National economic / development policies

The governments of the EAME have adopted, in one form or another, programmes for economic and social reform aiming at stabilising their financial markets and promoting economic growth. Reduction of inflation, liberalisation of markets, reduction of state interventions and the promotion of private sector participation are common themes. Often these measures are taken without consideration or integration of environmental issues, to the detriment of the latter. In some cases, support for private sector fish processing industries and liberalisation of the national currency exchange rate promoted an increase in harvesting of marine resources and thus had an impact on biodiversity.

Inadequate capacity for enforcement
Poorly distributed and inadequate capital and financial resources, sometimes geographically remote from the areas of activity, a lack of technical ability and equipment, and poor staff management and incentives often hamper effective management of natural resources. In some areas, corruption at local government levels further contributes to undermine management where effective enforcement of natural resources legislation requires determination and constant support.

Legal issues
Most of the countries in the EAME do have legal provisions for the management of almost every natural resource, with several authorities mandated to enforce these. However, oftentimes legislation is either weak, misleading, or not supported by higher authority. The same applies to the enforcement of recommendations given in, or standards
of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

Lack of institutional coordination and conflicting interests
At the national level, conflicting legislation exists under different government ministries and departments, for activities such as salt production, tourism, forestry and fisheries. Such conflicts continue to contribute to confusion and lack of focus on environmental issues and the disharmony hastens the loss of biodiversity. In some cases, conflicts of interest between the various institutions charged with natural resource management further exacerbate the situation.

Market failure
Much of the mismanagement and inefficient use of natural resources and the wider environment is attributable to malfunctioning and distortion of their markets, but also to the mere lack of markets in some cases. For example, market failure has lead to over-fishing and over-harvesting of mangroves (see above), thus contributing to ecological disruption. Frequently the true value of the product, including the social and environmental component, is not recognised. The resulting artificially low market price stimulates demand that stimulates over-harvesting.

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