Two outstanding protected areas of regional importance – Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park in the Philippines and Prek Toal Ramsar Site in Cambodia – have been endorsed to become the 70^th and 71^st ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs), demonstrating the region’s commitment to safeguarding its rich natural resources.  

The endorsement comes after discussions at the Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) and the Meeting of the Governing Board of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). With support from the ASEAN Member States (AMS), the two sites are now for ad referendum approval of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment.  

As part of the AHP nomination review process, the ACB coordinated with technical evaluators, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, and the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia in conducting field evaluation missions of both sites earlier this year. 

Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park in the Philippines is a recognised Key Biodiversity Area and an Important Bird Area. It is known for its high endemicity across various taxonomic groups and is home to critically endangered flora and fauna, including Philippine Eagle (Phitecophaga jefferyi) and Rafflesia (Rafflesia verrucosa). In addition, the natural park is also culturally significant and a sacred site for Higaonon tribe. On the other hand, Prek Toal Ramsar Site in Cambodia is renowned as the region’s largest waterbird breeding areas and the largest core area of UNESCO’s Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. It is sustained by the unique Mekong flood-pulse system, which drives seasonal hydrological dynamics. It is also known for the exceptional ethno-biological heritage of long-established adaptive floating villages. 

According to ACB Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor, “This marks a step closer to our goal of expanding our network of AHPs across the region. From 11 AHPs when the programme was launched in 1984, we now have 69 AHPs. This is a testament to the region’s commitment to preserving and restoring its immense natural wealth by strengthening connectivity, improving management, sharing best practices, capacity building, and the development of innovative awareness-raising activities.”  

At present, the region’s 69 declared AHPs are composed of 47 terrestrial, 12 marine, and 10 wetland AHPs, covering approximately 11.9 million hectares of protected areas. The ACB, as the AHP Secretariat, has received three more AHP nominations from Lao PDR and Thailand and is currently in the process of evaluating documents and coordinating with the concerned government agencies. 

Governing Board Meeting of the ACB

Ahead of this year’s ASOEN Meeting, the Governing Board of the ACB (GB ACB) convened on 10 August 2026 via teleconferencing. Hosted by the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the annual GB ACB meeting is an opportunity to present progress and discuss matters that are crucial to the operations of the ACB. 

Opening the meeting as Chair of the GB ACB, ASOEN Chair Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), highlighted the Centre’s enduring impact in the region. “The Philippines has been a proud host of the ACB since its establishment in 2005. For more than 20 years, the ACB, through its flagship initiatives and programmes, has continuously raised the banner in facilitating cooperation and coordination for the conservation of the unique natural treasures in Southeast Asia,” Atty. Leones shared. 

As this year’s host, Myanmar celebrated the region’s unity and continued commitment. Mr. Chit Oo, Director of the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, said, “Although we are meeting virtually today, it is a great pleasure for Myanmar to host this meeting and to join all of you once again as we reaffirm our shared commitment to conserving ASEAN’s rich biological diversity and strengthening regional cooperation.” Director Oo also commended the ACB for its efforts in facilitating technical cooperation, capacity building, knowledge exchange, biodiversity information management, and regional initiatives that contribute significantly to the achievement of global and regional frameworks. 

The 26^th GB ACB Meeting offered a platform to brief the AMS on the status of several flagship initiatives such as the AHP Programme, the ASEAN Biodiversity Dashboard, and the development of the fourth edition of the ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook, the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes, the ASEAN Green Initiative, and the ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Programme and several activities related to mainstreaming biodiversity into different sectors. It also discussed the status of the ACB’s ongoing projects such as the Small Grants Programme by the ACB, the Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region, and the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases, among others. 

In addition to the endorsement of Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park and Prek Toal Ramsar Site, the GB ACB also endorsed the AHP Regional Action Plan (2026-2035) to the 37^th ASOEN Meeting. It also discussed the AHP Forum being organised with the DENR in September as part of the activities of the ASEAN Chairship of the Philippines.  

The meeting likewise discussed the ASEAN Joint Statement on Biodiversity and the participation of the ACB as well as the setting up of the ASEAN Pavilion at the 17^th Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in October this year. It was also an opportunity to present and discuss the Centre’s policies and its resource mobilisation strategy to support the Centre’s initiatives and ensure the sustainability of its operations.  

“We thank the members of the GB ACB and the ASEAN Secretariat for their valuable inputs as we continue navigating the future of the ACB, and as it continues to fulfil its mandate of facilitating cooperation and coordination among the ASEAN Member States and numerous like-minded partners for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use,” ACB Executive Director Montemayor said.  

KUCHING, Malaysia and AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines — In a significant step towards biodiversity conservation and reducing carbon emissions through nature-based solutions in Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), through the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands) Project successfully organised back-to-back collaborative action planning workshops in Maludam National Park (MNP), Malaysia, and Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), Philippines—two known critical peatlands in the Southeast Asia.

The workshops marked the culmination of previous consultation activities and feasibility studies conducted at the two pilot sites. Together with the Global Environment Center (GEC), the EnCORE Project Management Team (PMT) presented the findings to local stakeholders. These findings are to be translated into site-specific interventions, particularly micro-grant packages that aim to restore ecosystems while enhancing peoples’ livelihoods, and identified partner community-based organisations as co-implementors. These interventions will be implemented from July to November 2026, in line with the project’s remaining duration. 

The said workshops reinforced the role of collaborative planning in strengthening peatland conservation by transforming scientific information into practical and adaptable community-driven actions to enhance climate resilience and support the long-term sustainable management of the two most ecologically significant wetland landscapes in the ASEAN region.

Strategies for Maludam National Park

As one of the EnCORE Wetlands Project’s pilot sites, the MNP plays a vital role in conserving one of the region’s largest peat swamp forests, making it a priority landscape for climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

The Collaborative Action Planning Workshop with stakeholders from Maludam was convened from 24 to 25 June in Kuching, Sarawak. It brought together representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) Sarawak, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), local administrative sub-district offices, and community leaders to strengthen the collaborative management of MNP.

