Biodiversity Conservation Beyond Borders: The Case of ASEAN Heritage Park

Ecosystems and Development Journal; Monina T. Uriarte; Dicky Simorangkir; Sahlee B. Barrer

Ecosystems and Development Journal
Monina T. Uriarte AHP and Protected Area Management, ACB-GIZ Biodiversity and Climate Change Project
Dicky Simorangkir ACB-GIZ Biodiversity and Climate Change Project
Sahlee B. Barrer ASEAN Center for Biodiversity

Abstract

urgent due to increasing pressure of fast dwindling important and rare resources. Various risks, ranging from habitat destruction,
illegal logging, invasive alien species, pollution and others, continue to threaten the significant range of natural resources of the region, which are also being complicated by impacts from progressing climate change. Addressing these issues require a range of
conservation approaches, one of which is the establishment of the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) Programme. With the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) as Secretariat, the AHP Programme aims to strengthen the management and conservation of 33 AHPs, which have been selected to represent the typical and unique ecosystems and species of Southeast Asia. The paper provides insights into the projects and activities of the AHP Programme, and recommendations on how it can continue to facilitate stronger management and conservation of the ASEAN region’s exceptional biodiversity.