Please provide the following details on the origin of this report. National Focal Point. Communications. Ministry of Tourism, Environment and

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1 1 Please provide the following details on the origin of this report Contracting Party Swaziland Government National Focal Point Full name of the institution: Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Communications Name and title of contact officer: Mailing address: Swaziland Environmental Authority Mr. Jameson D. Vilakati Director of Environment Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Communications Swaziland Environmental Authority P.O. Box 2652 Mbabane Swaziland Telephone: (268) /1 (268) Fax: (268) Full name of the institution: Name and title of contact officer: Mailing address: Telephone: Fax: Signature of officer responsible for submitting national report: Date of submission: Contact officer for national report (if different) Submission

2 2 Please provide summary information on the process by which this report has been prepared, including information on the types of stakeholders who have been actively involved in its preparation and on material which was used as a basis for the report The Swaziland report was prepared with the assistance of a consultant. The process followed was: 1.0 Review of literature and reports on biodiversity in Swaziland. 2.0 Review of all decisions and articles of the CBD that are referred to in the report format. 3.0 A three day retreat for some of the key stakeholders, which were drawn from: The Swaziland Environmental Authority The National Herbarium (Forestry Section, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives) Private Environmentalists Biodiversity Programme Implementation Committee (BPIC) Plant Genetic Resources Centre 4.0 Compilation of the draft report from information gathered from the review of reports, the retreat and from individual interviews of some other stakeholders. 5.0 A national workshop for all the stakeholders to validate the report was held. The stakeholders included the ones mentioned in 3.0 above, University of Swaziland (UNISWA), Ministry of Agriculture staff, the Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC), the Hospitality Industry, Non-Governmental organisations, Community representatives and the Private Sector. 6.0 Amendment of draft report to reflect views presented at the national workshop. Preparation of the final report. 1.0 Introduction Executive Summary Swaziland lies between latitude 25 and 28 degrees South, and longitude 30 and 33 degrees east, in the Southern Eastern part of Africa. The country is landlocked and covers an area of 17,364 sq. km. It is bordered by South Africa in the North, West and South and by Mozambique on the East. Despite her small size Swaziland has great variation in landscape, geology, and climate. The high topographical diversity of Swaziland has created a diverse assemblage of differing environmental conditions, which form the basis of the country s biodiversity. Three biomes occur in Swaziland, namely: the grassland, savanna, and the forest biomes. The forest biome is the most restricted of the three biomes, covering less than 1% of Swaziland s total area. The vegetation in Swaziland can be divided into 22 units within six physiographic zones. The physiographic zones are: Highveld, Upper Middleveld, Lower Middleveld, Western Lowveld, and the Lubombo Plateau. Swaziland, supports a diverse assemblage of habitats which are home to a wide range of organisms. Although the information base on Swaziland s biodiversity

3 is still incomplete, survey work has shown that a significant portion of Southern Africa s plant and animal species occur here. The Eastern region of Swaziland, for example, forms part of the Maputaland Centre of plant diversity. This is one of the world s hot spots of floral, as well as faunal species richness and endemism. The western region falls within another area of global significance, the Drakensberg Escarpment Endemic Bird area. The value of Swaziland s biodiversity has long been recognised by Swazis who make use of it on daily basis for various reasons including traditional medicine, food, building material, traditional attire and firewood. Traditional systems of conserving biodiversity also exist but have not been documented and are currently being eroded. The recently developed National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) intends to prevent the erosion of Swaziland s biodiversity and provides for sustainable management of biodiversity resources and the equitable sharing of benefits thereof. The NBSAP, as a process, does not stand alone but forms part of the Swaziland Environment Action Plan (SEAP), which was endorsed by the Government of Swaziland in The value of biodiversity to Swaziland can been categorised into three main groups, namely: economic; socio-cultural; and aesthetic. There is a wide range of economic values that may be realised from the sustainable exploitation of biodiversity. It is estimated that roughly half of the population of Swaziland relies to a greater or lesser extent on biodiversity. In Swaziland, Biodiversity is both a source of raw material for local and national industry and as a base for tourism. It is estimated that the biodiversity of Swaziland already contributes over US$ 7.8 million to GDP each year including ecotourism, wildlife products, fuelwood, construction materials, handicrafts, medicinal plants, and inland freshwater fish and thus making biodiversity one of the four most important sectors in Swaziland s economy. 3 A number of in-situ conservation measures are currently in place. There are a total of twelve protected conservation areas in Swaziland (covering 4% of the country s area). Thirty-four protection worthy areas have been identified. These areas are distributed throughout Swaziland and cover a large range of vegetation associations and habitats. However, most of the protection worthy areas lie outside of formally protected areas. There are a few ex-situ measures in place for the conservation of indigenous, non-domestic animals. There are no reputable zoos, snake parks or crocodile farms (although crocodiles are kept in captivity by a few land-owners). A few species of large herbivores and large carnivores are kept in a semi-wild state at some of the reserves. Indigenous Nguni cattle are also being conserved. The ex-situ conservation of plants in Swaziland is currently being implemented by the Plant Genetic Resources Centre, the National Herbarium and some plant nurseries. Two botanic gardens have been proposed and may soon be developed. Although potential threats to Swaziland s biodiversity exist, a thorough study of these threats and their impact is missing. Regional threats include factors such as atmospheric and water pollution, reduction of flow in rivers that have their sources in neighbouring South Africa, cross-border smuggling of organisms and the washing downstream of alien invasive plant species. Local threats to Swaziland s biodiversity can be grouped into the following categories: Those that destroy or alter the habitat

