
%"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
strategy calls for preparing and developing mitigation measures to further decrease fuel6wood
consumption and minimiCe its effects on biodiversity and climate change
Bey $ssues
.ntensive use of fuelwood leading to rangeland degradation
"ea$ enforcement of e%isting standards for air6pollution control
<evelopment and access to alternative energy sources
4ac$ of national mitigation and adaptation plans for climate change
4imited public awareness on climate change and biodiversity issues
4ac$ of human resources to address the issues
"ea$ recognition of the climate change issue relative to other development
priorities
Poor understanding of the science of climate change domestically
Absence of an institutional structure aimed at integrating climate change issues
into national plans
0u->1oa.= !itigate the impacts of (A( emissions and subse>uent climate change
on biodiversity and desertification through energy mitigation strategy and a National
Adaptation Program of Action 0NAPA1
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Assess current energy use to identify $ey areas for mitigating (A(
emission and potential use of renewable and alternative energy
Reduce the use and (A( emissions from fuelwood through switching
to cleaner energy sources and technologies 0eg 4P( lamps; solar water
heating and 4P( stoves in replacement of fuel6wood stoves1
#stablish energy balance and scenario
.mplement Mno regretsN mitigation policy and technologies in energy sector
.dentify causes of desertification associated with climate change and revive
indigenous $nowledge of land use management systems to help combat
desertification
.ntegrate biodiversity principles into climate change through developing and
implementing a National Adaptation Program of Action 0NAPA1
,onduct feasibility studies on alternative sources of energy 0solar; biotechnology;
wind1 while ta$ing into account their potential impacts on biodiversity
Medium>term (8>@ years)
<evelop and implement a National !itigation Plan 0N!P1 for reducing greenhouse
gases emissions from energy sector
<evelop an investment strategy for ,lean <evelopment !echanism 0,<!1
and implement pilot pro'ects of best practice
Promote agriculture drought management
.mprove irrigation efficiency
%&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
<evelop energy use and air6>uality strategy
<evelop and enact air >uality control measures
#stablish national coordination body for emergency and disaster management
Prepare emergency and disaster management plan
Performance $ndicators
A report on options to mitigate (A( emissions from energy sector published
Reduction rate of fuelwood consumption
:tiliCation rate of cleaner energy sources3technologies
#nergy balance scenario prepared
MNo regretsN mitigation policy and technologies implemented in energy sector
Number of indigenous land use management systems to combat desertification
applied
A National Adaptation Program of Action 0NAPA1 approved
A National !itigation Plan 0N!P1 for reducing greenhouse gases emissions from
energy sector developed and implemented
Feasibility studies on promising alternative sources of energy 0hydro6power;
biotechnology; wind1 published
Agriculture drought management adopted
.rrigation efficiency increased
#nergy use and air6>uality strategy developed
Air >uality control measures developed and enacted
A national coordination body for emergency and disaster management in place
An emergency and disaster management plan developed
"oa. 87 $m,.ementation of Ena-.in1 Mechanisms
*57 Pu-.ic AAareness and Partici,ation
.t is generally agreed that the current level of ecological awareness; especially among
decision6ma$ers and relevant agencies; is still very poor So long as it remains so;
conservation measures will be less than ade>uate and policies for sustainability are unli$ely to
be ade>uately supported by policy ma$ers Similarly; the impacts of human actions on
ecosystems and the level of biological monitoring remain poorly limited
#fforts by government agencies and N(Ds are under resourced and the following actions are
needed to overcome this situationF
)1 <eveloping a national strategy that addresses issues of environmental awareness and
education at the national and local levels;
*1 #nsuring the effective transfer and integration of new environmental $nowledge into
the educational and training system;
+1 Strengthening and raising environmental awareness through a nationwide public
campaign;
-1 .mproving the free flow of information to the publicE and
%'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
/1 #stablishing mechanisms for monitoring the state of the environment and progress
towards sustainability
.nvolvement of urban and rural communities in the design and implementation of
environmental measures that directly affect their lives is poor or non6e%istent As communities
become more environmentally aware they are more li$ely to mobiliCe to $eep their
neighborhoods clean; or to re>uest industries to become more environmentally responsible .t
is of critical importance to raise awareness of environmental issues; ma$e available
technology and instruments to address these issues; and mobiliCe institutions and individuals
to ta$e action &his can be achieved through public awareness campaigns; development and
promotion of environmental education; professional education and information e%change
Public information and awareness campaigns of Yemen@s dependence on a diminishing
biodiversity and rapidly deteriorating environment should be underta$en &hese campaigns
should be launched where both private and public actors have the potential to act
appropriately 0eg waste collection; irrigation; sanitation arrangements1 &he campaigns
should involve the media and include the distribution of posters; children@s hoods; and
pamphlets in various public places calling attention to basic environmental problems and how
to address them .n addition to these more general campaigns; media campaigns can be
directed toward specific public and private sta$eholders 0eg industry; agriculture; women;
and children1
.n addition to public information campaigns; environmental education programs should be
introduced to ade>uately train staff at all levels in the education system 0eg primary schools;
high school; technical schools; and universities1 &arget group include teachers; 'ournalists
from the printed media; radio and television; as well as environmental specialists &o test the
potential for improved resource management through better community involvement in
Yemen; a pilot program is proposed involving farming; fishing; and urban communities
Bey $ssues
"ea$ public awareness on biodiversity issues
4imited participation of local communities and N(Ds in biodiversity related
initiatives
4ac$ of national policy on #nvironmental education 0##1
Biodiversity conservation and environmental protection themes are not integrated into
school and university curricula
Notable shortage of trained manpower; specially of environmental educator
and facilitators
Notable absence of youth green clubs; green press; and eco6industry
Sub-goal: *ising environmental a+areness of Yemeni society t,roug,
integrating environmental t,emes into university and sc,ool curricula,
-romoting green media, and su--orting yout, clu.s and eco-industry/
%(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Assess capacity needs for incorporating environmental themes into schools and
universities/
Promote public awareness of various aspects biodiversity issues through &L and radio
mass campaigns; press campaigns; community wor$shops; fact sheets and brochures
production; electronic information and other communication materials
Promote the development and e%pansion of youth organiCations; green clubs; green
media and N(Ds to act as advocacy groups for the protection of nature and the
environment
<evelop a nation6wide environmental awareness campaign; addressing priorities of
biodiversity and environmental issues
Medium>term (8>@ years)
.ntegrate green themes into the education curricula of schools and universities
#%pand public education and awareness program to cover various aspects of
biodiversity issues such as protected areas; habitats and wildlife conservation;
biosafety; alien invasive; energy saving; etc
.mprove professional s$ills of teachers and university lecturers in producing
and teaching environmental topics
#ncourage community6based participatory research and management at local
levels to revive traditional indigenous $nowledge and practices for biodiversity
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
Strengthen the capacity of non6governmental conservation and development
organiCations as advocacy groups to promote biodiversity conservation
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Promote and facilitate community awareness and involvement in biodiversity
conservation programs; particularly women and the underprivileged
#%pand public awareness and education programs to target government officials and
promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
.ntegrate more biodiversity environmental themes into university and school
curriculum
Performance $ndicators
By *99/; needs for incorporating environmental themes identified
A nation6wide environmental awareness campaign minimally addressing )7
environmental themes implemented
Ade>uate &L and radio mass campaigns; press campaigns; community wor$shops
completed
Ade>uate awareness materials publicly distributed
Number of youth organiCations; green clubs; green media and N(Ds agencies in
place
By *995; at least si% themes introduced into formal curricula of schools and
universities
%)
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Number of teachers and university lectures trained
