Biodiversity Assessment for Belarus

E&E - 117/119 Report -Belarus Major findings of the assessment include: 1. Biodiversity throughout Belarus has declined substantially in the past 100 years. Wetlands, bogs in particular, have undergone the most dramatic decline in overall coverage, largely from being converted to agriculture. Remaining bogs are inadequately protected today. However, data and information are mostly inadequate to determine distribution and condition of biodiversity at both a species and an ecosystem level. 2. With the possible exception of forest ecosystems, the protected area system is inadequate in ecological coverage and in administration. Hundreds of natural monuments and reserves of lesser significance have no staff or management plans. 3. Old laws may be inconsistent with newer laws and impedes enforcement of regulations. They also create confusion regarding roles and responsibilities for protection of biodiversity and natural resources. Belarus is party to many international environment agreements but capacity is often inadequate for implementing laws and international conventions. 4. NGOs and the public are not able to effectively participate in protection of biodiversity and natural resources due to inadequate resources and access to decision-making process. However, a high literacy rate and a generally well-educated population make it possible to use outreach and extension programs to effectively change how people view and use natural resources. Task Order under the Biodiversity and Sustainable Forestry IQC (BIOFOR) USAID Contract Number: LAG-00-99-00014-00 Submitted to: USAID/Kiev Kiev, Ukraine Submitted by: Chemonics International Inc. Washington, D.C. and Environment International Ltd. Seattle, Washington August 2001

118-Belarus-PNACN467_2001.pdf — PDF document, 1067Kb