In the first phase (1996–1998), several issues identified as biodiversity conservation priorities for North Africa were the subject of specific investigations in the five countries concerned by the Programme.

Outputs:

• Centres of biodiversity identified and the Guide to the Biodiversity Convention in Arabic published
  
  
• Important and threatened medicinal plants identified
  
  
• Cheetah habitats in North Africa identified
  
  
• Biodiversity fact-sheets for use in environmental education developed
  
  
• Women & biodiversity issues explored and a small network of women's organisations constituted.