The National Targets 8 which contributes to Aichi Targets 8 has been developed as an iterative process of relevant stakeholder consultations spearheaded through a National Project Steering Committee and establishment of three working groups that addresses key biodiversity thematic areas inter alia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Agro ‐biodiversity and Marine, Coastal & Freshwater Biodiversity. The Republic of Mauritius [ROM] has called upon for all stakeholders to set up ambitious but realistic national targets, considering local challenges, especially in terms of financial and human resources constraints. In response to article 6a of CBD, the RoM has retained the five CBD strategic goals and has adapted the corresponding Aichi Targets as transcribed in the NBSAP 2017-2025 endorsed by the Government through minister’s council approval. A review of the 2015 NBSAP stocktaking exercise preceded the drafting of the 5th National Report. Discussions were held on which institutions should lead specific biodiversity thematic areas and what are the capacity, technological and financial needs to implement Mauritius‐specific Aichi targets. Adaptation of the Aichi Targets to the RoM context, including key performance indicators, Lead Agency and Partners, deadlines and provisional additional budget requirements were also worked out and projected over timeline 2017 to 2025.

The adopted Working Principles for the NBSAP 2017 – 2025 were guided through:

 Integration of the ecological, social and economic values of biodiversity into decision‐making;

•  Effective in‐situ and ex‐situ biodiversity conservation and / or restoration;

•  Minimising the direct and indirect pressures on biodiversity and ecosystem services;

•  Biodiversity mainstreaming in the public and private sectors;

•  Effective information sharing, NBSAP monitoring and delivery;

•  The ecosystem approach.

It is to be noted that the National target 8 has been derived and adapted from CBD Aichi Target 8.