A key highlight of the workshop was the validation of land cover and carbon stock assessment results, which informed the identification of nature-based interventions and biodiversity-friendly livelihood strategies. Discussions also explored communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) initiatives to help reduce economic pressures on the park’s peatland ecosystems while promoting their long-term conservation.   

NRES Representative Mr. Dzulhaili bin Dzulkarnain emphasised the importance of adopting a landscape approach to address peatland degradation, noting that collective action is essential to deliver long-term solutions that can enhance both community well-being and the sustainable management of the landscape.

Echoing this message, Ms. Corazon A. de Jesus, Jr., Acting Director of ACB’s Programmes Department, highlighted MNP’s significance as a critical conservation area for both Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

“Conserving and protecting any area is not an easy task. While regional and project support is vital, we will eventually leave. It is those who are living and working here who will stay behind and continue all of these efforts. This workshop is crucial to establishing a good understanding of how to complement each other’s actions toward having Maludam better conserved and better managed,” she said.

Building on the technical discussions, three community-led micro-grant packages were proposed. The first grant supports livelihood diversification through the cultivation of Licuala sp. (locally known as umbut palas)  as a non-timber forest product. The second promotes CEPA through markers, physical signs, and social media content, highlighting peatland conservation and flood awareness. The third focuses on ecosystem restoration by strengthening peat fire prevention through the training of local volunteers and the provision of essential groundwater monitoring and fire response equipment.

Restoring the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

The other pilot site of the EnCORE Wetlands Project, the AMWS stands as one of the most important inland wetlands in the Philippines with diverse ecosystems such as freshwater swamp forests, peatlands, marshes, shallow ponds, and lakes. It is recognised as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar) and an ASEAN Heritage Park, establishing its role as one of the most outstanding wetlands in ASEAN.  

From 1 to 2 July 2026, the EnCORE Wetlands Project Team organised the collaborative action planning workshop for the Agusan leg, together with GEC. Participating in the workshop were representatives from the AMWS Protected Area Management Board, the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga Region, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Governor, Municipalities of Talacogon, Bunawan, La Paz, Rosario, and San Francisco, members of select Indigenous Peoples’ groups, and the National Commission on Indigenous People in Agusan del Sur. 

Mr. Michael Jaldon, EnCORE Wetlands Project Manager said, “We have only a little time left for the project, but we want to leave a lasting impression, and after this one, we want to move towards sustainability as well as we help the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.”

Mr. Harold Jay Sumilhig, Ecosystems Management Specialist II and Acting Planning Officer of the Protected Area Management Office of the-AMWS, affirmed that the activities under the EnCORE Wetlands Project are relevant to the AMWS management plans. Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Government Department Head of Agusan del Sur’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Mr. Rex Mel Acedillo, acknowledged current initiatives as relevant interventions and progress for the AMWS management.  He likewise expressed partnership with their “big brother” the DENR, on future collaborative efforts. 

Mr. Leo Dunstan David, Senior Programme Officer at GEC, presented key study findings revealing notable forest recovery and a significant decline in grassland cover within the AMWS. The study’s carbon stock assessments showed that while forests act as carbon sinks, grasslands generally release carbon dioxide. However, data also indicated that waterlogging causes carbon release across forest, paddy, and grassland ecosystems. To restore the area, recommendations included implementing canal blocks, reforesting fire-scarred areas, and maintaining high water levels to prevent peatland forest fires. 

Additionally, the ACB proposed a number of nature-based solutions including riverbank stabilisation, riparian buffer restoration, and peatland paludiculture. Other proposed interventions were forest fire management, phytoremediation of forest corridors, hydrological protection via small water-permeable dams, rewetting peatlands, and biodiversity monitoring. 

For the AMWS, the micro-grant packages based on all the consolidated findings would revolve around ecotourism enhancement, youth leadership development, and wetland restoration measures. Under the micro-grant package on ecotourism, proposed activities enhancing sustainability, accessibility, and visitor experience in the AMWS and by developing a community-led and market-ready ecotourism products and services for Lake Panlabuhan, the only established ecotourism destination in AMWS so far. Visitor safety and appreciation of the ecological and cultural values of the AMWS were also included. The Kinambaylan Bukogon Lumad Agusan Marsh Loreto Organization (KBLAMLO), a community-based peoples’ organisation, was the local group nominated as the beneficiary of the ecotourism package.

The restoration measures in Agusan will have two projects: the first will be on production training, procurement and planting of banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) seedlings and bamboo culm cuttings, and support to nursery operations. The said species were selected due to their conservation values, climate mitigation potential, significance in watershed protection, and viability in augmenting local livelihoods. The second restoration project will be the construction of canal blocks or check dams in Talacogon, due to the frequent occurrence of peat fires in the area, especially during the dry season. According to the GEC, the construction of canal blocks or check dams will not only address fire risks but will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving carbon storage of the AMWS. The GEC is set to conduct training on the construction of the canal blocks/check dams as a nature-based solution to be adopted by the local communities. Lastly, youth partnership on these initiatives will be crucial in raising awareness on the manifold value of AMWS, as well as empowering the youth as able partners and future leaders.

In both workshops conducted, the  EnCORE Wetlands Project team will continue working closely with government agencies, local partners, and communities to refine the proposed interventions and support their implementation to ensure that initiatives are translated into tangible outcomes before the project concludes. The agreed actions are expected to complement the future management planning process for the MNP and the AMWS while reinforcing long-term peatland conservation, protection, and restoration of both sites which will lead to reduction of carbon emissions and increased climate resilience.