Number of women participating in biodiversity conservation programs
Percentage of population aware of the importance of conservation and sustainable use
of biodiversity
By *9)*; all environmental themes incorporated into curriculum of universities and
schools
*(7 $ndi1enous BnoA.ed1e and 2raditions
&he imperatives of sustainable development necessitate a reorientation in the fundamental
values of society Aence; the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive
information; education and communication advocacy plan is an indispensable part of the
efforts to mainstream the principles of NBSAPY in the various efforts of all sta$eholders in
the overall development process
&he legal protection and enhancement of traditional and indigenous $nowledge and s$ills and
the improvement of people@s attitude and participation for the conservation and the
sustainable use of biodiversity and related natural resources are very important steps towards
rehabilitation of the natural resource base and man6made agricultural; pastoral; and fisheries
systems .n recent decades; economic growth and development in Yemen has proceeded
without giving sufficient support; cogniCance or respect for the environment and the natural
capital .n addition; the high population growth rate; and rapid e%pansion in urbaniCation with
immigration to cities from rural areas has increased pressure on the countryBs limited natural
resources .t has enhanced environmental degradation and is threatening some of the country@s
most famous agricultural landscapes; the terraces of the western mountain slopes; as well as
the traditional rangelands and movements of nomads and their domestic floc$s Re$indling
the $nowledge and s$ills of the ancestors will be a process of re6learning; testing and adapting
sometimes forgotten systems to the present day situation &he public will need to be
convinced of the advantages; economy and rationality of loo$ing to the past to help guide the
country@s future development
Bey issues
Retardation of environmentally friendly traditional and indigenous techni>ues;
practices and management systems
4ow level of public awareness in traditional and indigenous natural resource
management systems; biodiversity conservation and sustainable development
.nade>uate records on the state and e%tent of abandonment of traditional
environmental norms and practices
4ac$ of participation of local communities
0u->1oa.= Reviving traditional biological $nowledge; innovations and techni>ues in
conserving biological resources
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
"!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
,ompile and verify information on traditional $nowledge and s$ills pertaining
to biodiversity
<ocument and disseminate traditional $nowledges addressing sustainable use of
natural resources
.dentify sites where traditional systems are successfully functioning to be studied for
potential replication
Prepare case studies in consultation with $nowledgeable rural people at selected sites
to revive and improve abandoned systems; techni>ues; practices; s$ills and methods
Promote replication of environmentally friendly systems; practices; s$ills and methods
to other areas through appropriate awareness campaigns and by facilitating cross visits
to demonstration sites
Based on research results; revive indigenous practices; including terraces
management; water harvesting; etc
Medium>2erm (8>@ years)
Provide incentives for integrating traditional resource management systems into
modern management practices; and their adaptation among agricultural; pastoral and
fishing communities country6wide
#%pand e%tension services to assist rural and coastal communities in adapting eco6
technologies; both new innovations and traditional systems; in resource management
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
#%pand integration of appropriate traditional and indigenous management
systems in rural and coastal areas of Yemen
Provide incentive; materials; guidance and monitoring to farmers to enable
them to repair terraces
<evelop a funding program to stimulate traditional e%perience and sustainable
use of biodiversity at a local level
Performance $ndicators
.nformation on traditional $nowledge and s$ills pertaining to biodiversity gathered
and published
By *992; number of thematic reports on traditional biodiversity practices; s$ills;
techni>ues and management are published
Number of models on traditional biodiversity management developed and replicated
&raditional systems of biodiversity conservation are parts of provided e%tension
services
Funding program to stimulate traditional e%perience in place
*?7 %a,acity /ui.din1
Yemen e%periences a shortage of specialists in several biodiversity related disciplines such as;
ta%onomy; marine biology; entomology; land6use planning and resource management &he
country is also in need of e%perienced public relations and community development
"#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
specialists &his situation is aggravated by lac$ or shortage of funds and resources to conduct
proper training on a regular and systematic basis
&here are no formaliCed training courses devoted to biodiversity conservation available within
the country; and thus far there have been too few opportunities for international studies;
because of limited options and language deficiencies .t is therefore imperative that all
development assistance pro'ects and programs recogniCe this situation and place capacity
building and institutional development among the priorities for assistance &he nation@s self6
reliance and abilities to carry out the demanding tas$s ahead in biodiversity conservation
depend upon it
&herefore; there is an urgent need to increase funding support to establish a systematic
programme for scientific and technical training of human resources within the formal and
informal education systems Dnly with this investment will the country be able to meet the
re>uired >ualifications and training needs in biodiversity conservation and natural resource
management
Bey issues
4ac$ of professional and systematic training in the field of biodiversity
conservation
Shortage of biodiversity specialists and general lac$ of ade>uately trained
human resources in research; planning; policy development; monitoring and
documentation
Poor training opportunities for local communities
4ac$ of training and financial support for electronic networ$ing and access and
use of the .nternet
0u->1oa.= Strengthening productive capacities and potential of individuals; government
agencies; and communities; in the planning; implementation; monitoring and evaluating of
biodiversity conservation programs
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
,onduct training needs assessment for environmental agencies and N(Ds regarding
their capacity in effective biodiversity management
Based on the assessment findings; develop and implement national; regional and local
training plans addressing relevant biodiversity issues
<evelop specialiCed training programs in desertification control planning; sand dune
management; monitoring and impact assessments; (eographic .nformation Systems
0(.S1 and remote sensing techni>ues
Strengthen the capacities of relevant institutions; including N(Ds and local
communities in the implementation and management of biodiversity and protected
areas pro'ects
Provide training for various sta$eholders on coordinated policy planning; pro'ect
development; implementation; and monitoring of environmental resources
"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Medium>term (8>@ years)
Review and assess training plans and amend appropriately
#stablish regularly information system on biodiversity
Build national staff capacity in preparing and enforcing #.A regulations for
development pro'ects
<evelop and strengthen national capacity in monitoring biological resources
utiliCation
<evelop the capacity in combating oil pollution
,ontinue capacity building of various sta$eholders; including local communities;
fishery management; coastal and marine protection
<evelop staff capacities in preparing; reviewing and updating action plans
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Strengthen biodiversity management capabilities line environmental agencies
Performance $ndicators
Biodiversity training needs for environmental agencies and N(Ds identified
National; regional and local training plans developed and implemented
Number of national staff trained in desertification control planning; sand dune
management; monitoring and impact assessments; (.S and remote sensing
Number of staff trained in #.A; policy planning; pro'ect development; implementation
and monitoring
.nformation system on biodiversity functional
Number of staff trained in management plan development; combating oil pollution;
and monitoring of biological resources utiliCation
Number of sta$eholders; including local communities; trained in fishery management;
coastal and marine protection
Number of sta$eholders trained in solid waste management
*@7 ECuita-.e 0harin1 of /iodiversity /enefits
Yemen is characteriCed as a least developed country; ran$ing )-7 out of )7+ countries in the
*99+ Auman <evelopment .nde% Yemen@s population is around )8 million 0)75 million in
*99)1 and is growing at an alarming rate of +/ J per annum A high population growth rate
together with a low (<P growth has created a structural economic gap &o improve living
standards of its people; Yemen must achieve positive real growth rates in its economy; which
e%ceed its population growth rate #ach of the Yemen@s *) governorates differs significantly
in terms of development; institutional capacities and population densities &he (overnment