4 4 Over-exploitation The impact of exotic species Weak law enforcement Ignorance Population growth Lack of equity in ownership and management of Swaziland s biodiversity resources. 2.0 Achievements and Constraints 2.1 Achievements Since becoming a Contracting Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Swaziland has made the following achievements: Formulated a National Environment Action Plan, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and the Forestry Policy. Established a National Committee to oversee the implementation of the CBD. Promulgated regulations on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Acquired Block B funds to prepare a project on biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism development. Strengthening the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre, the National Herbarium and the National Museum. Identified protection worthy areas and formulating a national biosafety framework. Carrying out a Farm Animals genetic Resources Survey and instituted a Fisheries Survey. 2.2 Constraints Swaziland attaches great significance to the CBD. However there are serious constraints that limit its implementation. Some of the major constraints are: Institutional capacity is very weak. The available expertise is insufficient for the amount of work that needs to be done. Public awareness on biodiversity issues is still very low. The general public does not fully appreciate and internalise the issues of the convention. There are no research facilities and most research is on an ad hoc basis and mostly not guided by a national programme. Legislation on Biodiversity Conservation and Management is fragmented. Legislation on access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from Biodiversity Conservation is absent There is a need to create comprehensive legislation that will bring all the legislation under one roof.

5 The COP has established programmes of work that respond to a number of Articles. Please identify the relative priority accorded to each theme and the adequacy of resources. This will allow subsequent information on implementation of each Article to be put into context. There are other questions on implementation of the programmes of work at the end of these guidelines. Inland water ecosystems 1. What is the relative priority for implementation of this work programme in your country? a) High b) Medium X c) Low d) Not relevant 2. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting X d) Severely limiting Marine and coastal biological diversity 3. What is the relative priority for implementation of this work programme in your country? a) High b) Medium c) Low d) Not relevant X 4. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting d) Severely limiting X Agricultural biological diversity 5. What is the relative priority for implementation of this work programme in your country? a) High b) Medium X c) Low d) Not relevant 5

6 6 6. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting d) Severely limiting X Forest biological diversity 7. What is the relative priority for implementation of this work programme in your country? a) High X b) Medium c) Low d) Not relevant 8. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting X d) Severely limiting Biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands 9. What is the relative priority for implementation of this work programme in your country? a) High b) Medium c) Low X d) Not relevant 10. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting X d) Severely limiting

7 Further comments on work programmes and priorities Inland Water Ecosystems Swaziland has ratified and is implementing the protocol on shared course water system (SADC Protocol). The Ramsar Convention has not yet been ratified and generally no comprehensive studies have been done and thus there are data gaps. No comprehensive information currently exists on Inland Water Ecosystems. Agricultural Biological Diversity There is yet no programme established and implemented for agricultural biological diversity. Limited work is being undertaken to collect and conserve plant genetic resources for ex situ conservation. There is also a programme to revive and preserve genetic resources of farm animals. A research programme exists on the preservation of the genetic resources of the local cattle breed the NGUNI. Forest Biological Diversity On forest biological diversity there are some processes which have been initiated (formulation of forest policy, legislation and drafting of the national forest action plan). Deforestation has continued to be a major problem, and has been promoted by land clearing for agricultural production, overexploitation of forest resources for sale of fuel wood. The forest action programme aims at addressing these problems. The absence of a comprehensive land policy to guide development has also been a limiting factor. This problem has been recognized and Swaziland is in the process of formulating a national land policy. Biological Diversity of Dry and Sub-Humid Lands The biological diversity of dry and sub-humid land s progress is hampered by: The absence of a comprehensive land policy to guide development. The process to formulate this policy has commenced. Poor financial resources. The large scale deforestation to make way for sugar plantations and some dry land agriculture. Increasingly more and more trees are being harvested for firewood. Previous initiatives to combat overgrazing have not proved very successful and new strategies for overcoming the problem of overgrazing and land degradation are being formulated. 7

