The park is generally rolling to mountainous with a dominant slope ranging from 18 per cent to 50 per cent, with an elevation ranging from 297 to 1,763 metres above sea level.
Unique Flora
vascular plants belonging to the families Cyperaceae, Araceae, Rubiaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Burseraceae, Myrtaceae, Araucariaceae, ferns, stranglers, epiphytes, and lianas or the woody vines.
A total of 325 fern species in 29 families, and 28 species of lycophytes in 2 families are present in the park.
Out of 29 families of ferns, Hymenophyllaceae dominates the area, followed by Thelypteridaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Pteridaceae, Polypodiaceae, Aspleniaceae, Athyriaceae, and Lindsaeaceae.
For the lycophytes species, Sellaginellaceae dominates the park.
A total of 237 tree species are present in the area, belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, and Lauraceae.
Unique Fauna
Endangered Negros shrew (Crocidura negrina), Critically Endangered Philippine Tube-nosed fruit bat (Nyctimene rabori) and the Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons negrinus), the Endangered Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi), and the Visayan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis rabori);
Philippine endemic species such as the Endangered Golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), Vulnerable species Fischer’s pygmy fruit bat (Haplonycteris fischeri), Harpy fruit bat (Harpionycteris whiteheadi), and the Golden-mantled flying fox Pteropus pumilus
A total of 209 resident and migrant birds are recorded, 14 species of these are globally threatened, most notably the Critically Endangered Negros bleeding-heart pigeon (Gallicolumba keayi) and the Visayan wrinkled-billed hornbill (Aceros waldeni) along with several Endangered species of birds such as the Negros-striped babbler (Stachyris nigrorum), Flame-templed babbler Dasycrotapha speciosa, Japanese night-heron (Gorsachius goisagi), and White-throated jungle flycatcher Rhinomyias albigularis.
The entire Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is within the Cuernos de Negros, an Important Bird Area as referred to by Mallari et al., 2001. Different recreational activities are recommended, as long as the activities would not disturb or affect the integrity of the area including its wildlife and environs.
The Park consists of steep, almost inaccessible mountainous terrain. A part of the 2.5-million hectare Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, which is a World Heritage Site, encompasses smaller nature reserves.
This is the 4th largest national protected area in the country, and home to more than 20 ethnic groups. Also, the Nam Ha National Protected Area is an extremely important
Covering 29,845 hectares in Viet Nam’s mountainous province of Lao Cai, Hong Lien Sa Pa National Park contains the country’s highest mountain, the Phan Xi Pang or Fansipan. This mountain
IMA World Health is a leading public health organisation that delivers solutions to health-related problems across the developing world. The organisation works with local partners and governments to strengthen existing health systems, prevent and treat diseases, improve maternal and child health, promote nutrition and WASH, and contribute to global health security.
Learn more about IMA World Health here: https://imaworldhealth.org/
The EU also plays a leading role in international efforts to promote sustainable development. Environmental challenges do not stop at borders. More action is needed globally to ensure clean air, oceans and other water resources and to ensure that land and ecosystems are used sustainably and that climate change is kept to manageable levels.
Learn more about the European Union here: https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/eu-what-it-is/en/#chapter2
The Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) is a Philippine-based investment management and holding company registered with the Philippine Securities Exchange Commission. It is a leading infrastructure holding company with a diverse set of assets held through operating companies. Through acquisitions and strategic partnerships, MPIC seeks to create value by upgrading infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, increasing customer coverage and working closely with regulators and other partners in government.
Learn more about MPIC here: https://www.mpic.com.ph/about-us/our-company/
Known as one of the world’s leading promotional banks, the KfW Development Bank is committed to improving the social and economic living conditions of people around the world, while promoting environmental and ecological sustainability. On behalf of the Federal Government of Germany and the federal states, the KfW provides financial support to governments, public enterprises, and commercial banks in developing countries.