has begun to consider decentraliCation of some services to local 'urisdiction
&his situation notwithstanding; Yemen still contains numerous localities with interesting and
fairly rich natural wildlife communitiesE Socotra .sland is a case in point holding more than
*/9 endemic plants &he commercialiCation of genetic resources is becoming more popular
as a means of promoting the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity of different
countries around the world through two powerful mechanisms First; the recognition of
genetic resources as an economic asset that can generate income results in the local
"$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
communities; leading government policy ma$ers to view the protection of biodiversity in a
different light RealiCing that the development of genetic assets creates 'obs and generate
income for local peoples; government officials have a greater interest in the protection and
sustainable use of biological resources At the national level; the recognition of biodiversity
contributing positively and directly to Yemen@s economic well6being; is giving conservation a
new priority among policy ma$ers And second; the development of the country@s genetic
reserves offers the opportunity to generate the revenues necessary to finance further
conservation and protection efforts; particularly protected areas management A careful
assessment of Yemen@s resources with respect to their potential for generating income on a
more e>uitable basis is an option that should be pursued
&here is no e%isting legislation regulating the sharing of benefits derived from the use of
genetic resources Fortunately; neither are there provisions in either e%isting legislation or
.slamic Shari@a; which would prevent or restrict the sharing of such benefits Any legislation
regulating access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits from the use of those resources
will li$ely rely on some form of contract for the transactions involved &herefore; it is also
important to loo$ at the legislation governing contracts in Yemen ,ontracts of any $ind
between state bodies 0ministries; authorities; etc1 or corporations and others are sub'ect to the
general provisions of the ,ivil ,ode; the 4aw on Public Purchasing 0which needs to be
reviewed1 and other legislation ,ontracts entered into by any government entity for the
purpose of access to genetic resources or benefit sharing would also be sub'ect to the
provisions governing biological resources such as State ownership of those resources; among
others
Bey $ssues
4ac$ of land property registration
Dutdated land survey and registry records
4ac$ of allocation system to share; access and use rangelands and hunting grounds
e>uitably
.nade>uate delegation of responsibilities from the center to the governorate district
level
:ncontrolled hunting of wildlife along with unregulated utiliCation of fuelwood;
rangelands and agricultural lands
Reduced economic values of marine and coastal biodiversity as a result of increasing
pollution and habitat destruction
4ac$ of allocation system for e>uitable sharing of fishery resources
,onflicts among fishery users over the control and use of marine resources
0u->1oa.= #nabling communities and individuals to conserve and sustainably use biological
resources by facilitating their participation in the planning and management of natural
resources and providing them with secure access to biological resources and sufficient
financial and technical funding for community6based environmental programs
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Strengthen local capacity to access and benefit from crop and genetic diversity
through provisions of seeds; seedlings; fingerlings; etc; and through e%tension
"%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
services; participatory dialogues; and promoting the establishment of cooperatives
within communities
Promote and facilitate the development of community forests integrating useful trees
0nuts; fruits; animal fodder; etc1 into e%isting habitat; and tree plantations for
construction; fuel and domestic use
#ncourage mar$eting of cash crops products in protected areas to create 'ob
opportunities for peoples living there
Provide incentives and support for fishing cooperatives and communities in adopting
e>uitable >uotas of fishery resources
Medium>2erm (8>@ years)
#stablish Mpolluter paysM legislation to recover rehabilitation costs of damaged
resources by polluting industries
,onduct studies on indigenous medicinal plant and assess the feasibility of replicating
traditional methods nationally and globally
.ntegrate in resource6based development policies and programs the notion of e>uitable
participation of local communities to resource management and benefits from the use
of these resources
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
#stablish guidelines for trading Yemen@s native genetic resources and for
pharmaceutical and biotechnological uses
Performance $ndicators
Number of rural peoples accessing3benefiting e%tension services
!ar$eting schemes for protected area products functioning and percentage of local
people benefiting from the scheme
#>uitable >uotas of fishery harvest adopted by number of fishing cooperatives
Rehabilitation cost of damaged resources born by polluting industries
Number of studies on indigenous medicinal plant published and disseminated
&he principle of #>uitable Sharing of Biodiversity Benefits incorporated in
national development policies
(uidelines on trade of pharmaceutical genetic resources published
*'7 Po.icy, 5e1is.ation and $nstitutiona. 0tructure
&he e%isting national legislation in the Republic of Yemen has evolved in an ad hoc
fragmented manner; leading to increased potential for overlapping 'urisdictions associated
with wea$ law enforcement As a result; there are many overlapping sectoral laws and by6
laws; there is no specific legislation for biodiversity resources; and there are only limited
provisions in the #nvironmental Protection 4aw 0#P41 No 0*21 for )88/ dealing with
biological resources Although the e%isting provisions in #P4 are inade>uate to comply with
YemenBs obligations under the ,onvention on Biological <iversity 0,B<1; they provide a
basis for a national legislative framewor$ for biodiversity conservation .n addition; a number
of outdated laws; by6laws; and regulations are responsible for unclear mandates; role and
""
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
responsibilities of designated environmental entities; creating confusion; lac$ of trust; and
long lasting dispute among them
&he reasons for legislation not being enforced are multiple; including insufficient staffing;
financial and technical capacity of responsible departments; and unclear enforcement
procedures for e%isting legislation
&he current #nvironmental policy is generally lagging behind development issues and has
seldom been coordinated with the economic development decisions that commonly shape the
environment &his is leading to a situation where biodiversity issues are being addressed in
the National #nvironmental Action Plan 0)8826*9991 in general terms which are not
ade>uately meeting ,B< re>uirements &his policy also obscures potential compatibilities
among competing interests; and increases the difficulty of resolving conflicts
&he current #nvironmental policy must therefore be replaced by effective policies and legal
framewor$s that ensure ta$es into consideration the interests of current and future generations;
as well as the productivity and diversity of the natural resources &his endeavor would re>uire
institutions capable of an integrated; forward6loo$ing; cross6sectoral approach in decisions
ma$ing related to environmental conservation7 !ore importantly; there are immediate needs
to incorporate the ob'ective of sustainable use of natural resources in the agenda of agencies
dealing with national economic policy and planning and international policies Some of the
recommendations in the National #nvironmental Action Plan 0N#AP1 incorporated into the
second National Five6Year <evelopment Plan 0*99)6*99/1 contain specific policy statements
to this end &hese first steps toward integrating environmental and biodiversity concerns at
the national policy level indicate that awareness of these issues within the central government
is increasing &his trend is very positive and should be advanced through additional actions at
the policy and legislative levels as soon as possible

"ith the e%ception of #PA@s planning; policy development and coordinating role; the
responsibility for biodiversity and protected areas management is MentangledN between
several government agencies and parties Dverlapping areas of responsibility and disputes
arising from territorial imperatives have been a hindrance to progress; and a detriment to
resource conservation ,larification of the different roles and responsibilities of the line
agencies has become an urgent matter; and a confirmation of #PA@s coordinating role and
authority is e>ually important
.n addition to the above policy and legislative deficiencies; there are number of root causes
which influence the performance of national agencies responsible for environmental
management &hese includeF inflated organiCational and functional structure of the public
administrationE insufficiency of >ualified specialiCed manpowerE inappropriate practices3 lac$
of norms and standardsE retardation of traditional practices and norms in environmental
protectionE lac$ of partnerships with N(Ds and the private sector in protecting the natural
resources and environment; as well as limited information flow and wea$ e%ternal
coordination
&herefore; there is strong need for a mechanism to harmoniCe the e%isting policy and
