Somalia is one of the biodiversity-rich countries in the Horn of Africa, with a high level of endemic species [1]. However, due to decades of conflict, there is limited scientific knowledge and research on the country’s biodiversity [2]. Studies of species diversity in Somalia have been infrequent, but it is believed to be home to more than 175 mammal species and 671 bird species. Over 3,000 plant species have been recorded, 836 of which are believed to be endemic to the country. Somalia has unique reptiles of 230 species, of which 80% are believed to be endemic, as well as 29 species of amphibians. There are additional species from Somaliland that have not yet been recorded. Knowledge of marine and coastal species is low, although these species underpin many economic activities on the coast [3]. There are also 24 important bird areas described for Somalia, 12 of which are wetland-based [1].As an arid and semi-arid country, Somalia’s fragile ecosystems are subjected to harsh weather conditions, erratic and scarce amounts of rainfall, and susceptible to environmental degradation [1]. Nevertheless, Somalia’s rich natural resources provide valuable ecosystem services to the Somali people [4], [5]. The benefits people derive from biodiversity are varied and include provisioning services (traditional medicines, food, water, etc.), socio-cultural services, and regulation services [5]. For instance, biodiversity can play a dominant role in abating the effects of climate change, such

Crop Production

Somalia has been a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since its ratification in 2009 [5]. In compliance with its obligations under the provisions of the CBD, Somalia developed its first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) which was formed through a long consultative process, finalized, and submitted to the secretariat in 2016 [1]. The NBSAP, guided by the CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets, has the following vision “By 2050, Somalia’s biological diversity is appreciated, restored, conserved and its components are utilized in sustainable manner that contributes to the socio-economic development of the nation” [5].To achieve this vision, Somalia’s NBSAP includes a goal and objective, 8 overarching principles, and 14 strategic approaches which will guide the 5 main priority areas. The 5 main priority areas are as follows: I). Creating understanding of the drivers of biodiversity degradation together with response measures; II). Reduce the direct pressures on Somali biodiversity; III). Safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity; IV). Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity with emphasis on sharing it with marginalized groups; and V). Enhanced participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building. These priority areas are supported through 20 Aichi targets, broken down into 71 sub targets that will be achieved through 233 SMART indicators [5].

the main threats to biodiversity in somalia include habitat loss and degradation, including deforestation for timber and charcoal production, overexploitation (e.g., illegal, unreported and unregulated (iuu) fishing, poaching), pollution, invasive alien species, and climate change [1], [3]

The main threats to biodiversity in Somalia include habitat loss and degradation, including deforestation for timber and charcoal production; overexploitation (e.g., Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, poaching); pollution; invasive alien species; and climate change [1], [3], [9]. Increasing vulnerability to climatic extremes, paired with very recent drought events, continue to stress Somalia’s forest and rangeland areas [9], as well as the country’s wildlife [10].Review the exist