PREFACE

The Convention on Biological Diversity was ratified by Mali on March 29, 1995. It marks a heightened awareness of the international community of the serious consequences of the erosion of biological diversity on the life and even the existence of male.

To protect and sustainably use natural resources and particularly those of biological diversity, the Government of Mali, through a broad participatory process, has developed this Strategy which incorporates all aspects of the concept of biological diversity: diversity of species and races, potential plant and animal genetics, diversity of ecosystems. The preparation of the Strategy provided the opportunity to take stock of the situation in terms of natural resources, ecosystems and the policies applied in these areas.

The richness of Mali's biological diversity can be seen in the many plant species that have colonized the different bioclimatic zones. Natural resources are sources of food, energy, medicines, raw materials for certain industries and craft activities. They are also sanctuaries of worship and an important tourist heritage. These resources are the basis of rural development in particular and of economic, social and cultural development in general. Consequently, they deserve to be managed as a "good father" by all the actors concerned: farmers, breeders, hunters, fishermen, craftsmen, economic operators, technical services and political decision-makers.

From all these actors, the National Strategy for the Conservation of Biological Diversity requires a resolute commitment and significant and sustained efforts to meet the challenges which have the names: halting the degradation of ecosystems, restoring degraded areas, safeguarding threatened species of extinction, conquest and use of biotechnologies.

It is a question of creating the conditions allowing the local authorities to reinforce the tools and the human and technical capacities of conservation and sustainable use of the resources of the biological diversity. The political, economic, socio-cultural, ecological and diplomatic issues are considerable, but they are within the reach of our people.

I am pleased to pay here a vibrant tribute to all those who have made a contribution to the development of this Strategy with a particular mark for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Fund for Global Environment (GEF).

Soumaila Cisse

Minister of Equipment, Development of the

Territory, Environment and Urban Planning