legislations through e%tensive review and assessment .n this conte%t; the (overnment is now
launching a nationwide reform program aiming to rationaliCe government institutions and
policies; to be more responsive to the public and international needs; and to become more
efficient and effective in developing and e%ecuting government policies and programs .n the
environment sector; the ob'ective of the initiative is to restructure the environmental agencies
"&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
to effectively meet their ultimate ob'ectives nationally and internationally &his will be
reached throughF
Restructuring and rationaliCing environmental agencies with redefined mandates and
responsibilitiesE
Strenghtening collaborative wor$ing relationships among environmental agencies
supported with solid legislative and regulation framewor$ for environmental
protectionE
:pdating and implementing the #nvironment policy and its action plansE
,reating a reliable resource mobiliCation mechanism to finance environmental
protection and facilitate greater involvement of private sectorss; N(Ds and local
councils in environmental protection activities
Bey $ssues
Absence or inade>uacy of e%isting legislation and standards regulating biodiversity
use and management; including agricultural practices
.nade>uate law enforcement
Dverlapping and unclear mandates of environmental agencies
.ne%istence of establishment decrees for a number of agencies
.nsufficient financial auditing system
.ne%istence of a staff evaluation system within the public administration
:nregulated inter6agencies coordination for biodiversity and protected areas
.ncomplete hierarchical structure of environmental agencies
.nade>uate policies to comply with Yemen@s obligations committed under international
conventions
.nsufficient manpower of regional and local environmental bodies in planning and
monitoring managing natural resources
.nsufficient community role in planning; monitoring and managing natural resources
Anti>uated environmental plans
0u->1oa.= <eveloping an integrated legislative and institutional framewor$ composed ofF )1
:pdated environmental laws complete with regulations; implementation and enforcement
mechanismsE *1 mandated and empowered national institutions and mechanisms for
coordinating and effecting policies; legislations and strategiesE +1 national policy advocating
incorporation of biodiversity issues in the national fiscal policy
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Review the ade>uacy of government agencies@ mandates and management
responsibilities for biodiversity and harmoniCe them according to #P4 and
other relevant regulations
<evelop biodiversity management and co6ordination mechanisms recogniCing
the legitimacy of N(D; private sector and local community involvement in
the planning and management of natural resources
<evelop strategies for sustainability; and implement them directly and through
regional and local planning
"'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Adopt an integrated approach to environmental policy for the conservation and
sustainable use of natural resources
Prepare waste reduction; reuse and recycling strategies; policies; and
legislation
Strengthen and enforce legislations; regulations and guidelines on agro6
chemicals import; plant >uarantine; water use and harvesting; and protected
areas
Promote approval of by6laws for relevant agenciesF #PA and N"RA
Review; amend where necessary and enforce e%isting laws and by6laws for tourism
sector
Medium>2erm (8>@ years)
#nforce laws; by6laws; and regulations prohibiting sea pollution from passing
ships and land6based sources
#nforce laws; by6laws; and regulations national marine resources
#nforce fishery legislation to halt catching shar$s and cuttlefish by nets;
destruction of coral reefs by any method; turtle slaughtering or egg collecting;
and prohibit collection of a>uarium and reef fishes
<evelop a renewable energy policy
Prepare and enforce by6laws on Protected Area and Forest
,reate a partnership mechanism with community groups and the private sector to
enhance law enforcement
Promote biodiversity research and funding
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Review; update and enforce regulations for land use
<evelop and implement haCardous waste policy; including incentives and law
enforcement
Review national policy; legal and institutional framewor$ and amend where necessary
to support decentraliCation
Strengthen decentraliCing through devolution of sufficient power to regional; local
governments and local communities in monitoring the effectiveness of modified
systems of natural resource management
Performance $ndicators
By *992; overlap and duplication in regulation and mandates of environmental
agencies identified
By *992; co6ordination mechanisms for Biodiversity management created and
functional
Strategies and policies for renewable energy; haCardous waste and waste reduction
officially endorsed
#nforce 4egislations on agro6chemicals import; plant >uarantine; water use and
harvesting approved
#PA and N"RA laws and by6laws enacted
4aws and by6laws for tourism sector reviewed and amended
4aws for Protected Area; Forest and 4and use enforced
"(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
207 Monitorin1 and +e,ortin1
&o effectively assess the implementation of the NBSAP; a comprehensive monitoring; and
reporting mechanism should be established to guide all sta$eholders to meaningfully
participate in the process of operationalCing the implementation of NBSAP Such a
mechanism will also help institute broad6based accountabilities and responsibility for
sustainable development among members of society &his mechanism may include the
following elementsF 0a1 a system to coordinate and evaluate the e%tent to which the NBSAP
has been adopted and implemented by all sta$eholdersE 0b1 a system to coordinate; support
and enhance e%isting national and local multi6sectoral as well as sectoral monitoring;
evaluation and information e%change on the implementation of initiatives related to the
NBSAPE and 0c1 a system for reporting; feedbac$ing and utiliCing the monitoring and
evaluation results on the implementation of the NBSAP for international; national and local
sta$eholder communities
No strategy and action plan is infailible; so continuous monitoring and reporting should be
underta$en to detect problems as they arise and to facilitate remedial actions !onitoring will
be underta$en during implementation of the NBSAP programs and activities to measure the
impact of each activity &his allows better targeting of future resources and possible
redefinition of goals; ob'ectives and actions in specific areas
.n addition to illustrating environmental status and trends; indicators will be designed to
measure how well policies and pro'ects are being implemented and how they need to be
redirected to achieve intended goals "hen combined with targets for future performance;
environmental indicators can show both the progress achieved and how far still to go (iven
the comple% nature of biodiversity issues; monitoring need to be participatory across all
sta$eholders and inclusive to all community groups .t should include baseline survey; e%perts
reporting; field monitoring and sta$eholders involvement in the implementation of the ,B<
ob'ectives at the national and regional levels
Agencies responsible for monitoring regulations are often severely constrained by manpower
and have little or no training in legal procedures such as the chain of custody &hese
deficiencies not only wea$en the institution but also wea$en the administrative apparatus of
the government and the force of the legislation when it is perceived that prosecution is not
li$ely to succeed At the monitoring levels there is a need to establish or upgrade the capacity
to assess the environmental impacts of proposed programs and pro'ects &here is also a need
to analyCe the environmental implications of policy and public investments; and formulate
policies that incorporate sustainability Furthermore; the precautionary principle should direct
decisions on development and environment; and standards and controls should be
progressively strengthened in the light of $nowledge and technological capability
Bey $ssues
Dutdated data on species and their habitat as a result of research and monitoring
inade>uacy
Absence of national indicators related to biodiversity
4ac$ of coordinated mechanism for monitoring biodiversity deterioration
4ac$ of monitoring tools
")
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
0u->1oa.= #stablishing a nationwide inter6agency mechanism for monitoring the
implementation and results of the NBSAP and other biodiversity related programs
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
Prepare annual reports and submit to government coordination committee
Review and adapt plan of activities and relative priorities in response to
changing situations
Review the ade>uacy of administrative controls; and of implementation and
monitoring mechanisms; recogniCing the legitimacy of local approaches
<evelop environmental indicators for monitoring resources deterioration
<evelop a nationwide coordination committee for implementing the NBSAP
and for monitoring natural resources depletion
Sub'ect development pro'ects to environmental impact assessment
Prepare and submit national reports on the convention implementation to the
conference of the parties 0,DP1 of the convention as per agreed upon reporting
re>uirements
,onduct annual review of implementation; and revise NBSAP document
regularly
Medium>term (8>@ years)
,onduct feasibility studies for initiating a national biodiversity monitoring program
<evelop regional and local plans for the conservation and sustainable use of biological