LAGUNA, Philippines  – Boosting the capacities of ASEAN Member States in conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity across the region, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) launched the ACB Secondment Programme 2026 from February to May with two officers from Malaysia and Myanmar completing the programme.

Chosen for their current roles within their home organisations, experiences, and motivation, Malaysia’s Anne Malissa King, Wildlife Officer at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, and Myanmar’s Su Yi Hnin, Staff Officer at the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Forest Department, were given the opportunity to be immersed and gain practical experience in biodiversity mainstreaming, programme management, project development, knowledge management, and communication, education, and public awareness activities from the ACB’s various departments and divisions.

During their four-month engagement, the two officers worked on several key  tasks. These included developing knowledge products on wetland management; supporting the Youth Leadership Training in Maludam National Park; assisting in the technical review of Youth Mapping National Reports for Malaysia and Myanmar; drafting a white paper on country-level needs and priorities related to ecosystem restoration in Myanmar and nature-based solution initiatives within Sarawak protected areas; supporting regional programme implementation; and sharing their expertise as special guests for an upcoming BiodiversiTalks episode.  

This year’s Secondment Programme culminated with an in-person Exit Seminar on 8 June 2026 at the ACB Headquarters. In his opening remarks, ACB Executive Director Dr. Jerome Montemayor commended the two officers for their impactful engagements and an amazing journey of rediscovering ASEAN biodiversity. “This marks not the end of a meaningful learning journey, but rather, this is the beginning of continued mutual learning and exchanges between the ACB and the AMS. The ACB, especially the Secondment Programme Secretariat, wishes you more success and productive engagements as you return to your respective countries. Remember that you will always have a home in the ACB,” said Dr. Montemayor.

“The ACB Secondment Programme is a capacity development programme designed for the ASEAN Member States. It aims to promote direct participation of mid-career professionals from the government, non-government organisations, research and academia across the region to carry out selected regular functions of the ACB through short- and long-term assignments. Through training, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities among seconded officers, ACB staff, and experts, the Programme helps build a stronger ASEAN community,” explained Oliver Agoncillo, Mainstreaming Biodiversity Division Director of the ACB.

During the seminar, the seconded officers shared their accomplishments, lessons learned, re-entry plans, and reflections on their contributions to the ACB and to their home organisations. 

Anne shared fresh insights gained from her experiences during the Programme. “I joined the Secondment Programme to have a better understanding of how our work is contributing to the regional and global goals. True enough, I now have a better understanding of how we are actually contributing to global-local connectivity, including through our protected areas and the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme,” she said. 

During her turn, Su highlighted the new skills she acquired in communicating complex biodiversity concepts. “During my secondment journey, I gained more understanding of the need for effective communication and the whole-of-society approach to spread awareness because biodiversity conservation is deeply interconnected,” she cited. 

The Secondment Programme likewise hopes to contribute to achieving Target 20 of the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan, which underscores the importance of strengthening capacities, scientific transfer, and technical cooperation among the ASEAN Member States by providing opportunities for gaining first-hand experience, interaction with regional and global biodiversity actors, and fostering a deep understanding of the ACB’s mandates and institutional processes. 

Since 2013, the Programme has benefited the ACB and a diverse group of mid‑career and senior officials across the AMS through assignments ranging from two weeks to one year, where both short‑ and long‑term secondments have made significant contributions in their respective institutions as well as to the ACB. To date, there are a total of 48 alumni who have completed the Centre’s Secondment programme.

HANOI, Viet Nam — Following the successful implementation of the Small Grants Programme by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity II (SGP II) in Viet Nam, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) hosted the SGP II Partners’ and Sustainability Forum to celebrate milestones and explore strategies for sustaining the programme’s achievements on biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. 

The forum convened more than 60 representatives from the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (NBCA-MAE), the KfW Development Bank (KfW), SGP II Service Providers, partner communities, as well as members of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network and officials from other ASEAN Member States. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and facilitating discussions to sustain the programme results. 

From 2017 to 2025, SGP II invested EUR 7.71 million in 52 community-led projects across four ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) in Viet Nam—Ba Be, Chu Mom Ray, Hoang Lien, and Kon Ka Kinh National Parks. These initiatives contributed to the improved capacities of park managements, ethnic groups, women, and youths in monitoring wildlife, providing ecotourism services, and developing biodiversity-based livelihood products.  

Among the significant programme outputs are the documentation of more than 10,000 flora and 90 fauna species, the planting of 84,000 seedlings of endangered tree species, and new income streams for more than 170 households who participated in various livelihood activities espoused by the programme. 

“The SGP II brought significant wins for biodiversity and livelihoods in Viet Nam. Through this forum, we would like to inspire collaborations with local, national, and regional conservation actors and see how these gains could continue beyond the project timeline,” Dr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, Official, NBCA-MAE. 

The forum featured a series of presentations from SGP II stakeholders who shared their learning experiences and innovations in implementing the projects. The presentations provided insights to participants on effective approaches for sustaining project results and fostering stronger collaboration among partners. Invited speakers from other AHPs and conservation organisations likewise shared various sustainability mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and biodiversity finance plans.

One of the highlights of the forum was the launching of various knowledge products and the premiere of a 15-minute video documentary produced by the ACB. Beyond the reported results, the documentary offered a glimpse of the inspiring stories of SGP II partner communities and organisations, highlighting how local actions have generated meaningful impacts for people and nature.

“The success of SGP II reflects the power of community-driven action and partnerships in addressing biodiversity challenges. As we celebrate the milestones of the programme, we also recognise that sustaining these gains requires continued collaboration, innovation, and commitment from all stakeholders,” said Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor, Executive Director of the ACB. 

The forum concluded with a collective reaffirmation of support for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through the Commitment Board, where participants expressed their promised actions towards advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in their respective communities. 

