ASEAN stands resolute in its pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.
Despite comprising only three per cent of the world’s total land area, Southeast Asia stands out as a biodiversity hotspot, home to nearly 20 per cent of all known species in the world.
Out of the 24,889 species evaluated in the region by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), approximately 9,199, or 37 per cent, are unique to the area. Nevertheless, like the rest of the world, ASEAN faces the ongoing challenge of habitat loss due to rapid human development.
Even amid the backdrop of pandemic recovery and climate change, ASEAN remains steadfast in achieving a more sustainable community through its flagship programmes, namely the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs), the ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI), and the ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Programme.
These initiatives not only address the adverse impacts of climate change but also provide avenues for ASEAN member states (AMS) to enhance climate resilience and promote a greener recovery.
CELEBRATING BIODIVERSITY HEROES
In celebration of the 56th ASEAN Day and International Youth Day, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) organised the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes Forum on August 11.
The two-day event brought together ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes, representing diverse fields of expertise, and young communication professionals, storytellers, content creators, journalists, and writers from Southeast Asia.
During the forum, an ASEAN Biodiversity Hero from the Philippines Senator Loren Legarda announced the upcoming search for Youth Biodiversity Heroes, highlighting the crucial role of youth in biodiversity conservation and their ability to prevent species extinction.
“We must recognise that the ability of the race and the species to survive and avoid extirpation lies in the hands of our youth – you, the inspiring individuals who can snatch life on the planet from the brink of extinction,” said Senator Legarda.
To date, there are 19 ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes, recognised for their outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia. The complete list of these heroes can be accessed on the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes website.
TWO NEW HERITAGE PARKS
In the same month of August, two new protected areas in Thailand, Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary-Nam Nao National Park and the Phu Kradueng National Park, were officially declared as the 56th and 57th AHPs during the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME).
The AHP was designed to build a network of protected areas that best represent the region’s shared natural heritage. The now 57 AHPs in the region were given the distinction due to their ecological and biological richness and effective protected area management.
Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary-Nam Nao National Park is a haven for endemic and rare plant and animal species, including Siamese montien and Sukhakun lady-slippers orchid, as well as endangered species like the Big-headed turtle, Hog deer, and White-winged wood duck, making it a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts offering opportunities for camping, forest bathing, and bird watching.
Phu Kradueng National Park encompasses a vast sandstone peak with a broad plateau, spanning 60 square kilometres, boasting diverse plant communities and serving as a sanctuary for globally significant plant and animal species, including rare plants like Ya dok lam phong, along with critically endangered species like the Sunda pangolin and the Elongated tortoise.
ACB Executive Director Dr Theresa Mundita Lim congratulated Thailand noting the honour of being bestowed two protected areas as they become “ecosystems that best represent ASEAN”.
“The ACB facilitates support for this network of outstanding protected areas through various projects and initiatives, which will ensure that these AHPs continue to be effectively managed for the benefit of the ASEAN community,” explained Dr Lim, who is also secretariat of the AHP programme.
“Well-managed AHPs provide a variety of ecosystem services, such as food, water, livelihoods, a sustainable supply of biodiversity-based raw materials for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and their role as major carbon stocks and nature-based solutions against climate change impacts and natural disasters.”
PLANTING SEED OF HOPE
On September 10, the ACB celebrated its 18th founding anniversary with a special event attended by various dignitaries and partners. The ceremony at the ACB headquarters, featured a tree planting activity to mark the occasion.
Participants included ambassadors from AMS, government officials from the Philippines, ASEAN dialogue and development partners, officials from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and youth representatives.
Dr Lim expressed her gratitude for nearly two decades of regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation, highlighting ACB’s significant achievements in facilitating regional cooperation and cross-sectoral collaboration to protect Southeast Asia’s biodiversity.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn thanked the Philippine government for its unwavering support as the host of the ACB.
“The ACB is ASEAN’s own dedicated regional centre of excellence on biodiversity. Since its establishment back in 2005, ACB has developed to becoming an essential and integral part of ASEAN cooperation on environment and an effective coordinating body for the AMS on biodiversity conservation,” he shared.
In light of the challenges posed by the pandemic and climate change, he stressed the need for ASEAN to intensify efforts to promote nature-based solutions and green initiatives.
“I want to thank the active role of ACB in promoting ASEAN and our collective actions at the CBD (UN Convention on Biological Diversity).
“With the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted by the CBD COP-15 in 2022, the role of ACB is increasingly important in facilitating cooperation among the AMS to achieve the global and regional objectives on biodiversity, including green economy and blue economy,” added Dr Hourn.
Youth representatives from Los Baños actively participated in the tree planting activity, joined by ambassadors from several ASEAN member countries. – Wardi Wasil