Learn more about KfW here: https://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/International-financing/KfW-Entwicklungsbank/
Hosted by Viet Nam, a field trip is scheduled at Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is recognised for its geological and geomorphological value due to the development of karst limestone formations over billions of years. These limestone features are the result of Earth’s tectonic deformation, uplift, erosion, weathering, and sea level changes. Ha Long Bay also represents one of the areas where sea level changes have occurred throughout Earth’s evolutionary history from the Cretaceous period to the present. Thus, Ha Long Bay serves as a living record of global climate change. It also exemplifies the interaction between geological and biological processes, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem
Co-organised with the European Union through the Technical Assistance Facility to the Green Team Europe Initiative (EU-GTEI)
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, to provide both human well-being and biodiversity benefits. This underpins the benefits that flow from healthy ecosystems and targets major challenges like climate change, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, and health are critical to economic development.
This interactive session will explore how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can be scaled and adapted across ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) to enhance biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and community resilience. Using the ASEAN NbS Platform as a foundation, the sessions will connect landscape-based NbS strategies with the unique ecological and cultural contexts of AHPs.
Mr. Sebastien Goethals
NbS, Spatial & Landscape Planner Expert
Co-designing and Financing NbS Pilot Projects in ASEAN Heritage Parks
Mr. Alvin Lopez
Head of Nature Solutions Finance Hub, ADB (TBC)
Ms. Domiliza Campaner
Park Superintendent
Pasonanca Natural Park, Philippines
Ms. Elisabet Rismauli Wahyuni
Park Manager
Lorentz National Park, Indonesia
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh Hai
Head of Scientific Research and
International Cooperation Dept
Tram Chim National Park, Viet Nam
co-organised with IMA World Health
AHP 8 – Session 2 – Concept Note
The increasing prevalence of zoonotic disease underscores the need for integrated approaches to managing health risks at the interface of humans, animals, and ecosystems. This urgency was reinforced during the CBD COP 16 with the adoption of the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health. This milestone document promotes preventive, ecosystem-based strategies to address key drivers of zoonotic disease, including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and unsustainable wildlife management. In Southeast Asia, the ACB plays an active role in implementing these principles, having been involved in the development and implementation of the ASEAN One Health Joint Plan of Action (ASEAN OH JPA) following the ASEAN Leaders Declaration on One Health in May 2023. Furthermore, the ACB also fosters regional collaboration and capacity-building initiatives by integrating One Health principles into conservation strategies across ASEAN Member States.
This session will highlight how ASEAN, through the AHP Programme and its wider biodiversity agenda, is contributing to the implementation of the KM GBF. It will also showcase progress on mainstreaming One Health principles into conservation strategies, identify opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration, and explore innovative pathways for cooperation in line with the goals of the KM GBF and the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan. The session will include the subtopics indicated below and will feature experiences and perspectives from the following speakers and panelists:
Dr. Jerome Montemayor
Executive Director
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Dr. Mardi Caniban
Bureau of Animal Industry
Department of Agriculture
Philippines
Ms. Viny Sutriani
One Health Focal Point
Ministry of Health
Indonesia
Ms. Yang Shufen
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Singapore
Mr. Oliver Agoncillo
Director
Mainstreaming Biodiversity Division
Programmes Department
ACB
Dr. Melbourne Talactac
Chairman
One Health University Network
Philippines
Ms. Niken Salindri
Program Manager for the
One Health Collaborating Centers
One Health University Network
Indonesia
Ms. Nga Nguyen
One Health Team Leader
Wildlife Conservation Society
Representative Office in Viet Nam
Mr. Elliott James Ong
Co-Founder
Pasarfish
Mr. Muhammad Nur Hisham bin Busra
Park Warden
Endau-Rompin Johor National Park, Malaysia
Ms. Nadia Putri Rachma Persada
Regional Co-Coordinator
Global Youth Biodiversity Network SEA
Dr. Lerma SJ Maldia
Professor, Department of Forest Biological Sciences /
Director, Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems
University of the Philippines Los Baños Laguna,
Philippines
Dr. Nguyen Hoang Hao
Director of Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve
Deputy Head – Dong Nai World Biosphere Reserve
Management Board
Ms. Sarah Grace Ancheta
M&E Officer
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Mr. Muhammad Abdul Syukur
Director of Penabulu Foundation
Ms. Lina Warlina
AHP Manager representative
Way Kambas National Park
Ms. Ho
Ayun Commune Representative
Ms. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan
Director
Center for Water Resources Conservation and
Development (WARECOD)
Ms. Wai Mon Thet
Range Officer
Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division,
Forest Department
Various efforts from ASEAN Member States and the ACB’s TSCC country parties proactively address this concern through their NBSAP and national commitments to eradicate and reverse degradation. The ASEAN Heritage Parks and the ASEAN Green Initiative exemplify the best practices in ecosystem restoration, enhancing and protecting the integrity of the ecosystems. Ecological restoration and rehabilitation in AHPs demonstrate effective protected area management for the protection and maintenance of the habitat of important species, while the ASEAN Green Initiative showcases the best people-led reforestation initiatives in private lands, urban settings, key biodiversity and various landscapes. These restoration initiatives showcase inclusivity in restoration. The session highlights ASEAN’s best practices in scaling up Target 2 and Target 3 of the KM GBF through its flagship programmes, AHP and the AGI.