Throughout the forum, an exhibit booth showcased programme infographics and products from partner communities of SGP I and II, including the biodiversity-inspired textiles from the women’s group Thu cong Hoang Lien and the honey products from Sa Thay Commune Beekeeping Cooperative in CMRNP.

The SGP II Partners’ and Sustainability Forum marks not only a celebration of accomplishments, but also the beginning of a renewed commitment from programme and external stakeholders alike to ensure that the successful outcomes gained over the past years will continue to benefit communities and biodiversity across ASEAN for years to come.

The SGP II is an initiative supported by the Federal Republic of Germany through the KfW, to sustain biodiversity and support the livelihoods of local communities within and around selected AHPs in Viet Nam.

HANOI, Viet Nam—Environment leaders and key stakeholders from across Southeast Asia convened in the 36^th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (AWGNCB) and other related meetings from 1 to 5 June 2026 to discuss biodiversity issues and updates and to strategise for the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference in October 2026 in Armenia.

The AWGNCB convenes annually to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, as guided by the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan.

This year’s AWGNCB Meeting was hosted by the Nature  and Biodiversity Conservation Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam, in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). The two-day meeting was held back-to-back with the Small Grants Programme by the ACB II Partners’ and Sustainability Forum; the 13^th ASEAN Heritage Parks Committee Meeting; the Consultation Workshop on the ASEAN Joint Statement to the 17^th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity  (CBD COP17), which will be vetted through the ASEAN process and procedures; and the Advancing ASEAN Dialogue on the Global Biodiversity Framework, Nature-based Solutions and Biodiversity Projects, organised by the Technical Assistance Facility to the Green Team Europe Initiative (TAF-GTEI).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Bui Chinh Nghia, Director General of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Viet Nam, highlighted the importance of the AWGNCB. “The AWGNCB is one of the most important regional cooperation mechanisms in the field of nature conservation and biodiversity. It enables ASEAN Member States to exchange experiences, strengthen capacities, mobilise resources, and advance collaborative initiatives to address transboundary challenges,”.

Chaired by Viet Nam, key discussions focused on updates and plans related to regional flagship initiatives and projects. The Meeting was divided into clusters: (i) reducing threats to biodiversity, which includes protected areas and ecosystem restoration initiatives; (ii) sustainable use and access and benefit sharing; and (iii) tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming biodiversity, which also covers capacity development, knowledge management and communication, and engaging the youth, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and other key stakeholder groups.

One of the Meeting’s highlights is the endorsement of the nominations of two new ASEAN Heritage Parks for consideration by the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment. The two proposed AHPs are Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park in Misamis Oriental, Philippines, a key biodiversity area and an Important Bird Area known for its high endemicity across various taxonomic groups, and Prek Toal Ramsar Site in Battambang, Cambodia, Southeast Asia’s largest waterbird breeding colony. The agenda likewise included the second call for nominations for the ASEAN Green Initiative and the opening of the call for nominations for the next set of ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes. The AWGNCB, ASEAN Secretariat, and the ACB, likewise, endorsed-in-principle the ASEAN Joint Statement for the CBD COP 17 in October this year. 

According to the ACB Executive Director Jerome Montemayor, “As the region’s centre of excellence for biodiversity, the AWGNCB helps us in aligning and responding to the needs and interests of the ASEAN Member States, especially in relation to achieving their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans, the region’s ASEAN Biodiversity Plan, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”
In addition to official representatives from the ASEAN Member States, the meeting also welcomed the participation of development partners and youth leaders. The series of meetings was supported by TAF-GTEI, the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases project funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN through the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, and the Small Grants Programme, the ACB’s long-standing programme on biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood development supported by the Federal Republic of Germany through the KfW Development Bank.

UK Ambassador to ASEAN Helen Fazey said:

“ASEAN Climate Week 2026 comes at a significant moment as we mark five years of the UK as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner. Our partnership is built on delivering practical, ASEAN-led solutions to shared challenges. Through the Green Transition Fund – the flagship programme of the UK Mission to ASEAN – we are supporting action on nature-based solutions, climate finance, and inclusive energy transitions that strengthen resilience and protect livelihoods across Southeast Asia. The UK looks forward to continuing this close collaboration with ASEAN and its Member States as the region advances its climate ambitions towards COP 31.”

“We convene at a critical moment, ASEAN Member States have raised ambitions through updated NDCs but the urgent challenge before us is implementation: translating commitments into policies, programmes and investment-ready projects that deliver measurable outcomes for our people. From ASEAN Climate Week, we expect clear usable outputs, each share summary on accelerated climate action and regional resilience.”

— Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Acting Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

From 27 April to 1 May 2026, the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund (GTF) convened three high-level activities as part of ASEAN Climate Week 2026, a regional forum co-hosted by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship for 2026. Through the GTF’s implementing partners, these activities brought together government officials, civil society organisations, climate finance institutions, and regional bodies to advance integrated climate action across Southeast Asia’s priority sectors.

The activities, delivered under the GTF’s Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Climate Policy and Institutional Capacity Development pillars, reflect the UK Government’s continued commitment to supporting ASEAN’s own climate priorities through targeted funding, technical expertise, policy engagement, and long-term partnership with ASEAN institutions and Member States.

Biodiversity as climate solution: demonstrating interlinkages across the region

On 27 April, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) hosted a moderated panel discussion, ‘Demonstrating Biodiversity and Climate Change Interlinkages in the ASEAN’. The discussion, co-organised with the Philippine’s Department on Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and supported through the GTF-funded Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands) project, brought together policymakers, academics, civil society organisations, and regional project representatives in a hybrid format.

The discussion addressed the urgent need for unified regional action against the ‘triple planetary crisis’ of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Panellists underscored that Southeast Asia’s rich biodiversity, including tropical peatlands, mangrove forests, and inland forests, represents not only an asset under threat, but a powerful, practical solution to regional climate vulnerability. 