8 8 Article 5 Cooperation 11. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article and the associated decisions by your country? a) High X b) Medium c) Low 12. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting X d) Severely limiting Further comments on relative priority and on availability of resources As much as environmental matters are a priority to government the limiting factor are resources to implement programmes. There is inadequate representation of experts at meetings due to funding limitations. 13. Is your country actively cooperating with other Parties in respect of areas beyond national jurisdiction for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity? a) bilateral cooperation (please give details below) X b) international programmes (please give details below) X c) international agreements (please give details below) X Decision IV/4. Status and trends of the biological diversity of inland water ecosystems and options for conservation and sustainable use 14. Has your country developed effective cooperation for the sustainable management of transboundary watersheds, catchments, river basins and migratory species through bilateral and multilateral agreements? b) yes limited extent (please give details below) X c) yes significant extent (please give details below) d) not applicable Decision IV/15. The relationship of the CBD with the CSD and biodiversity-related conventions, other international agreements, institutions and processes or relevance 15. Has your country developed management practices for transboundary protected areas? b) yes limited extent (please give details below) X c) yes significant extent (please give details below) d) not relevant

9 9 Decision V/21. Co-operation with other bodies 16. Has your country collaborated with the International Biodiversity Observation Year of DIVERSITAS, and ensured complementarity with the initiative foreseen to be undertaken by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity to increase scientific knowledge and public awareness of the crucial role of biodiversity for sustainable development? X b) to a limited extent c) to a significant extent Decision V/27. Contribution of the Convention on Biological Diversity to the ten-year review of progress achieved since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development 17. Is your country planning to highlight and emphasize biological diversity considerations in its contribution to the ten-year review of progress since the Earth Summit? b) yes X Further comments on implementation of this Article Swaziland cooperates with other parties in respect of areas beyond national jurisdiction for the conservation of biodiversity. Cooperation is in the areas specified below. a) Bilateral cooperation Swaziland cooperates with South Africa and Mozambique on both its North- Western boundary and its Eastern boundary with respect to the important habitats which Swaziland shares with her 2 neighbors. The East-West Corridor in the North of the country will link the coastal areas of Mozambique and South Africa with the Drakensburg escarpment, whilst the North-South corridor in the Eastern part of the country defines the entire length of the Swaziland Lubombo plateau. b) International programmes International Union for the Conservation of Nature Southern African Biodiversity Support Programme (SABSP) International agreements United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Convention to Combat Desertification International Union for the Conservation of Nature Swaziland has ratified these conventions and is a party to IUCN. Inland water eco-systems

10 10 Swaziland cooperates with South Africa and Mozambique in the management of transboundary watersheds through the Joint Water Commissions between Swaziland and South Africa, and between Swaziland and Mozambique. Ten year review of progress Swaziland has made significant progress in biological diversity considerations since the Earth Summit. Most progress has been made in the preparation of the Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (BSAP), Southern African Botanical Diversity network (SABONET) and the preparation of the Swaziland Environmental Action Plan (SEAP). Please refer to pages 5 to 7 for progress made since the Earth Summit. Article 6 General measures for conservation and sustainable use 18. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article and the associated decisions by your country? a) High X b) Medium c) Low 19. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting X d) Severely limiting Further comments on relative priority and on availability of resources The priority is high as evidenced by the formulation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the establishment of protected areas, the Plant Genetic Resources Centre, the Small Farm Animals Genetic Resources study, and the identification of Protection Worthy Areas. 20. What is the status of your national biodiversity strategy (6a)? ne b) early stages of development c) advanced stages of development d) completed X e) completed and adopted f) reports on implementation available 21. What is the status of your national biodiversity action plan (6a)? ne b) early stages of development c) advanced stages of development d) completed2 X e) completed and adopted2 f) reports on implementation available 22. Do your national strategies and action plans cover all articles of the Convention (6a)? a) some articles only