resources
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
Assess the various sectors@ 0protected areas; rangeland management; fisheries;
agriculture; and tourism1 achievements with a view towards generating improvements
Performance $ndicators
Annual reports on NBSAP submitted to government coordination committee
#nvironmental indicators for monitoring resources deterioration published
A national coordination committee for NBSAP implementation in place
#.A applied to all development pro'ects
Regular national reports submited to the ,DP of the biodiversity convention
.mplementation of NBSAP regularly reviewed and amended
Number of regional and local plans on biodiversity developed
&!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
2*7 +e1iona. and $nternationa. %oo,eration
.n response to resources deterioration; the Republic of Yemen has been pursuing its active
involvement in global efforts through; among others; the development of NBSAP and
effectively participating in the wor$ of the :nited Nations and other international
organiCations At the same time; the Republic of Yemen is continuing the implementation of
its obligations under other international environmental agreements Furthermore; the
government is attempting to pursue its economic development efforts within the conte%t of a
sustainable development framewor$ .nformation and access to information are becoming
more significant in influencing; populariCing and effecting sustainable development
.nade>uate sharing and inaccessibility of information among $ey actors hamper their ability to
initiate and enhance sustainable development activities through information technology;
public advocacy; and participation in governance and decision6ma$ing processes
(iven the fact that the Republic of Yemen has limited capacity and wea$ or evolving
institutional arrangements to respond to environmental challenges; the (overnment has
sought support from regional and international communities to address biodiversity issues;
particularly those of global concern
At both regional and international levels; the country has been engaged in international
environmental processes and efforts that led to the ratification of the :N Framewor$
,onvention of ,limate ,hange; the ,onvention to ,ombat <esertification and the
,onvention of Biological <iversity
.n addition to the Rio conventions; the (overnment of Yemen is also party to a number of
other relevant international conventions and regional protocols 0including the ,.&#S;
AaCardous "astes; 4aw of the Sea; DCone 4ayer <epletion; RA!SAR; "orld Aeritage; and
Bonn ,onventions1; which ma$e some provision for meeting global environmental ob'ectives
A primary e%ample of the regional protocols that the Republic of Yemen is party to is the
Agreement of the ,ooperation for the Strategic Action Plan for the Red Sea and (ulf of Aden
.ts main ob'ectives include the strengthening of regional coordination and cooperation;
reduction of navigation ris$s and pollution; sustainable use of living marine resources;
development and implementation of a regional networ$ of marine protected areas; support to
integrated coastal Cone management; and enhancement of public awareness and participation
in overall environmental management
&o implement the commitments specified by these conventions; the government in
cooperation with various international communities has succeeded in reflecting the
conventions in a number of policy documents; strategies and action plans includingF Lision
*9*/; Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 0*99+6*99/1; National #nvironment Action Plan
0N#AP1; National ,limate ,hange ,ommunications Report; National Action Plan for
,ombating <esertification 0NAP,<1; National Report to the "orld Summit on Sustainable
<evelopment; "astewater Strategy; "ater 4aw; "atershed !anagement Policy; Aden
Agenda; "ater Policy; National Population Action Plan
.n translating these policy documents into actions; the government in cooperation with
international communities has identified a number of pro'ects of significant importance to
preserving biological diversity; e%amples of these initiatives includeF
&#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
&he biodiversity conservation Coning plan for Socotra archipelago
!aster plan for the <evelopment of Socotra Archipelago
Forest conservation in some areas
<ataban$ on genetic resources
,reation of an #co6tourism department
.nitial 4and degradation maps
.nitial <esertification !aps
Report on the potential of #co6tourism in Yemen
"atershed database and maps
Bey issues
,ontinued commitment in global and regional efforts for environmental protection and
biodiversity conservation
,ontinued implementation of national obligations under international environmental
agreements
&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
0u->1oa.= !aintaining and strengthening Yemen@s relations and cooperation with
international and regional partners in the field of biodiversity
Priority 3-Dectives
0hort>2erm (*>) years)
#nable national e%pertise; through the provision of ade>uate training; to
actively participate in the development of a regional biodiversity strategy and
studies related to the Red Sea
Promote e%change of information on mutual biodiversity issues at both
regional and international levels
Medium>term (8>@ years)
<evelop regional co6ordinating mechanism for biodiversity issues of common
interest
,ontinue regional pro'ects in the Red Sea
5on1>2erm (E@ years)
<evelop international partnerships and cooperation in biodiversity
#nhance country capacity in negotiating and follow up biodiversity issues at the
regional and international levels
Performance $ndicators
Number of national e%perts; involved in the development of a regional biodiversity
strategy and studies related to the Red Sea
A regional co6ordinating mechanism for biodiversity issues in place
Number of new regional pro'ects in the Red Sea approved and implemented
Number of international and regional agreements approved
:p6to6date information on international and regional biodiversity issues accessible
&$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
24E A%2$3N P5AN
Yemen@s natural resources are the basis of the national economy &he depletion or
degradation of these resources represents not only a loss of the country@s national capital but
undermines the sustainability of its economy .n the NBSAP process a number of
environmental issues of national concern were identified and analyCed in order to determine
their priority importance and inclusion in the action plan &his section describes priority
actions for implementing the strategy; and presents the approach used for the selection of
priorities
(iven the large number of issues covered by the strategy; considering the country limited
resources; it was necessary to prepare a set of criteria for prioritiCing actions and pro'ects
contributing to the implementation of the Strategy .n the absence of >ualitative indicators for
criteria selection; they were identified on the basis on consensus building among sta$eholders
responsible for NBSAP implementation &he primary criteria reached through this process
areF 0)1 (eographic .mpact; 0*1 ,onsistency with ,onvention Db'ectives; 0+1 :rgency; 0-1
Se>uence 0/1 ,ountry6driven; 021 Attainable and Resourceable; and 051 !ultisectoral
.mplications &hese primary criteria are briefly discussed belowF
"eo1ra,hic $m,act= Actions with potentially e%tended (eographic impact are more
important than actions of localiCed impact
%onsistency Aith %onvention 3-Dectives= Action that directly affects biological diversity is
deemed less relevant than action that directly affects it
Ur1ency= &he action is urgent when it addresses highly deteriorated ecosystems; and where a
large number of people or resources are under immediate threats or ris$ <isasters such as
to%ic chemical spills; earth>ua$es; and landslides; are e%amples of situations calling for urgent
action
0eCuence= Actions3pro'ects are organiCed in time6se>uence when one action3pro'ect@s output
is input or prere>uisite to a second one According to this criterion; programs addressing data;
policy and legislation gaps are placed before implementation programs and forest protection
programs are before forest production programs and so on .n this conte%t; Policies and
4egislation Pro'ect 0Pro'ect N+1; Biosafety Regulations Pro'ect 0Pro'ect No51; &raditional
=nowledge Pro'ect 0Pro'ect No/1; and #ducation and Awareness Program 0Pro'ect No 21 are
ought to be more important than other pro'ects included in this document and are prere>uisite
for implementing future biodiversity Pro'ects
%ountry>driven= Pro'ects that support the overall country interest and lie within
government@s priorities are more viable than pro'ects that are of pure global nature Such
pro'ects are politically supported by the government and have many opportunities to be
funded from national sources; including government; N(Ds; private sector and local
communities Pro'ects fitting this criterion are those contributing to increase economic
growth; reinforce environmental management of natural resources; optimiCe e%ploitation of
fisheries and agricultural resources; mobiliCe beneficiaries; involve the poor; and support the
role of women and youth in environmental conservation
Mu.tisectora. $m,.ications= A specific intervention is given special priority when it see$s to
address issues of interrelated impacts on biodiversity; climate; freshwater and desertification
&errace rehabilitation; protected areas establishment and eco6practices in agriculture are
&%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
e%amples of such actions &hese actions contribute not only to land conservation; but also
