Regional Policy Makers

This global overview is useful but it’s also important to understand whether there are differences in threats between different geographic regions and whether similar species are affected by them in different ways. The Living Planet Index, a rich source of this information, can tell us about threats at the species population level. This more granular level of data has already highlighted different responses in different species of penguins in western Antarctica.

The Living Planet Index also tracks the state of global biodiversity by measuring the population abundance of thousands of vertebrate species around the world. The latest index shows an overall
decline of 60% in population sizes between 1970 and 2014. Species population declines are especially pronounced in the tropics, with South and Central America suffering the most dramatic decline, an 89% loss compared to 1970. Freshwater species numbers have also declined dramatically, with the Freshwater Index showing an 83% decline since 1970. But measuring biodiversity – all the varieties of life that can be found on Earth and their relationships to each other – is complex, so this report also explores three other indicators measuring changes in species distribution, extinction risk and changes in community composition. All these paint the same picture – showing severe declines or changes.

This document describes the requirements to move dogs and cats out of or into Botswana successfully without putting the animals in distress.

The project mainstreams the climate risk considerations in the Land Rehabilitation Programme of Lesotho for improved ecosystem resilience and reduced vulnerability of livelihoods to climate shocks.

This report covers activities implemented in 2017 under the five thematic areas of the CCARDESA Revised Medium Term Operational Plan of CCARDESA (2015-2018).

Under the Thematic Area for Farmer Empowerment and Market Access, CCARDESA Secretariat initiated a review of agricultural policies and extension strategies of countries in the region to assess the extent to which countries have mainstreamed climate change adaptation into their policies and strategies. Based on observed gaps, some Member States such as Botswana, Malawi and Zimbabwe were engaged to facilitate their mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into their national policy and agricultural programmes

This new National Forestry Policy for the development of the forest sector in Mauritius is the outcome of discussions and consultations with key stakeholders in government, civil society and other interested parties, a detailed study and review of relevant documents, the forestry sector, related issues and the range of activities associated with the sector. It replaces the previous official forestry policy statement enunciated in 1963.

Work on the preparation of the new Policy began on 01 October, 2004, and was completed on 30 April, 2006. It was undertaken by the Forestry Service under the direction of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Fisheries. International assistance for the formulation of the Policy was provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations under its Technical Cooperation Programme.

The Policy is a statement of the intentions of the Government for the development of the forest sector and is designed to protect and enhance the country’s natural environment, biodiversity and national heritage, while at the same time promoting recreation and tourism. The Policy describes, in general terms, the directions that forestry activities should take in the coming decade to address identified issues and problems. It is also a guide for decision-making.

Forestry policy formulation is a dynamic process that must be reviewed periodically in the light of a changing environment, society and globalisation of forestry.

A brief overview of adaptation options and measurements

The CCARDESA Secretariat wishes to invite applications from qualified and competent candidates who are nationals of the SADC member countries to fill the position of Internal Auditor.

The main aim of the Conference was to have a dialogue on matters relating to climate change as it affects agriculture in Southern Africa, to share lessons and progress made. The first part of the conference dealt with presentations from a number of countries in Southern Africa on their experiences and coping mechanisms, and this was followed by a session primarily dedicated to South African experiences.

This report presents the proceedings of the Climate Proofing and CSA Training in Cape Town in October 2016.

A review of pesticide regulations and a summary of registered pesticides. Key findings:

• There are 158 registered active ingredients, incl. 49 HHP
• In the groundnut and soybean value chain best practice approaches to pest managements are already being practiced
• Increased pest monitoring, biopesiticides, improved and resistant varieties can support more effective pest management
• Need for awareness-raising among farmers and advisers on pest identification
• Policy-level support to incentivise the use of less toxic pesticides and increase availability and use of safer alternatives