11 11 b) most articles X c) all articles 23. Do your national strategies and action plans cover integration of other sectoral activities (6b)? b) some sectors c) all major sectors X d) all sectors Decision II/7 and Decision III/9 Consideration of Articles 6 and Is action being taken to exchange information and share experience on the national action planning process with other Contracting Parties? a) little or no action b) sharing of strategies, plans and/or case-studies c) regional meetings X 25. Do all of your country s strategies and action plans include an international cooperation component? X b) yes 26. Are your country s strategies and action plans coordinated with those of neighbouring countries? b) bilateral/multilateral discussions under way c) coordinated in some areas/themes X d) fully coordinated e) not applicable 27. Has your country set measurable targets within its strategies and action plans? b) early stages of development c) advanced stages of development d) programme in place X e) reports on implementation available If a developing country Party or a Party with economy in transition Has your country received support from the financial mechanism for the preparation of its national strategy and action plan? b) yes X If yes, which was the Implementing Agency (UNDP/UNEP/World Bank)? UNDP

12 12 Decisions III/21. Relationship of the Convention with the CSD and biodiversity-related conventions 29. Are the national focal points for the CBD and the competent authorities of the Ramsar Convention, Bonn Convention and CITES cooperating in the implementation of these conventions to avoid duplication? b) yes limited extent X c) yes significant extent Further comments on implementation of this Article National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Swaziland has completed the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. It has not however been adopted nationally. Integration of other sectoral activities in the NBSAP Other sectoral activities in the NBSAP are education, Agriculture, forestry and fisheries, housing and amenities. Education This is for the purpose of enhancing public awareness on the value of biodiversity conservation. The National Environmental Education Programme (NEEP) was established by the Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC) to address this concern. The NBSAP seeks to improve this area by introducing biodiversity topics across curricula, include biodiversity awareness topics into existing radio programmes, Explore other systems of communications like written materials, encourage extra curricula activities related to biodiversity in schools, run seminars for educators, policy makers etc. on biodiversity related topics. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries The NBSAP seeks to conserve agro-biodiversity by identifying, collecting and conserving relevant genetic resources and develop breeding programmes for sustainable utilisation of genetic resources. The focal points are as follows: The Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC) for the Ramsar. The SNTC for the Bonn Convention The King s Office for CITES. Swaziland Environment Authority for the CBD The Ramsar and Bonn Conventions are not yet ratified.

13 13 Article 7 Identification and monitoring 30. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article and the associated decisions by your country? a) High b) Medium c) Low X 31. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting d) Severely limiting X Further comments on relative priority and on availability of resources Expertise for monitoring is very limited due to limited resources. There is also no system in place for monitoring. Presently all efforts are on an ad hoc basis. 32. Does your country have an ongoing inventory programme at species level (7a)? a) minimal activity b) for key groups (such as threatened or endemic species) or indicators c) for a range of major groups X d) for a comprehensive range of species 33. Does your country have an ongoing inventory programme at ecosystem level (7a)? a) minimal activity b) for ecosystems of particular interest only X c) for major ecosystems d) for a comprehensive range of ecosystems 34. Does your country have an ongoing inventory programme at genetic level (7a)? a) minimal activity b) minor programme in some sectors X c) major programme in some sectors d) major programme in all relevant sectors 35. Does your country have ongoing monitoring programmes at species level (7a)? a) minimal activity b) for key groups (such as threatened or endemic species) or indicators c) for a range of major groups d) for a comprehensive range of species X

14 Does your country have ongoing monitoring programmes at ecosystem level (7b)? a) minimal activity X b) for ecosystems of particular interest only c) for major ecosystems d) for a comprehensive range of ecosystems 37. Does your country have ongoing monitoring programmes at genetic level (7b)? a) minimal activity X b) minor programme in some sectors c) major programme in some sectors d) major programme in all relevant sectors 38. Has your country identified activities with adverse affects on biodiversity (7c)? a) limited understanding b) threats well known in some areas, not in others X c) most threats known, some gaps in knowledge d) comprehensive understanding e) reports available 39. Is your country monitoring these activities and their effects (7c)? b) early stages of programme development X c) advanced stages of programme development d) programme in place e) reports on implementation available 40. Does your country coordinate information collection and management at the national level (7d)? b) early stages of programme development X c) advanced stages of programme development d) programme in place e) reports on implementation available Decision III/10 Identification, monitoring and assessment 41. Has your country identified national indicators of biodiversity? X b) assessment of potential indicators underway c) indicators identified (if so, please describe below)

