, Policy Brief: Conservation &
Biodiversity
Pakistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
This policy brief outlines the framework of Pakistan's National Conservation Strategy (NCS)
and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). These documents
represent the country's formal commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage, reversing
ecosystem degradation, and securing sustainable resources for both current and future
generations.
1. From Global Vision to National Action
Pakistan’s environmental policy journey began in the 1980s, influenced by global
movements. In 1980, the IUCN launched the World Conservation Strategy, catalyzing
countries worldwide to adopt formal conservation plans. Pakistan demonstrated decisive
leadership by approving its own National Conservation Strategy (NCS) in 1992. This pivotal
year also saw Pakistan signing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the Rio Earth
Summit.
Subsequent ratification of the CBD in 1994 solidified the nation’s international obligations,
leading to the creation of the Biodiversity Action Plan in 2000. These milestones established
the foundational architecture for all subsequent environmental governance in Pakistan.
2. Pakistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan
The NBSAP acts as the primary roadmap for adhering to international commitments under
the CBD. It serves to harmonize domestic conservation priorities with global targets,
including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key implementation metrics include:
• 31 Key Action Areas: Focused conservation zones.
• 74 Total Actions: Specific, measurable steps for implementation.
• $74.8 Million: The estimated financial requirement for full execution.
3. The Value of Biodiversity
Adopting the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) framework, Pakistan recognizes
the Total Economic Value (TEV) of biodiversity. This approach frames ecosystems as
essential natural capital, providing critical services that bolster human well-being and act as
a safety net against climate change impacts.
Ecosystem Service Categories:
• Tangible Goods: Provisions of food, water, timber, fiber, and medicinal resources.
Biodiversity
Pakistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
This policy brief outlines the framework of Pakistan's National Conservation Strategy (NCS)
and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). These documents
represent the country's formal commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage, reversing
ecosystem degradation, and securing sustainable resources for both current and future
generations.
1. From Global Vision to National Action
Pakistan’s environmental policy journey began in the 1980s, influenced by global
movements. In 1980, the IUCN launched the World Conservation Strategy, catalyzing
countries worldwide to adopt formal conservation plans. Pakistan demonstrated decisive
leadership by approving its own National Conservation Strategy (NCS) in 1992. This pivotal
year also saw Pakistan signing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the Rio Earth
Summit.
Subsequent ratification of the CBD in 1994 solidified the nation’s international obligations,
leading to the creation of the Biodiversity Action Plan in 2000. These milestones established
the foundational architecture for all subsequent environmental governance in Pakistan.
2. Pakistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan
The NBSAP acts as the primary roadmap for adhering to international commitments under
the CBD. It serves to harmonize domestic conservation priorities with global targets,
including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key implementation metrics include:
• 31 Key Action Areas: Focused conservation zones.
• 74 Total Actions: Specific, measurable steps for implementation.
• $74.8 Million: The estimated financial requirement for full execution.
3. The Value of Biodiversity
Adopting the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) framework, Pakistan recognizes
the Total Economic Value (TEV) of biodiversity. This approach frames ecosystems as
essential natural capital, providing critical services that bolster human well-being and act as
a safety net against climate change impacts.
Ecosystem Service Categories:
• Tangible Goods: Provisions of food, water, timber, fiber, and medicinal resources.
