27 September 2024 | 11:00AM | Makati City
WELCOME REMARKS
Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim
Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Mr. Kyle C. Tan, President and CEO, Eton Properties Philippines, Inc.
Arch. Adrian T. Chua, Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Che Mutuc, Chief Finance Officer
the rest of the members of the Eton Properties Management Committee
Colleagues from the ACB, good morning!
Nineteen years ago on this day, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) was established as ASEAN’s response to the challenge of biodiversity loss. Since then, we have not just facilitated cooperation and coordination with the ten ASEAN Member States but we have also reached out to and partnered with various like-minded organisations in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of our rich natural resources.
Last Tuesday, we gathered art enthusiasts, diplomats, government officials, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and mental health advocates for the “Biodiversity in Full Colour”, an art exhibit highlighting the relationship of biodiversity, art, and promoting health and wellbeing.
The importance of mainstreaming biodiversity in other key development sectors is very much true most specially in the business sector. In November last year, we launched the ASEAN Business and Biodiversity Initiative or ABBI through a groundbreaking agreement with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. The ABBI aims to contribute to ASEAN’s transition to a greener and sustainable future, through integrating biodiversity and nature-based solutions (NbS) in the strategic priorities of the business sector in the region.
The role of the private sector, in particular—is crucial for the successful achievement of the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Businesses have relevant knowledge, expertise, and resources that can, directly or indirectly, have positive or negative impacts on biodiversity. Hence, the actions and decisions that this sector makes will be pivotal in our efforts to successfully address biodiversity loss, and its accompanying consequences, such as food and water shortages, new and emerging diseases, and reduced resilience to climate change and natural disasters, to name a few.
The loss of our biodiversity directly impacts the rapidly expanding economy of the ASEAN region, which depends heavily on its natural resources and is considered highly vulnerable to climate change-related risks. Intact ecosystems can mitigate and help us adapt to these multiple challenges and thus, making this a vital part of our solution to today’s palpable environmental crises. This ought to compel businesses and sectors involved in economic development to consider nature and biodiversity when developing their business strategies.
The ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding between the ACB and Eton Properties is yet another milestone for us in our efforts to promote partnerships with the business sector to ensure that their vital role in addressing biodiversity loss and achieving sustainable future for all, is appreciated and recognised. In addition, this year’s ASEAN theme, under the Chairship of Lao PDR, Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience, truly reflects our aspirations. Understanding the connection between business and biodiversity will help us adopt measures that will translate to wise and resilient investments.
I thank the leadership of Eton Properties through Mr. Tan, for this groundbreaking activity that would surely make a dent to mainstream biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into their business operations and for setting an example among the Philippine private sector groups that biodiversity-friendly business is good business..
Thank you and good day!