15 Is your country using rapid assessment and remote sensing techniques? b) assessing opportunities c) yes, to a limited extent X d) yes, to a major extent e) reports on implementation available 43. Has your country adopted a step-by-step approach to implementing Article 7 with initial emphasis on identification of biodiversity components (7a) and activities having adverse effects on them (7c)? X b) not appropriate to national circumstances c) yes 44. Is your country cooperating with other Contracting Parties on pilot projects to demonstrate the use of assessment and indicator methodologies? X b) yes (if so give details below) 45. Has your country prepared any reports of experience with application of assessment methodologies and made these available to other Contracting Parties? X b) yes 46. Is your country seeking to make taxonomic information held in its collections more widely available? relevant collections b) no action c) yes (if so, please give details below) X Decision V/7. Identification, monitoring and assessment, and indicators 47. Is your country actively involved in co-operating with other countries in your region in the field of indicators, monitoring and assessment? b) limited co-operation X c) extensive co-operation on some issues d) extensive co-operation on a wide range of issues 48. Has your country made available case studies concerning the development and implementation of assessment, monitoring and indicator programmes? X b) yes - sent to the Secretariat c) yes through the national CHM d) yes other means (please specify) 49. Is your country assisting other Parties to increase their capacity to develop indicator and monitoring programmes?

16 16 X b) providing training c) providing direct support d) sharing experience e) other (please describe) Further comments on implementation of this Article Identification and Monitoring Swaziland has an on going inventory programmes at species level. These are the fish survey, the mammal survey, the invertebrate survey, the farm genetic resources survey and the plant identification survey. Currently the first 3 inventory programmes are not coordinated at a national level. Activities tend to be ad hoc. The last 2 are coordinated at national level. At the ecosystem level there is ongoing inventory programme on rangelands and protected areas. At genetic levels, this is ongoing. There are some programmes for cultivated crops at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre and at the Nguni Breeding Station for Nguni cattle. There are some minor programmes for the monitoring at the species level. Examples are the monitoring of the blue swallow, the bold ibis, the oribi, the eland and Kniphofia umbrina. Some work is going on rangelands and protected areas. Swaziland is currently establishing a National Biodiversity Data Unit (NBDU) to coordinate information collection and management at the national level. The identification of activities with adverse effect on biodiversity is ongoing but not yet complete. For example there is some monitoring activity for Knifofia. Identification, monitoring and assessment National indicators of underlying causes of deforestation have been established. Remote sensing techniques are used for land use planning, cadastral mapping, physical planning and in forestry inventory and assessment. Taxonomic information will be made more widely available through the activities of the National Herbarium, which through SABONET is compiling a data base to exchange information with other Southern African member states. The fish survey results (from the ongoing fish survey) will also be made widely available.

17 17 Decisions on Taxonomy Decision IV/1 Report and recommendations of the third meeting of SBSTTA [part] 50. Has your country carried out a national taxonomic needs assessment, and/or held workshops to determine national taxonomic priorities? b) early stages of assessment c) advanced stages of assessment X d) assessment completed 51. Has your country developed a national taxonomic action plan? b) early stages of development X c) advanced stages of development d) action plan in place e) reports on implementation available 52. Is your country making available appropriate resources to enhance the availability of taxonomic information? b) yes, but this does not cover all known needs adequately X c) yes, covering all known needs 53. Is your country encouraging bilateral and multilateral training and employment opportunities for taxonomists, particularly those dealing with poorly known organisms? b) some opportunities X c) significant opportunities 54. Is your country investing on a long-term basis in the development of appropriate infrastructure for your national taxonomic collections? b) some investment X c) significant investment 55. Is your country encouraging partnerships between taxonomic institutions in developed and developing countries? b) yes stated policy X c) yes systematic national programme 56. Has your country adopted any international agreed levels of collection housing? b) under review X c) being implemented by some collections d) being implemented by all major collections

18 Has your country provided training programmes in taxonomy? b) some X c) many 58. Has your country reported on measures adopted to strengthen national capacity in taxonomy, to designate national reference centres, and to make information housed in collections available to countries of origin? b) yes in the previous national report c) yes via the clearing-house mechanism d) yes - other means (please give details below) X 59. Has your country taken steps to ensure that institutions responsible for biological diversity inventories and taxonomic activities are financially and administratively stable? b) under review c) yes for some institutions X d) yes for all major institutions 60. Has your country assisted taxonomic institutions to establish consortia to conduct regional projects? b) under review c) yes limited extent X d) yes significant extent 61. Has your country given special attention to international funding of fellowships for specialist training abroad or for attracting international experts to national or regional courses? b) under review c) yes limited extent X c) yes significant extent 62. Has your country provided programmes for re-training of qualified professionals moving into taxonomy-related fields? b) some X c) many