ACB Executive Director Jerome Montemayor shared how rising sea levels, shifting rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency and strength of extreme weather events continue to threaten food and nutrition security, livelihoods, and the safety of millions. “Southeast Asia is one of the most vulnerable areas to the impacts of climate change. Despite also being threatened, healthy and resilient ecosystems are our best line of defense, providing layers of protection from the harmful impacts of disasters and climate change. They safeguard communities, store carbon, and anchor our economic and social well-being,” said Montemayor.

Exploring pathways for scaling climate finance in Southeast Asia

On 1 May, the  “Advancing Learning and Capacities in ASEAN on Mitigation: Financing and Nature-postiive Just Transition”  (ALAM) Project convened a virtual financial flows forum: Exploring Pathways for Increased Climate Finance in Southeast Asia, bringing together representatives from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC), ASEAN Centres, financial institutions, and civil society to explore strategic opportunities for increasing climate finance flows in the region.

‘’The outcomes of today’s forum, the synthesis of our discussions, and the refinement of our project concept note will set the stage for the next decade of climate action in the ASEAN.

Together, under the banner of partnership for progress and prosperity, we can ensure that Southeast Asia remains not just a witness to the green transition, but a leader of it,” said Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Two roundtable discussions anchored the forum. The first examined access to climate finance and investment mobilisation for NbS, with a focus on the ASEAN Investment Framework on Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management (AIF-HFSLM) and the development of a multi-country Green Climate Fund (GCF) concept note on haze-free landscape ecosystem management. The second explored the potential for ASEAN Centres to pursue GCF Direct Access Entity accreditation, drawing on comparative experience from Caribbean Regional Accredited Entities and the GCF Secretariat.

Despite Southeast Asia’s acute vulnerability to climate impacts, there remains a significant gap in climate finance for the region to deliver its climate commitments. Forum participants identified concrete steps to close this gap, including through decentralised access mechanisms and strengthened regional institutional capacity.

Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Dialogue on climate finance and the ASEAN Joint Statement

Also on 27 April, civil society organisations from across Southeast Asia convened in Manila for the Regional CSO Dialogue for an inclusive and just transition in Southeast Asia. While convened outside the formal ASEAN Climate Week 2026, the dialogue was convened with the goal of developing a report on financing just transition strategies which will be published in partnership with the Philippines Chairship  Organised by ALAM project under the GTF, and delivered in support of the Philippines ASEAN Chairship’s agenda, the dialogue brought together frontline CSO voices to gather insights and recommendations on just and inclusive transition in Southeast Asia. 

‘’Today’s discussion provides an important opportunity to bring together national and regional CSOs to share insights and learn from the experience of tackling climate change and biodiversity and advancing an inclusive and just transition in ASEAN. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration and bold and innovative solutions. CSOs play a central role in driving effective and equitable action. ASEAN has recognised CSO contributions in its climate initiatives.’’, said Anna De Palma, UK Mission to ASEAN

Participants shared experiences of accessing climate finance for mitigation initiatives, identified barriers to inclusive and rights-aligned climate action, and contributed substantive input on gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and human rights considerations for regional climate action. The dialogue underscored that the climate finance requirement for Southeast Asia by 2030 cannot be met without meaningful engagement and resourcing of civil society actors, particularly amid an increasingly constrained global aid environment.

“As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines steps in at a time when climate risk is no longer episodic, shaping food, water, energy, and economic stability. The transition we pursue is not only about sustainability, but about resilience, security, and long-term competitiveness”, said Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Climate Change Commission of the Philippines

These complementary activities demonstrate that durable inclusive impact in Southeast Asia depends not just on isolated interventions, but also integrated, regionally-owned partnerships – an approach the UK continues to champion through dialogue partnership with ASEAN and the member states.

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About the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund

The ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund (GTF) is the UK Mission to ASEAN flagship programme to accelerate ASEAN’s transition to a clean and climate resilient economy by reducing emissions in key sectors, supporting green economic growth, and improving livelihoods of vulnerable people. It provides technical assistance activities throughout the region, targeting all eleven ASEAN Member States (AMS).

About the ALAM project

The Advancing Learning and Capacities in the ASEAN on Mitigation: Financing a Just and Nature-Positive Energy Transition (ALAM) Project is implemented by a Southeast Asia-based consortium comprising the Manila Observatory, Parabukas Pte. Ltd., The Samdhana Institute, and Core Group Transparency – Timor-Leste, with funding from the UK through ASEAN-UK GTF programme.

About the EnCORE Wetlands project

The EnCORE Wetlands Project is implemented by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), with support from the UK through the ASEAN-UK GTF programme. The project works to protect and restore carbon-rich peatlands and wetlands across the ASEAN region, advancing simultaneous climate mitigation, habitat conservation, and community livelihood outcomes.

Media contacts:

ALAM Project:

Antonio La Vina, Project Lead, Manila Observatory 

Cecilia Therese Guiao, Deputy Project Lead, Parabukas

alamproject@parabukas.com

EnCORE Wetlands:

Michael Jaldon, Project Manager

mjdjaldon@aseanbiodiversity.org

SARAWAK, Malaysia and AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines — A new generation of “wetland champions” is rising to protect Southeast Asia’s critical carbon sinks. 

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), through the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands) Project, recently concluded a series of youth leadership workshops designed to secure the future of the region’s most vital ecosystems.

Supported by the UK Mission to ASEAN through the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, the collaborative initiative brought together young leaders from indigenous communities, student groups, and local organisations to the frontlines of conservation, to enhance their capacities in effectively designing and carrying out wetland conservation projects and activities.

