Revisiting national frameworks for biodiversity conservation: main driving forces of success

Abstract

Mounting human insecurities in the Middle East fueled by political and environmental challenges are hindering biodiversity conservation and development ventures. Authoritarian political regimes have all but paralysed the evolution of social dynamics and economic growth that should have led towards improved environmental and natural resources management. While the majority of countries in the region have developed National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), many have failed to prioritise biodiversity conservation. Records of achievements reflect incomplete mosaics of various internationally and regionally funded conservation projects. The post-ratification process of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Lebanon resulted in the birth of novel institutional, regulatory and administrative frameworks, and initiated reform in existing ones. Strong initiatives spearheaded by Lebanese government agencies, international and regional organisations, research and academic institutions, as well as civil societies and NGOs, backstopped the implementation of the NBSAP. As is the case with most countries, however, the efficacy of conservation strategies and practices remains under focus, mostly shedding light on the need for mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into national policies and for institutional reform as well as repairing broken bridges between all stakeholders. The proposed holistic approach summarises a simplified vision, which entails environmental citizenship, institutional reform and social responsibilities, and categorises these factors as the driving forces behind the success of implementing the NBSAPs.