19 19 Decision V/9. Global Taxonomy Initiative: Implementation and further advance of the Suggestions for Action 63. Has your country identified its information requirements in the area of taxonomy, and assessed its national capacity to meet these requirements? b) basic assessment X c) thorough assessment 64. Has your country established or consolidated taxonomic reference centres? b) yes X 65. Has your country worked to increase its capacity in the area of taxonomic research? b) yes X 66. Has your country communicated information on programmes, projects and initiatives for consideration as pilot projects under the Global Taxonomy Initiative to the Executive Secretary? b) yes X 67. Has your country designated a national Global Taxonomy Initiative focal point linked to other national focal points? b) yes X 68. Has your country participated in the development of regional networks to facilitate information-sharing for the Global Taxonomy Initiative? b) yes X If a developing country Party or Party with economy in transition Has your country sought resources through the financial mechanism for the priority actions identified in the decision? X b) applied for unsuccessfully c) applied for successfully

20 20 Taxonomy Further comments on implementation of these decisions Swaziland has completed a taxonomic needs assessment on vascular plants and on certain groups of fauna. Information gathered will be made available through the NBDU. Swaziland encourages training and employment opportunities for taxonomists. Some training has been done through SABONET and currently someone is being trained in Fish Taxonomy. The University of Swaziland also provides training in Taxonomy. Swaziland has identified 3 sites for botanical gardens, which are likely to be operational within 3 years. Swaziland is twinned with the Natal (South Africa) botanical garden. Swaziland makes information on flora available to Global Taxonomic Initiative (GTI). Information is lacking for other groups. Institutions responsible for biological diversity inventories are the National Herbarium, the National Genetic Resource Centre, the Museum, the National Trust Commission and the NBDU. The NBDU will also serve as a taxonomic reference centre. Taxonomic research will on the other hand be addressed through SABONET, SAFRINET, SECOSUD and UNISWA. The GTI focal point is the National Herbarium. Swaziland has participated in SABONET, SAFRINET, SECOSUD and GTI, which are regional networks to facilitate information sharing.

21 21 Article 8 In situ conservation [excluding Articles 8h and 8j] 70. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article and the associated decisions by your country? a) High X b) Medium c) Low 71. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting X d) Severely limiting Further comments on relative priority and on availability of resources 70. Swaziland has identified more protection worthy areas. The field work in this regard has been completed. The aim is to increase the area under protection from 4% to at least10%. Presently there are only 7 nature reserves area, and the are plans to increase the protection worthy areas to Even though this area is given high priority, human resources are not adequate. There is an urgent requirement for funds for a public awareness campaign and there is a need to negotiate with communities for benefit sharing. 72. Has your country established a system of protected areas which aims to conserve biological diversity (8a)? a) system under development b) national review of protected areas coverage available c) national protected area systems plan in place X d) relatively complete system in place 73. Are there nationally adopted guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of protected areas (8b)? b) no, under development X c) yes d) yes, undergoing review and extension 74. Does your country regulate or manage biological resources important for the conservation of biological diversity with a view to ensuring their conservation and sustainable use (8c)? b) early stages of development c) advanced stages of development d) programme or policy in place X e) reports on implementation available

22 Has your country undertaken measures that promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in natural surroundings (8d)? measures b) some measures in place X c) potential measures under review d) reasonably comprehensive measures in place 76. Has your country undertaken measures that promote environmentally sound and sustainable development in areas adjacent to protected areas (8e)? measures b) some measures in place X c) potential measures under review d) reasonably comprehensive measures in place 77. Has your country undertaken measures to rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems (8f)? measures b) some measures in place X c) potential measures under review d) comprehensive measures in place 78. Has your country undertaken measures to promote the recovery of threatened species (8f)? measures b) some measures in place X c) potential measures under review d) comprehensive measures in place 79. Has your country undertaken measures to regulate, manage or control the risks associated with the use and release of living modified organisms resulting from biotechnology (8g)? measures X b) some measures in place c) potential measures under review d) comprehensive measures in place 80. Has your country made attempts to provide the conditions needed for compatibility between present uses and the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its components (8i)? b) early stages of development c) advanced stages of development X d) programme or policy in place e) reports on implementation available

23 Has your country developed and maintained the necessary legislation and/or other regulatory provisions for the protection of threatened species and populations (8k)? b) early stages of development c) advanced stages of development d) legislation or other measures in place X 82. Does your country regulate or manage processes and categories of activities identified under Article 7 as having significant adverse effects on biological diversity (8l)? b) under review c) yes, to a limited extent X d) yes, to a significant extent If a developed country Party Does your country cooperate in providing financial and other support for in- situ conservation particularly to developing countries (8m)? If a developing country Party or Party with economy in transition Does your country receive financial and other support for in situ conservation (8m)? b) yes (if so, please give details below) X Decision II/7 Consideration of Articles 6 and 8 of the Convention 85. Is action being taken to share information and experience on implementation of this Article with other Contracting Parties? a) little or no action b) sharing of written materials and/or case-studies c) regional meetings X