ACB Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of their involvement in wetland and peatland conservation. “As youth representatives of the ASEAN region, it is your future on the line. You have the power to mould the future that you want. As young people with passion and abilities to contribute, you must be recognised and be meaningfully involved in decision-making and planning related to biodiversity and wetland conservation and in sustainable development,” said Montemayor. “At the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, we fully recognise the vital role of young stakeholders in achieving our mission to conserve, sustainably manage, and equitably share the benefits of the region’s rich biodiversity. Through the ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Programme and the EnCORE Wetlands Project, the ACB supports training programmes such as this to strengthen capacity, empower, and enable meaningful youth participation in conservation and restoration efforts in the region,” he added.

Aligning with global and regional goals

To equip them with the information needed in developing their community conservation efforts and gain insights on conservation and restoration principles, the participants were briefed on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to which their respective National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and the existing initiatives are aligned and designed to contribute to. 

Additionally, an overview of the regional initiatives in the ASEAN for biodiversity conservation was also discussed, including the  ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Programme and the ASEAN Green Initiative, two flagship initiatives of the ACB.

Invited experts guide the young participants on how they can establish and manage their own community nurseries using native species

Conservation rooted in systems thinking 

Darry Shel Estorba, ACB’s youth and biodiversity specialist, discussed systems thinking with the young participants. The discussion was followed by hands-on exercises to identify potential solutions for various challenges their communities face with respect to the environment. 

The workshops featured interactive discussions, games, and hands-on activities on communicating biodiversity, project development, and nursery establishment and management. Youth and community elders in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary also conducted a collaborative mapping through the identification of existing tree species in the area, their traditional uses, and the observed distribution and occurrence in Agusan Marsh. 

Each leg of the workshop concluded with hands-on training on native species propagation and on developing and managing a nursery. Seasoned experts were invited to share their knowledge and best practices in seedling propagation with the budding conservationists. 

The EnCORE Wetlands Project is being implemented by the ACB in partnership with the Global Environment Centre. The project aims to create science-based and practical methods to protect carbon-rich ecosystems such as wetlands and peatlands to protect biodiversity in the region.  -end-

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei Darussalam —The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), through the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands Project), funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN through the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, conducted back-to-back capacity development activities to accelerate the conservation and restoration of carbon-rich peatlands and wetlands in Southeast Asia. From 28 March to 1 April 2026, wetland and peatland practitioners, mapping officers, protected area personnel, and stakeholders from across the ASEAN Member States (AMS) gathered for the Orientation-Training on Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring as part of KM GBF Target 2 and the Experiential Learning Exchange (ELE): Success Stories in Conservation, Protection and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands. This regional learning activity was hosted by Brunei through its Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, particularly the Forestry Department, and the University of Brunei Darussalam.

Participants of the Orientation-Training on Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring as part of KM GBF Target 2 (left) and the Experiential Learning Exchange (ELE): Success Stories in Conservation, Protection and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands (right).

Southeast Asia has almost two million sq. km. of wetlands. At present, there are 59 Wetlands of International Importance, or Ramsar sites, occupying a total land area of 26,592 sq. km. in 8 ASEAN Member States (AMS). The region is also home to 60 per cent of tropical peatlands and 42 per cent of mangrove forests in the world. Wetlands offer a multitude of indispensable services that sustain life and preserve ecological balance: they function as vital stop‑over sites for migratory waterbirds, nurture diverse flora and fauna, and provide rich feeding and breeding grounds for fish. They also cleanse soils, supply safe drinking water, and act as the world’s largest natural carbon reservoirs, positioning them at the forefront of climate-change mitigation. Moreover, wetlands buffer storm surges, flooding, and sea-level rise while underpinning food security, ecotourism, and alternative livelihoods that power the rural economies of ASEAN’s communities. These benefits intensify the need to restore and protect these vital ecosystems. Monitoring and reporting restoration efforts Target 2 of the global biodiversity targets, or the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF), calls upon nations to restore and preserve at least 30 per cent of the world’s degraded ecosystems by 2030. With less than five years to achieve this target, strategic monitoring and reporting of progress in realising this target are crucial in generating science‑driven metrics that reveal whether the world is on the right track to hit the 30 per cent mark. To this end, the FAO has developed an operational monitoring and reporting framework for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration called the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring, or FERM, as a reporting tool for the headline indicator under Target 2. “The FAO and the ACB spearheaded this training to enhance capacities in monitoring and reporting national ecosystem restoration initiatives. This will help provide you with hands-on technical assistance on data preparation that will be uploaded to the FERM registry, including step-by-step guidance on data integration and potential updating of the ASEAN Biodiversity Dashboard,” said Jerome Montemayor, Executive Director of the ACB, in his remarks during the workshop.

The Forestry Department of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism received hands-on training on the FERM Registry, including data preparation using tools like QGIS and Google Earth Pro.

Successful ecosystem restoration hinges on the availability of precise, user‑friendly biodiversity data and its seamless exchange across sectors and borders. Such data lay the groundwork for establishing reference conditions, pinpointing key species and habitats, tracking the results of restoration work, and fine-tuning management strategies in real time—all while curbing redundant efforts and encouraging joint problem-solving. The ASEAN Biodiversity Dashboard, hosted by the ACB, embodies this model by consolidating species occurrence records, habitat maps and restoration metrics from every member nation into a single, openly accessible portal, offering policymakers and conservationists a unified view of regional progress. Learning from Brunei’s wetland and peatland restoration efforts Part of the back-to-back events are educational visits to some of the best wetlands and peatlands found in Brunei Darussalam—Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, the only ASEAN Heritage Park in the country, Badas Peat Swamp, and Pulau Selirong Recreation Centre, the largest undisturbed mangrove forest of Brunei. “These ecosystems are among the most valuable natural assets in our region. They support biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and serve as significant carbon sinks. Yet they face increasing pressures, making collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustained management more critical than ever. For Brunei Darussalam, this programme is also an opportunity to share our experiences in managing carbon-rich ecosystems while reinforcing our role in regional cooperation on climate change and biodiversity conservation,” says Mr. Reni Bin Haji Yahya, Acting Director of the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. During the site visits, wetland and peatland managers highlighted various lessons learned and good practices that have contributed to the country’s success in conserving these critical ecosystems. These include the strict protection and zoning of key wetland areas to prevent degradation; the use of advanced technology and science-based approach monitoring systems to track ecosystem health, including hydrological conditions in peatlands; biodiversity data collection in project sites; and the integration of conservation planning into national land-use strategies.

