National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025 (Malaysia)

The National Policy on Biological Diversity abides by the Policy Statement that "Malaysia is committed to conserve its biological diversity, promote its sustainable use and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of biological resources." 

It is governed by five principles, namely:

1. Heritage. Biological diversity is a national heritage. It must be sustainably managed, wisely utilized and conserved for future generations.
2. Precautionary. The lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone measures to minimize biodiversity loss.
3. Shared responsibility. The conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity are the shared responsibility of all sectors of society. 
4. Participatory. Planning and management of biodiversity must be carried out in a participatory manner.
5. Good governance. Good governance, including accountability and transparency, is crucial to biodiversity conservation. 

The Policy has five overarching goals encompassing the following:

1. Stakeholder empowerment
2. Reducing pressures on biodiversity
3. Safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
4. Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of biodiversity
5. Building the capacity of all stakeholders

The five goals are supported by 17 national biodiversity targets which Malaysia hopes to achieve by 2025. The targets address key facets of biodiversity conservation including:

• Awareness raising
• Mainstreaming biodiversity
• Implementing good management practices in various economic sectors
• Strengthening the protected areas
• Preventing extinction of species
• Addressing invasive alien species
• Ensuring biosafety