Ms. Zhuo Cheng
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Ms. Nancy R. Corpuz
Chief, Ecosystems Management Specialist
Biodiversity Management Bureau
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Philippines AWGNCB
Mr. Sulistyanto
Policy Analyst
Directorate of Area Conservation
Ministry of Forestry
AHP Committee Member
Mr. Palber Turnip
Gunung Leuser National Park
Ms. Somawan Sukprasert
Environmentalist, Senior Professional Level,
Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning
Thailand AWGNCB
Mr. Chalong Thongsong
Kraeng Krachan National Park
Ms. Abegail Y. Gatdula, RPF
BINHI Program Lead
Corporate Relations & Communications
Energy Development Corporation
Ms. Riina Jalonen
Scientist
Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Dr. Joe Miller
Executive Secretary and Director
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
Ms. Zhuo Cheng
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Achieving Target 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF) calls for conserving at least 30 per cent of the world’s land and sea areas through effective and inclusive management. Session 3: Strengthening Biodiversity Conservation – ASEAN’s Collaborative Contributions to the 30×30 Target will showcase the region’s collective efforts, key actions, and partnerships that advance biodiversity conservation. The session will emphasise on ASEAN’s collaborative approaches and innovative practices that help accelerate regional progress toward the achievement of Target 3.
Vincent V. Hilomen, PhD
Regional Fisheries Adviser
ASEAN ENMAPS Project
Sapto Aji Prabowo
Director Conservation Area Management
Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia
Sheila G. Vergara, PhD
Project Manager-Chief Technical Adviser
ASEAN ENMAPS Project
Shufen Yang
Director
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
Thien Le Quoc
WWF – Viet Nam
Carlo Paolini
IMET Coach / Biodiversity and Governance Specialist
Christian Elloran
Director
Biodiversity Informatics and Geospatial Analysis
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Timothy John Pasicolan
AHP Programme Associate
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Protected Areas provide ecosystem services that are critical for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, ecosystem resilience, sustainable economic development, and improving human well-being. Effective protected area management is a critical tool in safeguarding these benefits. Sustaining and scaling these efforts requires innovative approaches and sustainable sources of financing and resource mobilisation.
In Southeast Asia, financing for the development of protected areas is inadequate. Most of these PAs rely on traditional funding sources, which are the government, where funds are quite limited and unpredictable. PAs require a sustainable source of financing to support general administration, maintenance of buildings, vehicles, and equipment, law enforcement, species and habitat monitoring, scientific studies, outreach and awareness programmes, and tourism management. Mobilising adequate and sustainable financing is essential for meeting the goals of the Biodiversity Plan and ensuring long-term biodiversity conservation in ASEAN.
This session will explore how ASEAN can scale up resource mobilisation, while strengthening partnerships and financing strategies. Particular emphasis will be given to the AHP Programme as a platform for piloting and showcasing sustainable financing models that directly support protected area management, biodiversity-friendly livelihoods, and community participation. This session will highlight the best practices, opportunities, and lessons on how ASEAN can leverage sustainable finance to secure long-term conservation, protection, and resilience of its most important ecosystems.