(L-R): ELP participants received hands-on learning about Brunei’s sustainable wetland and peatland management at Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, Badas Peat Swamp, and Pulau Selirong Forest Recreation Park.

These knowledge-sharing activities highlighted the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, cultural heritage, and sustainable ecotourism across key ecosystems. At Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, participants observed how rich cultural traditions are preserved alongside low-impact ecotourism and research explorations. Similarly, Pulau Selirong Recreational Park demonstrated the value of protecting pristine mangrove forests that contribute to coastal protection and carbon storage, while offering opportunities for ecotourism and biodiversity study. Insights on peatland restoration from the Badas Peat Swamp Forest further emphasised the importance of aligning policy with science-based research to effectively conserve peatland ecosystems. Participants learned how research initiatives led by University of Brunei Darussalam, support restoration efforts such as the planting of Shorea albida to enhance both above-ground and below-ground biomass in degraded areas. This learning visit is part of the Experiential Learning Programme, a flagship initiative of the ACB that facilitates sharing and co-learning of practical knowledge, skills, and lessons through immersion, observation, and hands-on training. -end

Over 25 site managers and government officials from the ASEAN Flyway Network (AFN) convened at Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong SAR, for two regional training workshops aimed at strengthening wetland management and migratory waterbird conservation along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.

Co-organised by WWF-Hong Kong and the AFN, with support from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve of the National Parks Board, Singapore, as the current chair of the AFN, and generously supported by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), the workshops form part of the project “Empowering Site Managers for Effective Wetland and Migratory Waterbird Conservation in Asia.” The workshops aimed to equip participants with science-based management skills, nature-based solutions, communication, education, participation, and awareness (CEPA), and emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) to promote adaptive site-based responses to climate and biodiversity challenges affecting wetlands across Southeast Asia.

The January workshop focused on AFN Site Managers, emphasising practical wetland management, adaptive planning, community engagement, and biodiversity monitoring. Through field visits and technical sessions at Mai Po Nature Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance and recipient of the Wetland Link International Gold Star Award for best practice, participants examined habitat management with the integration of traditional knowledge and technology that support wildlife conservation.

The March workshop brought together AFN National Focal Points and representatives to strengthen regional coordination and align site-level management practices with national frameworks and international environmental commitments. 

Organised in conjunction with the workshop, the 4^th AFN meeting was convened, where participants embarked on the inception of the AFN-Strategic Action Plan, charting the new way forward to enhance communications and collaboration among site managers and government representatives, reinforcing ASEAN’s collective flyway commitments. 

“Wetlands and migratory bird conservation is central to the work of the ACB and with the ASEAN Member States. This training workshop intended to build the capacities of AFN site managers and national focal points is very relevant and timely, as the ASEAN region lies at the heart of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway,” shared ACB Biodiversity Conservation Division Director, Amiel Sarne. “It provided participants with hands-on experience in addressing various issues in wetland and migratory bird management at AFN sites and Mai Po Nature Reserve. The ACB thanks WWF-Hong Kong for this collaboration, and we look forward to more as we boost the protection of around 50 million waterbirds that visit our flyway every year and the habitats they depend on,” he added.

“We are excited to partner with leading organisations to enhance flyway conservation. Using Mai Po Nature Reserve as a living classroom, we share our successes and lessons learned from over 40 years of wetland management experience in collaboration with different stakeholders. As part of the flyway, we strive to connect sites, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to a more cohesive and resilient flyway network.” Vivian Fu, Wetlands for Asian Flyways Initiative Lead, WWF Hong Kong, noted. 

The workshops were delivered in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, as well as partners of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), including the Ramsar Regional Centre – East Asia (RRC-EA) and the Paulson Institute. It is the first time WWF-Hong Kong has co-organised a special training on nature-based solutions with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

“Wetlands are not connected by themselves. Migratory birds connect them. And people keep that connection strong through care and good management. When a shorebird leaves Mai Po and later arrives in Sibugay, Korea, or Cambodia, it creates a living bridge between those wetlands. And when you sit together this week, you become the human bridge that protects that living bridge.” Jennifer George, Chief Executive of the EAAFP, said.

“IUCN is pleased to support these critical trainings for site managers and decision-makers. There is huge potential for nature-based solutions in wetlands to provide benefits for both people and biodiversity; however, they are vastly underutilised. Through this hands-on training, individuals responsible for wetland conservation can see firsthand the potential of wetlands to help solve the problems that societies are facing, while also providing habitat for migratory birds.” Katie Bimson, Senior Programme Officer for Water and Wetlands Nature-based Solutions of the IUCN Asia Regional Office, mentioned.

“Wetland conservation and its wise use are at the heart of the RRC-EA. This workshop is vital for strengthening the AFN and building the capacity of site managers to protect migratory waterbirds,” stated RRC-EA Executive Director Suh Seung-oh. “By equipping site managers with practical management tools, we are securing the future of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The RRC-EA remains committed to these regional partnerships to safeguard our shared wetland heritage and the millions of birds that depend on it.”

“Migratory waterbirds inspire us with their incredible pan-hemispheric journeys of endurance, travelling from as far north as Arctic Siberia to as far south as Australia and New Zealand.  They also represent a shared natural heritage among all the countries they grace. With that comes a shared responsibility to protect them and the places they need. Collaboration and sharing of best practice – as facilitated by WWF HK and the AFN – is the fundamental foundation for safeguarding this inheritance,” Terry Townshend, Fellow of the Paulson Institute, said.