24 24 In situ conservation Further comments on implementation of this Article Swaziland has established a system of protected areas for the conservation of biological diversity. The guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of these areas are contained in the protected area legislation. Measures that promote environmentally sound and sustainable development in areas adjacent to protected areas are undertaken in some CBNRM areas (permaculture initiatives). Some measures have been undertaken to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, for example the cleaning up of dams. In terms of the recovery of threatened species, some measures have been done in large mammals. The Plant Genetic Resources Centre and the game parks are efforts to provide conditions needed for compatibility between present uses and the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. Although legislation for the protection of threatened species and populations exists, there is still a need for comprehensive legislation for biodiversity. Some of the existing legislation is outdated. There is also a need to improve enforcement. Swaziland does receive financial assistance for in-situ conservation. For example the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the Southern African Biodiversity Support Programme (SABSP) supports in-situ conservation initiatives. One of the nature reserves has also received bilateral support for road infrastructure development.

25 25 Article 8h Alien species 86. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article and the associated decisions by your country? a) High b) Medium X c) Low 87. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting d) Severely limiting X Further comments on relative priority and on availability of resources Although alien species are threatening grazing areas and aquatic species (e.g. fish and plants), there is no comprehensive program to address this problem. Currently the country is developing a proposal for funding the development of a national programme for addressing the problem of alien species. 88. Has your country identified alien species introduced? b) only major species of concern X c) only new or recent introductions d) a comprehensive system tracks new introductions e) a comprehensive system tracks all known introductions 89. Has your country assessed the risks posed to ecosystems, habitats or species by the introduction of these alien species? b) only some alien species of concern have been assessed X c) most alien species have been assessed 90. Has your country undertaken measures to prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species? measures b) some measures in place c) potential measures under review X d) comprehensive measures in place

26 26 Decision IV/1 Report and recommendations of the third meeting of SBSTTA 91. Is your country collaborating in the development of projects at national, regional, sub-regional and international levels to address the issue of alien species? a) little or no action b) discussion on potential projects under way X c) active development of new projects 92. Does your national strategy and action plan address the issue of alien species? b) yes limited extent X c) yes significant extent Decision V/8. Alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species 93. Is your country applying the interim guiding principles for prevention, introduction and mitigation of impacts of alien species in the context of activities aimed at implementing article 8(h) of the Convention, and in the various sectors? b) under consideration c) limited implementation in some sectors X d) extensive implementation in some sectors e) extensive implementation in most sectors 94. Has your country submitted case-studies to the Executive Secretary focusing on thematic assessments? X b) in preparation c) yes 95. Has your country submitted written comments on the interim guiding principles to the Executive Secretary? X b) yes 96. Has your country given priority to the development and implementation of alien invasive species strategies and action plans? b) yes X 97. In dealing with the issue of invasive species, has your country developed or involved itself in mechanisms for international co-operation, including the exchange of best practices? b) trans-boundary co-operation X c) regional co-operation d) multilateral co-operation X

27 Is your country giving priority attention to geographically and evolutionarily isolated ecosystems in its work on alien invasive species? X b) yes 99. Is your country using the ecosystem approach and precautionary and bio-geographical approaches as appropriate in its work on alien invasive species? b) yes X 100. Has your country developed effective education, training and public-awareness measures concerning the issue of alien species? b) some initiatives X c) many initiatives 101. Is your country making available the information which it holds on alien species through the CHM? X b) some information c) all available information d) information available through other channels (please specify) 102. Is your country providing support to enable the Global Invasive Species Programme to fulfil the tasks outlined in the decision and its annexes? X b) limited support c) substantial support Alien Species Further comments on implementation of this Article The assessment of the risks posed to ecosystems, habitats or species by the introduction of alien species has been done, although the approach has been rather casual. For example some assessment has been done on eucalyptus and Chromoleana odorata (trifid weed). Swaziland is cooperating with South Africa in dealing with the issue of invasive species. There is also regional cooperation in the SADC aquatic weeds project. Swaziland uses the ecosystem approach in its work on alien invasive species. The bio geographical approach is not used however. Radio programmes, pamphlets, national workshops and the print media are used to enhance public awareness on the issue of alien species.