improve water infiltration; waste management; urban environment and prevent ground water
pollution
Attaina-.e and +esourcea-.e= Pro'ects with clearly defined ob'ectives and ade>uately
funded activities bac$ed6up with cross6sectoral; collaborative and inclusive management
mechanism are certainly to be more successful in producing their planned outputs in an
efficient and effective manner Aowever; in order to ensure that the results of these pro'ects
are sustainable; they should also be people6centered; $nowledge6based; and consensus6
oriented
Dverall pro'ects contained in the action plan were selected according to the above criteria and
on the basis of a consensus reached among sta$eholders &he following biodiversity pro'ects
thus constitute the present national priorities for NBSAP of YemenF
#stablishment and <evelopment of a ,omprehensive National .ntegrated Protected
Areas System in Yemen 0N.PASY1
<evelopment and .mplementation of an .ntegrated ,oastal ?one !anagement Plan
0.,?!P1
<evelopment and .mplementation of Policies; 4egislation and Regulations on
Biodiversity .ssues in Yemen
#ssential !easures for the ,onservation of Agro biodiversity in Yemen
Reviving &raditional and .ndigenous =nowledge in Natural Resource !anagement
Systems
National Biodiversity #ducation and Awareness Program
Regulations and (uidelines for Biosafety
&hese pro'ects are briefly presented in the following pages in the form of pro'ect
concepts outlining pro'ect title; lead agency and $ey partners; goals; ob'ectives;
outputs; main activities; timeframe; and estimated cost
&"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
ProDect *7 Esta-.ishment and eve.o,ment of a %om,rehensive
Nationa. $nte1rated Protected Areas 0ystem in &emen (N$PA0&)
5ead a1ency and :ey ,artners= !inistry of "ater and #nvironment; #nvironment
Protection Authority; !inistry of Planning and <evelopment; !inistry of Agriculture and
.rrigation; !inistry of Fisheries and Navy 0for marine PA1; N(Ds; .:,N; and local
sta$eholders and communities; (eneral Authority for &ourism; !F" and surroundings; "B;
:N<P and other <onors3Funding Agencies 0to be identified1
"oa.= .dentify; establish and develop a comprehensive National .ntegrated Protected Areas
System for Yemen 0N.PASY1; which will include the terrestrial; wetland and marine
environments to strengthen community livelihood
3-Dectives=
.dentification and design of the N.PASY
#stablishment and management of 5 selected priority protected areas 0Socotra; Qabel
Bura; Aauf; Sharma3 Qathmoon; Bir Ali; Autma and one Red Sea ecosystem
#nable *9 small scale community conservation initiatives
Main 3ut,uts=
.ntegrated and comprehensive database and relational (.S system for biodiversity
established and functional
,omprehensive protected areas system design complete with initial PA site
boundaries; supportive information; map and 'ustification for each site developed and
adopted by the government
Proposals; including budget estimates for all priority reserves prepared and
implemented
Protected Area !anagement Plans for the priority areas prepared and implemented
0potentials protected areas may include Socotra; Qable Bura; Aauf; Sharma3 Qathmoon;
Bir Ali; Autma and one Red Sea ecosystem1
.nstitutional; technical and human resource capacity needs for protected area
management and community conservation identified and supported
Main Activities
<ata gathering and analysis 0including (ap assessment and priority listing1 and
integration in e%isting functioning (.S systems
<evelop and complete Protected Area !anagement Plans
Resource mobiliCation for protected area management and small scale community
conservation initiatives
Protected Area !anagement activities
&raining and capacity building
2imeframe= / years
Estimated %ost (e;c.udin1 secured funds)=
2 millions K:S S Socotra / million :SK
&&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
&'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
ProDect 27 eve.o,ment and $m,.ementation of an $nte1rated
%oasta. Fone Mana1ement P.an ($%FMP)
5ead a1ency and :ey ,artners= !inistry of "ater and #nvironment; #nvironment
Protection Authority; !inistry of Fisheries; !inistry of Public "or$s; !AA; !arine
Research ,enters and :niversities; N(Ds; .:,N; local sta$eholders; private sector;
P#RS(A; "B; :N<P and other potential donors 0to be identified1
"oa.s= ,onservation of coastal Cone biodiversity of Yemen
3-Dectives=
<evelopment and implementation of .,?!Ps and creation of an effective national
capacity to manage Yemen@s marine and costal resources
Protection of a>uatic habitats; fisheries; rare and endangered marine species through
formulation; implementation and enforcement of effective policies for conservation of
the marine environment and regulations for fishing and harvesting marine organisms
.ntegration of biodiversity conservation in the development of costal Cones
&(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Main 3ut,uts=
Biodiversity information integrated into coastal Cone maps and database systems of
Yemen
Four management plans for Balhaf6Bir Ali Area 0Sharma1 and Qethmun6Sharma
0Aadhramut1; Aden and a Red Sea #cosystem Prepared and implemented
.nstitutional capacity needs to mange and control illegal fishing practices; costal
development; infrastructure; illegal logging of mangroves and tourism development
identified and secured
4ocal branches for #PA in Al6Audaidah; Al !u$allah established and functional
#PA local branches; community representatives; local administration; private sector
and N(Ds organiCed under appropriate mechanism for implementing .,?!Ps and
for the periodical revision of the plans
#PA staff ade>uately trained and e>uipped to efficiently implement; update and
enforce .,?! policies; legislation; regulations and guidelines
Ade>uate infrastructure; land and sea transportation and communications means are
available to staff responsible for implementation of .,?! plans
Awareness of public; decision ma$ers; local community; private sector and other
target group on .,?!P ade>uately promoted
!a'or coast pollution from land sources identified and pilot pro'ects to minimiCe such
pollution prepared and implemented
Main Activities=
<ata gathering and analysis 0including (ap assessment and priority listing1 and
integration in e%isting functioning (.S systems
!onitoring programs
!anagement plan development and implemented including; Public consultation
Policy; legislation; guidelines preparation; review and enforcement
&echnical training and public awareness programs
#>uipment ac>uisition
Protected area management
<evelopment of eco6tourism for the areas
2imeframe= / years
Estimated %osts= *0 million :SK
ProDect )7 eve.o,ment, $m,.ementation and Enforcement of
Po.icies, 5e1is.ation and +e1u.ations on /iodiversity $ssues in
&emen
5ead a1ency and :ey ,artners= !inistry of "ater and #nvironment, #nvironmental
Protection ,ouncil; !inistry of Agriculture; !inistry of 4egal Affairs; !inistry of Public
"or$s; (eneral ,ooperation of Roads and Bridges; !inistry of ,ulture and &ourism;
!inistry of &rade and .ndustry; !inistry of <efence; !inistry of .nterior; Standard Authority;
governorates; private sector; N(Ds; .:,N; 4egal Specialists; coast guards; police; military;
local 'udges; shei$s and "B; :N<P; :N#PE other <onors 0to be identified1
"oa.= #nsuring that ade>uate and effective policy; legislation and regulations and support
systems are in place and enforced for the management and sustainable use of biodiversity and
for the preservation and rehabilitation of the environment
&)
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
3-Dectives=
.dentification and review of e%isting policies; legislation and regulations for
biodiversity; related natural resources and environmental issues and development of
re>uired supplementary policies; laws and regulations to fill gaps
Build the capacities and institutional structures and support systems to coordinate;
integrate; implement and enforce biodiversity; natural resource and environmental
policies; laws; regulations and by6laws
<evelop; enforce and follow up #.A including recommended mitigation measures in
priority sectors; such as infrastructure and industry; tourism and urban development;
waste management and water treatment
Main 3ut,uts
An integrated participatory assessment of current biodiversity legislations and
regulatory framewor$ for meeting the goals of the ,B<; sustainable use and
management of biological resources completed; and legislative gaps identified
.,?! policies; legislation; regulations and guidelines on critical habitats; resource
species; fisheries; plan$ton; and rare or threatened species reviewed; updated and
enforced
4egislations; regulations and guidelines on agro6chemicals import; plant >uarantine;
water use and harvesting; and protected areas prepared and enforced
Based on results of the assessment; e%isting biodiversity laws; by6laws; norms;
standards and regulations reformulated; enacted and enforced
Recommended policies; legislation and regulations to legaliCe and guide protected areas
management and development completed
An overall review and assessment of mandates and management responsibility over
biological resources developed; the ade>uacy of mandates and management
responsibility identified and clarified in harmony with #P4E appropriate institutional
and organiCational structure is established; and strengthened
<evelopment and implementation of by6laws and guidelines for approved legal
documents; drafted; endorsed and in place
A nationwide management and coordination mechanism; such as an M.nteragency
implementation tas$ forceN for biodiversity conservation with appropriate role of
N(Ds; private sector and local community created and functional
National and local training to meet ,B< and other Rio ,onventions commitments