Ms. Kamille Rosales
Biodiversity Finance Analyst
Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) Global Team
United Nations Development Programme
Mr. Ryan A. Cuanan
Chief, Ecosystems Management Specialist
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Mr. Aung Thant Zin
Chief Executive Officer
Myanmar Environmental Rehabilitation- Conservation
Network (MERN)
Ms. Joyce Panaligan-Quinan
Senior Sustainability Manager
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
Mr. Lennon Dungau Anak Remil
Park Warden
Gunung Mulu National Park
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC)
Mr. Dzulhaili Bin Dzulkarnain
Assistant Secretary
Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environmental Sustainability
Ms. Krystal Dayne Villanada
Protected Area Superintendent
Apo Reef Natural Park
Mr. Komkrit Setbubpha
Director
National Park Research and
Innovation Development Division
Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and
Plant Conservation
Mr. Pham Van Trung
Senior Programme Officer
Viet Nam Forest Protection and Development Fund
(VNFF)
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Implementation of
payment for Forest Environmental Services
Date & Time: 2 December 2025, 08:30 – 12:00
Venue: Thanh Lân 2 (First floor)
Target Participants: Closed session for AHP Managers and AHP Committee Members
Venue: Hồng Quảng (2nd floor)
As the host country, Viet Nam will warmly welcome all AHP8 participants with a special dinner showcasing its rich culture and hospitality. The evening will feature a short programme prepared by the hosts, offering guests an opportunity to experience local traditions, enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and foster camaraderie among delegates ahead of the conference sessions. This will also highlight the awarding ceremony for the newly designated AHPs for the previous three years:
Accessing crucial restoration-related data remains a significant challenge, impeding the scaling of ecosystem restoration efforts. To address this, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the UN Decade Task Forces on Monitoring and Best Practices, has developed the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM). FERM enhances data access, transparency, and alignment of restoration actions with scientific insights. It also supports countries in monitoring and reporting restoration areas for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF) Target 2. Launched in 2022, FERM includes a registry of restoration initiatives, a geospatial platform for data visualisation, and a search engine for accessing initiatives and good practices. A data review functionality is being developed to support countries reporting Headline indicator 2.1 Area under restoration to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The FERM Registry allows for the registration of restoration initiatives and good practices, ensuring interoperability with platforms like GEF. The geospatial platform enables analysis of restoration-related data, including remotely sensed data, while the FERM Search engine consolidates initiatives and practices from various collaborating platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing.
The ASEAN Heritage Parks initiative brings potential data providers to FERM. Including spatial data of ASEAN Heritage Parks in FERM contributes to the transparent monitoring of ecosystem restoration in the subregion and the effective implementation of Target 2 of the KM GBF.
In this workshop side co-organised with the FAO, participants will engage in an interactive overview of FERM, exploring its functionalities and focusing on the importance of registering initiatives and documenting good practices. Through presentations, discussions, and hands-on sessions, the workshop aims to familiarise participants with FERM’s tools and encourage knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The closing session will highlight the objectives achieved by the AHP8. The session will include the presentation of summaries and key recommendations from the breakout sessions. Tokens of appreciation will also be awarded to key partners for their significant contributions to the conference’s success. A short video containing the highlights of the Conference will be played.
The SGP II Closing will be the culminating event bringing together key stakeholders—including implementing partners, technical experts, service providers, park management staff from ASEAN Heritage Parks in Viet Nam, and community beneficiaries. The Closing will highlight the Programme’s successes, best practices, and key lessons learned from activities focused on community awareness, livelihood support, and biodiversity conservation across the four selected SGP-supported AHPs in Viet Nam. As part of the event, discussions will also include the second instalment of ACB’s Project Sustainability Forum, aimed at exploring pathways to ensure that the Programme’s positive outcomes and community-driven initiatives continue to thrive beyond the Programme’s funding cycle.
