Southeast Asia’s Biodiversity: Its Significance in Maintaining Global Ecological Sustainability

Southeast Asia’s Wealth: Despite occupying only 3% of the earth’s surface, 20% of all known species live deep in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region’s mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and seas. It is home to three mega-diverse countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines); several bio-geographical units (e.g., Malesia, Wallacea, Sundaland, Indo-Burma and the Central Indo-Pacific); and numerous centers of concentration of restricted-range bird, plant and insect species. ASEAN has one-third (284,000 square kilometers) of all coral reefs, which are among the most diverse in the world. All these make the ASEAN region significant to global diversity.

Under Threat: Out of 64,800 known species, 1,312 are endangered. Seven of the world’s 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots are in the ASEAN region. If the rate of deforestation continues, the region will lose up to three-fourths of its forests, and up to 42 percent of its biodiversity by 2100. Eighty percent of coral reefs are at risk due to destructive fishing practices and coral bleaching. Biodiversity loss could trigger enormous effects on food security, health, shelter, medicine, and aesthetic and other life sustaining resources.

Join us in an hour of discussion on how to save Southeast Asia’s rich biodiversity. Without a concerted effort to protect and conserve biodiversity, the ASEAN region’s 567 million people and the entire human race are in danger.

Download the registration form and email to acbcop9@aseanbiodiversity.org.