for government; non6government; local administrators and other partners
4egal e%perts and relevant governmental and non governmental staff conversant with
the policies; laws and rules for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity;
natural resources and environment in Yemen are designated with specified capacity and
responsibility to apply and enforce policies; laws and regulations with respect to
biodiversity; natural resources and environment
#.As and recommended mitigation measure have been implemented in ma'or sector
developments
Main Activities
#%perts@ consultation in legal issues related to biodiversity
,ompilation; review; assessment and development 4aws; policies and regulations
Preparation of policies; legislation and regulation for protected areas
&raining programs for different target groups eg coast guards; police; military; 'udges;
Programs development; implementation and monitoring
'!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Public and target group oriented awareness programs on legal and policy issues
.nter6agency consultations and tas$ force 0wor$shops and seminars1
4egislation <evelopment and enforcement
Policy harmoniCation
2imeframe= 5 years
Estimated %osts= :SK * +99 999
'#
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
ProDect 87"enera. Measures for the %onservation of A1ro>
/iodiversity in &emen
"oa.= &o protect Yemen@s agricultural diversity from degradation; maintain agricultural
resources and develop sustainable agricultural programmes
5ead a1ency and :ey ,artners= !inistry of "ater and #nvironment; !inistry of Agriculture
and .rrigation; Sana@a and Aden :niversities; #nvironment Protection Authority and local
communities
3-Dectives=
.mprove AR#A to include national agriculture biodiversity data
!aintain agricultural and pastoral ecosystems and indigenous agro6biodiversity and
promote their rational and sustainable use; though pilot pro'ects and awareness
campaigns
Main 3ut,uts=
A computeriCed system for storage; processing; retrieval; dissemination and
publication of agro6biodiversity information established; functional and accessible by
various data6end users
A (.S6based information system for environmental application and land6use planning
introduced to the Agriculture Biodiversity ,enter 0AB,1 and made operational
A library building for housing; scientific 'ournals; research papers; technical reports;
documents; the (.S and database systems in place and functioning
Research and pilot pro'ects on land use management; terrace management;
desertification; and in situ conservation of rangeland prepared and implemented
Pilot pro'ects and awareness raising in propagation of local and crop varieties and
replacing Oat plantations with cash crops; coffee; almonts; grapes and other
environmentally friendly systems prepared and implemented
Set >uotas for indigenous plants in public and private forest and garden pro'ects
A comprehensive training program including overseas training; special courses for
women; upgraded courses in agricultural biodiversity and forestry for technicians and
specialists is developed and implemented
,apacity of local communities and e%tension staff in implementing conservation
friendly agro6pastoral and agro6forestry programs and systems sufficiently
strengthened
4ocal communities and general public more aware and supportive of programs
Main Activities
.nformation management; &echnical e%changes and information sharing; Networ$ing;
consensus building; community partnership and inter6agency coordination
Pilot pro'ects and Programs development; implementation and monitoring
Broad6based capacity building and training programs
Public awareness raising; #co6practices propagation
2imeframe= +6/ Years
'
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Estimated %ost= 7 million :SK
'$
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
ProDect 57 +evivin1 2raditiona. $ndi1enous Natura. +esource
Mana1ement 0ystems
5ead a1ency and :ey ,artners= !inistry of "ater and #nvironment, #nvironment
Protection Authority; !inistry of Agriculture; :niversities; N(Ds; and local communitiesE
donor and funding agencies to be identified
"oa.= Apply appropriate and effective traditional and indigenous natural resource
management systems for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
3-Dectives=
Secure and assess all available information on traditional and indigenous natural
resource management systems in Yemen
Re6deploy and reinforce appropriate traditional and indigenous management systems
as part of government@s overall strategy to improve biodiversity conservation; combat
desertification and agricultural pests and increase natural productivity
Main 3ut,uts
&raditional $nowledge including systems; techni>ues; practices; s$ills and methods
studied; documented; and made available and is used for e%tension services for
sustainable use and management of biodiversity resources
"idespread adoption and3or adaptation of appropriate traditional and indigenous
technologies and management systems by agricultural; pastoral and fishing
communities
(ood e%amples of traditional systems and practices such as water harvesting;
rangeland use; terrace maintenance; fertiliCer use revived and replicated among
agricultural; pastoral and fishing communities throughout the country
.ncentive and technical and financial support provided to farmers for rehabilitating
and repairing terraces
Public awareness on acceptance of indigenous natural resource management systems
strengthened through government sponsored cross6visits to case study and
demonstration sites; e%tension services; and incentives
Nurseries; seed ban$s; fingerling supplies; etc developed as3if necessary by
appropriate line agencies to provide supplies of Tstarter materials@ to the public
Pilot pro'ects in and around protected areas
Main Activities
(athering of traditional information
.dentification of resources persons on traditional $nowledge
<ata verification
,onsultations with $nowledgeable people on traditional $nowledge
Systems identification for investigation and revival
<ocumentation and reporting
Public awareness campaign
#%perts@ consultation to investigate feasibility of replicating traditional management
systems
Provision communications e>uipment and public awareness campaign
Incentives provision for expanding use of indigenous systems
Pilot projects
'%
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
2imeframe= +6/ years
#stimated costsF * million :SK
'"
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
ProDect (7 Nationa. /iodiversity Education and AAareness
Pro1ram
5ead a1ency and :ey ,artners= !inistry of "ater and #nvironment, #nvironmental
Protection Authority 0lead agency1; !inistry of #ducation; :niversities; Research ,enters;
N(Ds; 4ocal ,ommunities; "orld "ide Fund for Nature; .:,NE "B; :N<P and other
<onors and Funding Agencies 0to be identified1
"oa.= #nhance the level of education and awareness for environmental conservation; and
suatinable management to increase the scope and capacity for sta$eholder and public
participation in effecting positive changes in Yemen@s biodiversity
3-Dective=
Promote public appreciation for biodiversity conservation and the protected areas
program and a positive change in attitudes and behavior towards Yemen@s environment
through conservation promotion interventions
Main 3ut,uts
.ncreased public collaboration; including government authorities N(Ds; private sector;
university and others parties concerned in $nowledge improvement and conservation of
Yemen@s natural environment; protected areas and conservation of their benefits
(reater public role in planning; e%ecuting and monitoring of village3community
development pro'ects
A clearly defined local community; N(D and private sector role and partnership in the
country@s conservation program and protected areas management
Advocacy groups for the protection of nature and the environment such as Youth
organiCations; conservation clubs; wildlife and nature clubs; and N(Ds established and
e%panded
Biodiversity awareness and traditional $nowledge enhanced among youth through
curriculum reform and improved facilities of educational institutions
Several environmental themes introduced into the curricula of $ey schools and
universities
Functional capabilities of government agencies; N(Ds and private sector in the design
and implementation of conservation programs
.ncreased local government awareness on the interrelationship of conservation and
sustainable development
Regional and national press and broadcast media fully employed in nature conservation
and protected areas programs
.ncreased local youth awareness and appreciation for nature conservation and
participation in protected areas educational programs
&argeted campaigns on $ey environmental threats
.slam and #nvironment campaign
Main Activities
,onservation clubs establishment and strengthening
"or$shops
Public information and mass media campaigns
'&
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
&raining activities for various target groups
Program development for newspapers; radio and television
#cotourism promotion at national and international level
Production of educational3awareness materials; e%tension materials; learning modules
and programs for various target groups
.nter6agencies efforts to integrate biodiversity6related issues into the curriculum of
schools and universities
!obiliCe $ey sta$eholder eg imams; private sector political leaders to support
publicly environmental issues
,urricula development for school and universities/
2imeframe= / years with an additional phase of five years
Estimated %osts= :SK - 999 999
''
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
ProDect ?= Pre,aration and im,.ementation of Nationa.
