The potential impact of sustainable use of biodiversity resources on permanent sovereignty in SADC

Abstract

The principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources (hereafter PSNR) gives states the authority to freely use and dispose, manage and exploit their natural resources, so as to benefit their citizens. On the other hand the concept of sustainable use empowers states to use their natural resources wisely and rationally so as to ensure the use of the same resources by future generations. It is observed that there is a conflict between the two mentioned principles (that is the PSNR and the sustainable use). This study therefore seeks to investigate the extent in which sustainable use of biodiversity resources limits the concept of PSNR in the SADC region, as an area that is highly dependent on biological resources for maintenance of their daily lives and economy. This led to the finding that sustainable use limits the principle of PSNR in the SADC region, in that even though states are allowed to use their natural resources in whatever manner they desire, they should however ensure that they exercise such use rationally so as to benefit both present and future generations. It is therefore important for these principles to balance and work hand in hand so as to be able to achieve protection and conservation of biodiversity while trying to attain development for the SADC countries.