“Effective management of wetlands in the region is challenging given the mounting threats of habitat loss, climate change, and other pressures to these valuable ecosystems. Mai Po serves as a wonderful example of what is possible – these workshops have facilitated essential collaboration ties across the flyway to propagate the success we’ve seen in Hong Kong” Prof. Tim Bonebrake, Director and Professor at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, added. 

To sustain momentum, two regional webinars will be held in 2026: one in May aligned with World Migratory Bird Day, and another in July marking World Mangrove Day. These sessions will invite trained participants to share their experiences in site management, which will allow the community to expand outreach, promote continued knowledge exchange, and reinforce site and national commitment to conserving wetlands critical to migratory waterbirds.

Wetlands across Asia face rapid development, habitat loss, and climate-induced impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme weather. Recognising the ecological connectivity of wetlands through migratory birds, the project aims to strengthen the networks of wetland managers and decision-making officials, to foster knowledge exchange and promote regional cooperation, which would collectively enhance the protection of critical wetland habitats on the flyway.

Media Contacts:

WWF-Hong Kong

Ms. Vivian Fu, Wetlands for Asian Flyways Initiative (vivianfu@wwf.org.hk)

Mr. Christopher Wong, Communications, WWF-Hong Kong (christopherwong@wwf.org.hk)

ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and ASEAN Flyway Network

Mr. Jerome Cayton C. Barradas, Public Engagement (jcbarradas@aseanbiodiversity.org)

Ms. Pamela Q. Reblora, Communication, (pqreblora@aseanbiodiversity.org)

East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)

Ms. Minjae Baek (communication@eaaflyway.net)

Key stakeholders of the EnCORE Wetlands Project in Agusan Del Sur, Philippines, and in Sarawak, Malaysia, participate in a series of activities and discussions geared towards the development of site-level social and environmental safeguards. 

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), through the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands Project) funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN through the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, recently conducted a series of site-level social and environmental safeguards workshops. This is to ensure that the project promotes positive change, transparency, fairness, and participation among its project stakeholders in select wetlands and peatlands in Malaysia and the Philippines. 

Held from 12 to 16 January in Agusan Del Sur, Philippines, and from 2 to 6 February in the City of Kuching, Malaysia, the workshops offered a platform to consult local stakeholders, including representatives from the government, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities, in developing essential safeguards contributing to the Project’s Intermediate Outcome 3. 

“It is important for the EnCORE Wetlands Project to contribute to the improvement of alternative nature-based economic opportunities in local communities,” says Mr. Michael Joseph Jaldon, EnCORE Wetlands Project Manager. “This is essential in decreasing pressures on wetlands and peatland ecosystems, helping these natural resources to continue providing critical ecosystem services and offering sustainable benefits for both people and the planet,” he continued. 

Wetland and peatland ecosystems offer essential ecosystem services for the sustenance and livelihood of local communities, but they are often underappreciated and undervalued. This leads to widespread degradation of these ecosystems, transforming these natural carbon sinks into major carbon emission sources and undermining regional and global climate mitigation efforts. 

Representing Protected Area Superintendent Sherrilyn Vasquez of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AWMS) Protected Area Management Office, Harold Jay Sumilhig, shared the importance of the AWMS in the lives and culture of surrounding Indigenous communities. “It is important that any conservation effort is inclusive, rights-based, and responsive,” he said. “Through this workshop, we hope to deepen our shared understanding of the safeguards ensuring that development, conservation, and management interventions do not harm but promote equity, resilience, and sustainability,” he added. 

One of the Indigenous communities represented during the workshops in Agusan Del Sur was the Bunawan Manobo Ancestral Domain Management Council, which manages the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title No. 136, an indigenous land claim title for the Manobo people in the municipality of Bunawan. Ancestral Domain Management Officer Elvira Catuburan says that participating in such activities is important for them to learn and discuss how to sustainably and innovatively develop livelihoods in the area. “We are interested in exploring opportunities to develop more products from unaw (sago starch) derived from a kind of palm tree abundant in our area. We are also looking at improving our dried fish industry and seeing if we can produce chips, cracklings, or even bottled gourmet dried fish in oil. We need training and support from our local government to do this and to solve threats to fish supply caused by invasive species,” she shared.  

Ancestral Domain Management Officer Elvira Catuburan participates in an exercise that maps out challenges, opportunities, and other needs that contribute to access and benefit sharing, ensuring fairness and equity for Indigenous Peoples and local communities near the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. 

During the opening session of the workshops in Malaysia, the ACB Biodiversity Conservation Division Director Amiel Sarne encouraged the participants to openly provide inputs for the social and environmental safeguards and advocacy plan being developed for Maludam National Park. “Through this workshop, we directly contribute to empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities to implement a site-level nature-positive economy through climate-smart biodiversity-based activities, products, and services. This approach is at the heart of both the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan. By integrating these principles into our work, we do not just protect our natural resources, but we also strengthen the foundation for a sustainable and resilient future,” he shared.

Representatives from Indigenous communities surrounding Maludam National Park have listed human-wildlife conflicts and coastal erosion as some of the issues faced by the national park. 

“Maludam National Park has opened livelihood opportunities for us, especially through tourism. It is important for me to take part in these workshops so I can understand the issues the national park is facing and provide input on behalf of Kampung Tanjung Baru. It is our responsibility to protect Maludam, as it offers a lot of potential for improving and diversifying Iban livelihoods,” says Mr. Jupa, a boatman living in a longhouse near the access to Maludam.  

The EnCORE Wetlands Project is being implemented by the ACB in partnership with the Global Environment Centre. The project aims to create science-based and practical methods to protect carbon-rich ecosystems such as wetlands and peatlands to protect biodiversity in the region.