/iotechno.o1y!/iosafety #rameAor:s
"oa.s= &o minimiCe health and environmental haCards from developing and introducing
genetically modified organisms

5ead a1ency and :ey ,artners= !inistry of "ater and #nvironment; #nvironmental
Protection Authority; :niversities; Research ,enters; ,ustom Authority; !inistry of &rade
and .ndustry; <onors eg related to Food Aid
3-Dectives=
&o promote safe development and application of biotechnology for conservation and
sustainable use of genetic diversity
Main 3ut,uts=
&he ris$s associated with the use and release of living modified organisms 04!Ds1 and
the introduction of biotechnology controlled through development and enforcement of
ade>uate legislation
(uidelines for introductions; research and use of living modified organisms produced
An appropriate and authoriCed entity responsible for the management and control of
biotechnology and biosafety issues created and functioning
Feasibility studies and researches on the potential use of genetically engineered seed
stoc$s for introducing drought resistant varieties of fruits and vegetables in replacement
of those currently in cultivation completed and available for applications
A national biotechnology policy and biosafety framewor$s prepared and approved
.nstitutional and national capacity on biosafety monitoring developed and strengthened
Stoc$6ta$ing and assessment of e%isting biotechnologies and state of safety in their
application completed
Priority activities and information e%change implemented
Ban for (! living organisms for Socotra archipelago eg seeds
Main Activities:
Stoc$6ta$ing and assessment of state of imported and used safety3 biotechnologies
Dptions analysis and trac$ing biotechnology applications
Policy preparation for biotechnology3 biosafety
.mplementation of priority activities and national capacity building programs
.nstitutional capacity building on biosafety
<ata6base and national infrastructure establishment
Public awareness activities
<ecree to ban the import of (! living organisms for Socotra archipelago
2imeframe=+ years
Estimated %osts= :S K) million :SK
'(
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
')
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
ANNE9 *= Wor:in1 1rou,s, team mem-ers, contri-utin1 e;,erts and
or1ani<ations7
&he NBSAP is the outcome of resource mobiliCation and broad6base consultation among
institutions and individuals listed belowF
0trate1y #aci.itators=
&hroughout the strategy development; the below listed names of (overnment officials has
wor$ed as Facilitators of the strategy development and in this capacity they have provided
valuable input and advice in addition to patient and insightful facilitation of the overall
strategy production and approval
!r !ahmoud Shidiwah ,hairman of the #PA and Steering ,ommittee chair
#ormu.ation 2eam
&he first and subse>uent drafts of the strategy were prepared by a team composed ofF
!rAbdul6Aa$im ARa'eh Aulaiah as coordinator; !s #llen von ?itCewits as assistant
coordinator; and !r Ali Abdulbari Al6Adimi as #ditor &he formulation process was guided
and supervised by !r Qac>ues Prescott; .:,N adviser; in close consultation with the national
team members and relevant government agencies
Wor:in1 "rou,* (W"*)=
+evieAed the fo..oAin1 0ections of the strate1y
) Protected Areas
* #ndemic and #ndangered Species
+ #% situ ,onservation
- Alien .nvasive Species
Mem-ers of W"*=
<r Abdul$arim Nashier; <ean; Faculty of Science; Sana@a :niversity; &eam leader
!r Ahmed Yahya; Forestry Specialist; (eneral <epartment for Forestry and
,ombating <esertification 0(<F,<1
<r Amin Abdo Al6Aa$imi; Professor of Plant Breeding; Aead Yemen (enetic
Resources ,enter; Sana@a :niversity
<r Abdurahaman <ubai; Prof of Botany; Sana@a :niversity
Wor:in1 "rou, 2 (W"2)=
+evieAed the fo..oAin1 0ections of the strate1y

/ &errestrial "ildlife Resources 0Fauna and Flora1
2 ,oastal3!arine 4ife and Fisheries
5 Agro biodiversity 0Agriculture and Animal Production1
Mem-ers of W"2=
<r Aref Al Aammadi; Prof Df (entic Plant; Sana@a :niversity; &eam 4eader
<r Abdulwali Agbary; Flora and Fuan specialist; &aiC Research ,enter
!r 4utf Al Ansi; !inistry of Agriculture
<r !usa@a Al6Qumial; Prof Coology; Sana@a :niversity
!s !ariam Ahmed ! &aher; !inistry of fishery Resources
!r !ohamed Abdullah Saad; Dceanographer; !arine Research ,enter Aden
<r !ahmoud A Ra'eh; Biologist; Sana@a :niversity
(!
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Yemen (NBSAPY) - (EPA) Draft document January,
!!"
Wor:in1 "rou, )=
+evieAed the fo..oAin1 0ections of the strate1y
7 .nfrastructures and .ndustry
8 Biotechnology and Biosafety
)9 &ourism and #co6&ourism
)) :rban; Rural <evelopment and 4and :se Planning
)* "aste !anagement
)+ "ater !anagement
)- ,limate ,hange and #nergy
Mem-ers of W")=
!r Naser !ohamed Naser; Aydrologist; National water Resources Authority
0NA"RA1 ; &eam 4eader
<r !ansour Al A>el; (enetic Plant; !inistry of Agriculture
!r Anwar Abdul ACiC; Aead ,limate ,hange department; #PA
!r !ohamed Shamsan; (< of Planning <epartment; ministry of "ater and
#nvironment
Wor:in1 "rou, 8 (W"8)=
+evieAed the fo..oAin1 0ections of the strate1y

)/ Public Awareness and Participation
)2 .ndigenous =nowledge and &raditions
)5 ,apacity Building
)7 #>uitable Sharing of Biodiversity Benefits
)8 Policy; 4egislation and .nstitutional Structure
*9 !onitoring and Reporting
*) Regional and .nternational ,ooperation
Mem-ers of W"8=
<r Saylan Al6Abidi; secretary (eneral of Aigh ,ouncil for #ducation Planning
<r !ohamed Abuba$er; Dceanographer; Sana@a :niversity; &eam 4eader
<r (amal Al64awCi; #PA Aden Branch
!r =halid !ohamed Alshubi; ministry of Planning and .nternational cooperation
<r Ali Oasim .smaial Prof Df Agriculture #%tension; Sana@a :niversity
!r Yasin Al6&amimi; Saba News Agency
&he plenary meeting was opened to all above names and to the members of the formulating
team mentioned above
(#

You might also like