ASEAN MEMBER STATES IN GLOBAL EFFORT PROTECTING 30 PCT LAND, OCEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- A growing number of elected officials, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and other experts are calling on ASEAN leaders to endorse ambitious proposals to protect biodiversity and advance Indigenous rights through the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

As one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, ASEAN member states have a crucial role to play in developing a successful global strategy to safeguard biodiversity.

While ASEAN member states have yet to finalise their positions, there is growing global support for a scientific proposal to conserve at least 30 per cent of the planet’s land and ocean.

This would respect Indigenous rights and engage Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as partners in implementation.

The proposal has been included in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity’s draft strategy as a global target, as countries will have different opportunities for biodiversity conservation depending on the particular circumstances in their national territory.

Overwhelming scientific evidence and economic data shows that conserving at least 30 per cent of the planet’s land and ocean is a key way to help address global biodiversity loss.

It will also store carbon, prevent future pandemics, bolster economic growth, increase fisheries’ production and advance Indigenous rights.

The economic benefits are strong: an independent study prepared by more than 100 economists and experts found that meeting the 30 per cent target will generate financial and ecosystem services benefits at least five times the cost.

Chairman of Atri Advisory, Ambassador and Science Adviser for the Campaign for Nature, Former Science Adviser to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Prof Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid; and, Advisor for Athena Infonomics, Dr Ravi Sharma were involved with the declaration, among others.

“Protecting at least 30 per cent of the planet by 2030 is a timely and important action to defend and improve the health of our planet, our economies, and ourselves. I urge all Malaysians and ASEAN neighbours to support this goal,” said Dr Zakri in a statement.

-- BERNAMA