Implementation of the Convention
Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target
No target has been formally set, and realizing the gaps, the Government of Pakistan has created a new Biodiversity Directorate in 2005 and the process of preparation of the Third Report has created new awareness to address the issue of setting global targets. Some targets that overlap with the MDGs like the establishment of protected areas (12 % of the total area) have been achieved. Indicators on species composition, status and trends of mountain biodiversity have been developed under the Mountain Area Conservation Project (MACP). Indicators are developed for each biodiversity conservation related project, which are equally applicable towards gauging the progress achieved on this target. To prevent decline of fish population, the provincial fisheries departments and the Water and Power Development Authority are carrying out fish seed stock replenishment programs in different water regimes. Afforestation, reforestation and harvesting targets are fixed in the Management Plans of Forests. The provisions for international trade in wild flora and fauna under provisions of CITES are fully implemented. Efforts to re-introduce extinct species like the black buck in Cholistan are also under way. Plant taxonomic surveys were undertaken while formulating Management Plans for particular protected areas. In addition, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency has launched the Self Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) as an effective mechanism for reporting, on a regular basis, compliance to the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) by industries. This system is being implemented in the provinces. The Federal EPA has successfully completed a pilot scale programme of SMART.
Initiatives in Access and Benefit Sharing
The draft Access and Benefit Sharing Law has been circulated to all stakeholders and the comments are being received. Prior Informed Consent (PIC), Material Transfer Agreement (MAT) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MTA) shall be part of the legislation.
Initiatives for Article 8(j)
A three-year project has been initiated by the Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) entitled “Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge about Medicinal Plants of Pakistan,” has now entered its final year. This project undertook field studies to determine the status, trends and threats related to the knowledge, innovations and practices of medicinal plants used by indigenous and local communities. Many NGOs and Rural Support Programmes, GEF funded projects, have worked at the grass root level to organize communities in rural areas. Such community organizations, through awareness raising programmes, are now in decision-making positions and are capable of running their own businesses. These groups can be effectively involved in decision-making processes related to the knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities.
