IUCN

Government policies on agriculture, forestry, water, energy and industry have tacitly encouraged over-use of the country's natural resources. The consequent exploitation of natural resources has had a negative impact on productivity by raising production and maintenance costs and aggravating the problem of biodiversity conservation.

Industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of a country. The industrialisation process is essential for modernisation, income generation, employment opportunites, industrial development and the production of other necessary facilities. Recognising the importance of environmental considerations in industrial development, HMGN endorsed the guidelines on 24 July 1995 and published it in the Gazette on 6 November 1995 (vol.45, no.29, 1995).

IUCN has been described as "the conservation world's best-kept secret". It is the oldest global conservation body, founded 50 years ago. For half a century it has been a "green web", linking governments, non-governmental organizations and the world's leading individual conservationists and providing a unique forum where they can meet and debate. It has prepared global strategies and originated some of the world's most important environmental laws.

Deer are a unique group of mammals recognised for their grace and beauty. Some are also prime examples of flagship species, whose continued survival sustains the complex interplay of flora and fauna. Today many species are under threat of extinction.

The first comprehensive treatment of North American rodents of conservation concern. This action plan summarises the rodent fauna of North America and provides available information on every rodent taxon that has been considered to be of conservation concern by state, provincial and private conservation agencies and regional experts.

Biodiversity-related laws and institutions will be key mechanisms for attaining the objectives of the Convention on biological diversity. As part of the national biodiversty planning process, legal and institutional profiles should be undertaken to ascertain which laws apply to and affect biodiversity and which institutions oversee legislation and portfolios which intersect with biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing of genetic resources.