Statement on the International Day for Biological Diversity 2017

Atty. Roberto V. Oliva
Executive Director
22 May 2017

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) joins the world in celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2017.

With the theme “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism,” this year’s celebration focuses on raising awareness about the key contributions of sustainable tourism to economic growth and to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Home to a wealth of picturesque natural sites, the ASEAN region has become a prime destination for backpackers, adventure-seekers, and tourists who travel far to experience the rich biodiversity, astonishing landscapes, and breathtaking seascapes found in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Among tourist destinations in the region are 38 ASEAN Heritage Parks – protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems and species of the ASEAN region.

The 10 ASEAN Member States are promoting the protection of ASEAN’s natural heritage through these sites. They are implementing the ASEAN Heritage Parks Program to instill greater awareness, promote conservation, and provide a sense of pride and enjoyment of the rich natural heritage sites among the ASEAN people. These key life-supporting major ecosystems have provided a common agenda and united the countries to better protect the environment and take responsibility and leadership for the sustainable management of their shared resources. One goal of the program is the promotion of recreation, tourism, and ecotourism in these parks.

This International Day for Biodiversity, we call on the private sector to support the conservation of natural heritage sites through the Adopt an ASEAN Heritage Park Program. Private sector interventions including sponsoring training activities for park managers and rangers; building much-needed infrastructure; supporting communication, education, and public awareness activities; and providing transportation for park workers can make a big difference for ASEAN Heritage Parks and biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.

We also encourage everyone to know more about these ASEAN Heritage Parks and experience the many wonders that these natural treasures have to offer. With this invitation comes a reminder to travel responsibly. Tourists can help preserve the integrity of the environment by respecting natural habitats and the wildlife found in these areas; disposing waste responsibly; respecting local communities living in travel sites; and choosing nature-friendly accommodation.

In exploring landscapes and seascapes, let us keep in mind the importance of sustainable tourism. Let us ensure the balance between environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism.

Know more about ASEAN Heritage Parks at www.aseanbiodiversity.org. Join the International Day for Biodiversity celebrations. Know more at https://www.cbd.int/idb/2017/.