28 28 Article 8j Traditional knowledge and related provisions 103. What is the relative priority afforded to implementation of this Article and the associated decisions by your country? a) High b) Medium c) Low X 104. To what extent are the resources available adequate for meeting the obligations and recommendations made? a) Good b) Adequate c) Limiting d) Severely limiting X Further comments on relative priority and on availability of resources The country has not vigorously developed guidelines. Some work has been done in the area of traditional medicines. Incentives are required to compensate persons making information available. There is also a need for the Swaziland Government and other agencies to encourage and support the use and conservation of indigenous/local knowledge Has your country undertaken measures to ensure that the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity are respected, preserved and maintained? measures X b) some measures in place c) potential measures under review d) comprehensive measures in place 106. Is your country working to encourage the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of such knowledge, innovations and practices? b) early stages of development X c) advanced stages of development d) programme or policy in place Decision III/4 and Decision IV/9. Implementation of Article 8(j) 107. Has your country developed national legislation and corresponding strategies for the implementation of Article 8(j)? X b) early stages of development c) advanced stages of development d) legislation or other measures in place

29 Has your country supplied information on the implementation of Article 8(j) to other Contracting Parties through media such as the national report? X b) yes previous national report c) yes CHM d) yes - other means (please give details below) 109. Has your country submitted case-studies to the Executive Secretary on measures taken to develop and implement the Convention s provisions relating to indigenous and local communities? X b) yes 110. Is your country participating in appropriate working groups and meetings? ne b) some X c) all 111. Is your country facilitating the active participation of representatives of indigenous and local communities in these working groups and meetings? X b) yes Decision V/16. Article 8(j) and related provisions 112. Has your country reviewed the programme of work specified in the annex to the decision, and identified how to implement those tasks appropriate to national circumstances? X b) under review c) yes (please provide details) 113. Is your country integrating such tasks into its ongoing programmes, taking into account the identified collaboration opportunities? X b) not appropriate to national circumstances c) yes to a limited extent d) yes to a significant extent 114. Is your country taking full account of existing instruments, guidelines, codes and other relevant activities in the implementation of the programme of work? X b) not appropriate to national circumstances c) yes to a limited extent d) yes to a significant extent

30 Has your country provided appropriate financial support for the implementation of the programme of work? X b) not appropriate to national circumstances c) yes to a limited extent d) yes to a significant extent 116. Has your country fully incorporated women and women s organizations in the activities undertaken to implement the programme of work contained in the annex to the decision and other relevant activities under the Convention? X b) yes 117. Has your country taken measures to facilitate the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities in the implementation of the Convention? b) not appropriate to national circumstances c) yes to a limited extent X d) yes to a significant extent 118. Has your country provided case studies on methods and approaches concerning the preservation and sharing of traditional knowledge, and the control of that information by indigenous and local communities? X b) not relevant c) yes sent to the Secretariat d) yes through the national CHM e) yes available through other means (please specify) 119. Does your country exchange information and share experiences regarding national legislation and other measures for the protection of the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities? b) not relevant c) yes through the CHM d) yes with specific countries e) yes available through other means (please specify) X 120. Has your country taken measures to promote the conservation and maintenance of knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities? b) not relevant c) some measures X d) extensive measures

31 Has your country supported the development of registers of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities, in collaboration with these communities? b) not relevant c) development in progress X d) register fully developed 122. Have representatives of indigenous and local community organizations participated in your official delegation to meetings held under the Convention on Biological Diversity? t relevant b) not appropriate c) yes 123. Is your country assisting the Secretariat to fully utilize the clearing-house mechanism to co-operate closely with indigenous and local communities to explore ways that enable them to make informed decisions concerning release of their traditional knowledge? b) awaiting information on how to proceed X c) yes 124. Has your country identified resources for funding the activities identified in the decision? X b) not relevant c) partly d) fully Further comments on implementation of this Article Traditional knowledge and related provisions Swaziland participates in the Ad hoc Working Group on article 8j and related provisions. The participation of indigenous and local communities in the implementation of the convention has been facilitated through workshops. During November 2001 a national consultative process took place where among other things, discussions were held on national legislation and measures for the protection indigenous of knowledge systems. The country is presently drafting a new legislation on Patents, Utility and Industrial Designs Bill, which is due to be piloted in Parliament in The Ministry of Justice recommends an effective sui generis system rather than through patents for the protection of plant varieties. The University of Swaziland has established a Traditional Medicines Research Centre, through which some research is currently being done. Swaziland has not yet sent any representatives of indigenous and local community organisations as official delegates to participate in meetings held under the Convention of Biological Diversity.