First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Written by: Faathin Hameed Edited by: Hudha Ahmed Critical Review: Abdul Hameed Zakariyya, Mohamed Khaleel,Charles Anderson and Ahmed Saleem Proof read by: Aminath Nazra Concept Design by: Atelier Studios Layout by: Commerce, Development and Environment Pvt. Ltd. The First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity was produced by the Ministry of Home Affairs Housing and Environment, with support from the United Nations Devolopment Programme and the Global Environment Facility. © Ministry of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment Published 2002 by Ministry of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment Huravee Building Malé 20-05 Republic of Maldives ISBN 99915-828-5-1 First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Executive Summary Executive Summary 1. The Republic of Maldives ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in November 1992. The Government of the Maldives has prepared this First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, with the assistance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in response to Decision II/17 of the Second Conference of the Parties (1995). This document reports on measures taken for the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention, “General Measures for Conservation and Sustainable Use”. This report further takes into account other COP decisions that have explicit implications for national reporting. 2. This report has the following objectives: (a) identify the status and trends in biological diversity and the factors which affect biodiversity conservation and use; (b) report on the status of implementation of the articles of the Convention and the COP decisions that apply to Contracting Parties. 3. Status and trends in biological diversity are being monitored through monitoring of biodiversity services, uses, threats to biodiversity and conservation oriented monitoring and evaluation. Trends in biodiversity use are towards more intensive and multiple use of marine biodiversity. Trends in the use of terrestrial species are more closely regulated through the established permit systems. However, information is sparse on biodiversity inventories for both marine and terrestrial species and ecosystems. Isolated studies have been carried out with regard to specific species and habitats, yet documentation and listings are mostly unavailable. 4. Factors that affect biodiversity conservation and use include changes in the economy, realisation of economic value as “resources” of components of biodiversity, notably marine and fisheries resources. In addition, changes in lifestyles and practices have led to critical issues of waste disposal and management. Habitat loss and degradation is a serious issue in the Maldives. Regulatory frameworks are in place for the conservation of biodiversity components such as protected areas management, species based conservation measures including moratoria, quota systems, bans and protected species listings; and restricted and monitored use listings. 5. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan has been formulated through a participatory approach, with widespread consultation in all regions of the country with respect to issues, constraints, and necessary actions for biodiversity conservation. Public and private agencies and parties involved in various sectors, and NGOs were also consulted. First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Executive Summary 6. The legal, regulatory and administrative framework needs to be strengthened through more comprehensive and integrated approaches to biodiversity conservation, and the development of human resources and financial mechanisms for such action. The institutional framework for sustainable use, development and conservation of biodiversity has gaps and weaknesses that can be reduced through collaboration and partnership by adopting integrated frameworks, as well as institutional streamlining and capacity building initiatives. Collaboration with regional networks for biodiversity research and management must be strengthened. 7. There are several ongoing programmes in the Maldives for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of its natural resources together with which synergies can be developed for implementing strategies and actions identified in the NBSAP. However, technical training, public education and awareness building, development of innovative and appropriate financing and management mechanisms, and institutional reform are necessary for the Maldives to better fulfil its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Table of Contents Table of Contents Executive Summary Table of Contents Abbreviations List of Tables and Figures Tables Figures 1. Biodiversity Conservation Goals and Objectives 1 1.1 Background 1 1.1.1 Geographical background 1 1.1.2 Socio-economic background 2 1.2 National goals and objectives in conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity 3 1.3 Participation in international agreements and programmes 6 2. State of the Nation’s Biological Diversity 7 2.1 Introduction 7 2.2 Status of biological diversity 7 2.2.1 Ecosystem diversity 7 2.2.2 Terrestrial Species Diversity 10 2.2.3 Mangrove species 11 2.2.4 Marine Species Diversity 12 2.2.5 Birds 18 2.2.6 Other groups 21 2.3 Changes in the use of biological resources and their sustainability 21 2.3.1 Marine biodiversity 21 2.3.2 Terrestrial biodiversity 25 2.3.3 Mangrove and swamp areas 25 2.3.4 Coastal ecosystems 26 2.4 Social, political and economic factors affecting biodiversity conservation and use 26 3. Threats to Biodiversity 29 3.1 Threats to terrestrial biodiversity and its management 29 3.2 Threats to marine biodiversity and its management 30 3.3 Priority issues related to those components of biological diversity under threat 33 First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Table of Contents 4. Legislative and Institutional Framework 36 4.1 Legal framework for biodiversity conservation and use 36 4.1.1 Major laws 36 4.1.2 Key issues in implementation 38 4.2 Policy framework for biodiversity conservation and use 39 4.3 Institutional framework for biodiversity conservation and use 39 5. Article 6: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 42 5.1 Status of Development of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 42 5.2 Other relevant strategies, plans and programmes 44 5.3 Measures to stimulate and promote equitable sharing of benefits of biodiversity use 45 5.4 Challenges in the implementation of the NBSAP 46 6. Article 7: Identification and Monitoring 47 7. Article 8: In-Situ Conservation 49 7.1 Resource Conservation through Protected Areas Systems 49 7.1 Resource Conservation through Species-based Management Measures 51 7.3 Terrestrial Plant biodiversity 52 7.4 Degraded biodiversity 54 8. Article 9: Ex-Situ Conservation 55 9. Article 10: Sustainable Use of Components 57 10. Article 11: Incentive Measures 58 11. Article 12: Research and Training 60 12. Article 13: Public Education and Awareness 63 13. Article 14: Impact Assessment and Minimising Adverse Impacts 65 14. Article 15: Access to Genetic Resources 66 15. Article 16: Access to and Transfer of Technology 68 16. Institutional Capacity, Partnership and Collaboration 69 17. Financial Mechanisms 73 18. Monitoring and Evaluation 75 References 77 First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity First National Report to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Abbreviations Abbreviations ADB Asian Development Bank AusAid Australian overseas development aid agency BOBP Bay of Bengal Programme CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora COP Conference of the Parties CORDIO Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean ECF Environment Conservation Fund EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EIA Environment Impact Assessment ERC Environment Research Centre GCRMN Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility GoM Government of Maldives HDI Human Development Index IDA International Development Assistance IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development IRRM Integrated Reef Resources Management IUCN World Conservation Union MHAHE Ministry of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment MOFAMR Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources MPND Ministry of Planning and National Development MRC Marine Research Centre NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and