What is ASEAN Biodiversity?

Red-shanked douc langur (2018) by Le Van DungASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region consists of 10 nature-filled, uniquely biodiverse countries across Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,  Thailand and Vietnam.

Aerial view of Bai Tu Long (2021) by Tran Viet LinhASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Though the region may be small in size, it is biologically and ecologically significant. It represents only 3% of the world's total land area, but is home to over 25% of all known plants and animals on the planet.

Karst formation 2 (2009) by Gunung Mulu National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

It is especially biodiverse - home to towering mountains, deep caves, tropical rainforest, technicolor coral reefs, and ancient mangroves. 

Although today many of these unique ecosystems are at risk.

Kinabalu at night (2018) by Gab MejiaASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity is an organisation created in response to the challenge of biodiversity loss. It works towards a region where biodiversity is conserved, sustainably managed and used, and equitably shared for the well-being of all its peoples.

Golden front leafbird (2006) by Kaeng Krachan Forest ComplexASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

There are 57 heritage parks in total across the region, 9 of which have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Inlay Fishing 1 (2022) by Aung Chan TharASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

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