6 November 2024, National University of Singapore
OPENING REMARKS
Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim
Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
- Associate Professor Maitrii Aung-Thwin, Deputy Director of the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore (NUS), and one of our workshop convenors;
- Mr. Lim Liang Jim, Group Director of the Conservation Division of the National Parks Board;
- Our other workshop convenors:
- Dr. Anthony D. Medrano of the Yale-NUS College & Department of History, NUS;
- Our very own Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Philippines;
- Dr. Eunice Jingmei Tan of the Department of Biological Sciences, NUS;
- Workshop participants with us here at the NUS and those joining us online;
- Distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
- We are pleased to co-organize this Forum with the Asia Research Institute, Department of History, and Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore, supported by the NUS Faculty of Science – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Collaborative Grant. We also thank the National Parks Board for Singapore’s hosting of this significant event for science and biodiversity in ASEAN.
- This forum comes at a crucial moment. Last week, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) concluded with a decision recognizing the key role of regional and subregional technical and scientific cooperation support centres (TSCs) in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity was recently selected as one of 18 global TSCs, and one of only five in Asia. This designation uniquely positions us to mobilise technical and financial resources, strengthen science-policy integration, and support ASEAN’s collective actions toward biodiversity and sustainability goals.
- The upcoming UN Climate Change COP (COP29) in Baku will further highlight biodiversity’s crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. As an accredited International Governmental Organisation under the UNFCCC—status granted by COP Parties in Dubai last year—the ACB will actively participate in COP29. This platform will enable us to amplify the critical interlinkages between biodiversity loss and climate change, showcasing how ASEAN is confronting these intertwined challenges on a regional scale.
- Our discussions over the next two days will contribute to both these global biodiversity and climate dialogues, helping us refine approaches for ASEAN that generate co-benefits for biodiversity conservation and climate action.
- This year’s forum centers on peatlands, mangroves, and freshwater swamps—ecosystems teeming with biodiversity that also provide essential services like food security and climate stability. We look forward to exploring how these ecosystems can fuel sustainable, science-based solutions for ASEAN, driving impactful actions that support our shared environmental and socio-economic goals.
- Research plays a crucial role in developing evidence-based and innovative solutions that are scalable at a regional level and can be implemented collaboratively, recognizing our shared natural heritage.. We are pleased to note that some of these learnings will be presented to us in this forum.
- The role of communities, especially that of traditional or indigenous knowledge, in conservation efforts also cannot be understated. So I am glad that community-led practices and efforts will also be highlighted in the discussions
- So, as we gather today and tomorrow to exchange updates and new insights on the region’s peatlands, mangroves, and freshwater swamps, we are also honouring the biodiversity heritage of ASEAN. Through this, we hope to spark new conversations with diverse stakeholders on preserving and restoring our natural ecosystems.
- Moving forward, we are again called to unite our efforts and align priorities at both national and regional levels. By advancing research, policy, and practical solutions, and combining traditional knowledge with science-based methods, we can effectively sustain these vital ecosystems.
- Thank you very much. We look forward to a productive and engaging forum.
