Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

Mali’s fauna features 136 mammal species, 70 of which are large mammals [ ] 151 Awareness-raising, integration of biodiversity values, and reduction of habitat loss Over the period 2006–2010, the analysis of forested areas in Mali revealed a net increase in forest cover. The overall surface increased from 9,922,410ha (8 per cent of national territory) in 2006 to 13,389,910ha (10.8 per cent of national territory) in 2010, which corresponds to a 34.9 per cent increase. This is notably the result of a better integration of envi- ronmental considerations in the de- velopment programmes and policies as put forth in the national strategic framework for growth and poverty reduction (CSCRP, 2012-2017). In this respect, particular projects can be underlined that have sought to promote the sustainable use of forest resources, promoting both develop- ment and protection of biodiversity. For example, the project “Support of the valorization of non-timber forest resources for a sustainable conser- vation of biodiversity in the rural commune of Kolokani,” initiated by the NGO, Malian Coalition for Sol- idarity and Development, organized awareness-raising activities and the involvement of beneficiaries in the sustainable management of their nat- ural resources. The NGO also ensures an improvement of forest cover in the commune. A public-private partner- ship was thus established around the protection and exploitation of the Sterculia setigera gum in the region. This has contributed to fulfilling various objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, notably those linked to awareness-raising, main- streaming, sustainable production and consumption, and reducing pres- sures on vulnerable ecosystems. Following this lead, the project “Preservation of biodiversity through the development of ecotourism in the rural commune of Tankadougou,” carried out by the NGO, Action for Rural Promotion and the Protection of the Environment, has addressed several objectives of the Convention, including awareness-raising, inte- gration of biodiversity values, and reduction of habitat loss. The actions focus on the training of local popu- lations on the benefits of ecotourism activities, the establishment of the management committee for the area, and training activities on agro-forest- ry plant production techniques. The project “Promotion of the community management of non-tim- ber forest products,” financed by the FAO, also seeks to integrate biodiver- sity considerations into the economic sector. Launched in 2007, the project is carried out by two national NGOs developing an approach based on the analysis and marketing of the by-products of the forest and fauna in three administrative regions of the country. Community management of non-timber forest products seeks to integrate biodiversity considerations Mali L ocated in Western Africa, Mali is a vast landlocked country that spans 1.2 millionkm². The country is divided into several bioclimatic zones: the hyper-arid Saharan zone covers 51 per cent of national territory; the arid Sahelian zone is composed of grassy steppes, and spans a quarter of the territory; another quarter is characterized by a mosaic of savannah in the Sudanese zone; and the remainder includes the lower delta of the Niger river, with wet meadows, and the sub-humid pre-Guinean zone. Mali currently features 27 protected areas, representing approximately 8 per cent of national territory. Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed forces