CONTENTS Vol. 13 No. 1 JANUARY-APRIL 2014

SPECIAL REPORTS Biodiversity CEPA Initiatives of ASEAN Member States Communicating biodiversity loss and 6 Singapore conservation Engaging the public in 22 conserving the Sungei Green Challenge Accepted Buloh Wetland Reserve Communicating 8 Sustainability Celebrating the annual Festival of Biodiversity 25 Reporting on Biodiversity Media practitioners 11 Thailand About the cover share thoughts on Communication 28 The lack of public awareness on the key role reporting biodiversity activities of the Royal of biodiversity in human Forest Department well-being is a serious concern. Steps need to The Power of the be taken to mainstream Moving Image 15 FEATURES biodiversity issues into How a TV show is humans’ daily lives. This issue’s cover illustrates promoting biodiversity World Wetlands Day, the importance of conservation 2 February 32 communicating biodiversity issues. Wetlands and Cover Design by #biodiversity agriculture, partner Eisen Bernardo Communicating 17 for growth biodiversity in the era of social media

World Wildlife Day, 3 March Palawan strengthens data World Wildlife Day highlights urgent 33 management in biodiversity 54 need to curb illegal trade conservation

International Women’s Day, 8 March ASEAN park managers undergo Celebrating women and biodiversity 35 training on tropical ecosystem resilience 55 International Day of Forests, 21 March ASEAN aims for more heritage parks 55 Promoting the importance of trees 36 and forests ASEAN trains Laotian environmental workers 56 World Water Day, 22 March Global celebration puts spotlight 37 Business students join advocacy on on water and energy biodiversity conservation 57 World Health Day, 7 April Future Asian and African environment Biodiversity: Nature’s Prescription 38 leaders discuss biodiversity 57 Earth Day, 22 April Living in harmony with the Earth 58 Nurturing the Cities of the Future 40 Nurturing young biodiversity advocates 58 Nature’s Invisible Hand – Simply Complex 42 Youth power for biodiversity 59 World Ecotourism Conference discusses emerging issues in marine 59 and coastal ecotourism

Biodiversity conservation remains Philippine DENR’s top priority 60 GBIF launches awards on biodiversity research 61

Blueprint for Philippine ecotourism launched 61

Countries report on achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 62

Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards is on 62

BIODIVERSITY NEWS PARK PROFILES SOUTHEAST ASIA 63 Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park 44 FOCUS Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary 51 Whale shark 69 Megamouth shark BOOKMARKS 70 Common thresher shark Philippines and Malaysia share 71 good practices in park management 54 Pelagic thresher shark and ecotourism 72 About the Authors

Publisher Roberto V. Oliva Ms. Angeli Atienza as Born to be Wild’s Executive Producer in its early years and is currently the show’s Editor-in-Chief is a senior program manager for GMA Public Affairs. She served Rolando A. Inciong service in the broadcast industry, and with an extensive background in investigative program manager. She is a television producer and writer with over ten years of Managing Editor Leslie J. Castillo Ms.reporting, Linda documentaryGoh is currently filmmaking the Deputy and Director environmental for Biodiversity journalism. Information and

Designer, Graphic and Layout Artist been involved in nature conservation in Singapore for the past 18 years where she Nanie S. Gonzales advisesPolicy Section and represents in the National the government Biodiversity on Centre, conservation-related National Parks issues, Board. ensures She has availability of biodiversity baseline information for local management and policy Infographic Artist decision-making as well as builds awareness and educates the public on Singapore’s biodiversity Eisen V. Bernardo

Circulation Assistant and importanceDr. Surang of its conservation. Thienhirun is Director of Forest Biodiversity Division at Thailand’s Angela Rose Crissie A. Metin

Editorial Board Royal Forest Department. She leads the team that constructs the database of preserved forests under the biodiversity conservation and development project. Clarissa C. Arida Thienhirun has conducted extensive studies on the Xylariaceae, common wood decay A graduate of the Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom, Dr. Rolando A. Inciong A Preliminary Account of the Xylariaceae of Thailand and has co-authored a string of publications Roberto V. Oliva includingfungi that Themay Xylariaceae also occur onas Phytopathogens.dung, seeds, leaves, soil or are associated with insects. She authored Sheila G. Vergara Philipp Gassner is a cross-disciplinary environmental scientist with an ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity international track record in project management, research, consultancy, and science

Headquarters with technical expertise and strong interest in both the science-policy and the 3/F ERDB Building communication. He has a B.Sc. degree in Geoecology and Ecosystem Management, Forestry Campus Environmental Governance, and works as an external consultant and project correspondent for University of the Philippines development environment interface. Philipp is currently enrolled in an M.Sc. in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines the ACB-GIZRoland Biodiversity A. Inciong and Climate Change Project. Telephone: +6349.536.3989; +632.584.4210 expert with over 30is years Head of for progressive Communication professional and Public experience Affairs in of designing the ASEAN andCentre managing for Biodiversity. communication He is a developmentprogrammes incommunication the areas of environment, and public relations rural Telefax: +6349.536.2865 worked with various international organizations, among them, the United Nations, USAID Environmentaldevelopment, Cooperation-Asia, basic education, Australian peace Agency and for development, International and Development, governance. andRolly E-mail: [email protected] the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Land Areas. He was one of the first graduates of B.S. Development Communication in the Philippines. Website: Sahlee B. Barrer In the past 15 years she has worked with a number of environmental organizations www.aseanbiodiversity.org in developing and isediting the publications contents for consultant publications of the and ASEAN advocacy Centre materials for Biodiversity. on Disclaimer: Views or opinions expressed herein do not necessarily biodiversity conservation, protected areas, ecotourism, climate change and fisheries represent any official views of the resource management. Previous engagements include the National Integrated Association of Southeast Asian Protected Areas Programme and the Fisheries Resource Management Project. Sahlee has a Nations (ASEAN). The authors are degree in Communication Research from the University of the Philippines and has finished responsible for any data or information course workEisen towards Bernard a masters V. Bernardo degree in is Environmental multi-media producer Studies from and writer Miriam at College. the ASEAN presented in their articles. for producing audiovisual presentations and designing publications and other Letters, articles, suggestions and Centre for Biodiversity’s Communication and Public Affairs unit. He is responsible photos are welcome and should be addressed to: communication materials. He also heads the Centre’s social media team. Before for Asia Ricejoining Foundation’s the ACB, children’s he worked book for Thethe UPLB’sAdventures Office of of Gabby Public Ghas, Relations and the as movie-a University Extension Associate. As a freelance graphic designer, some of his works include the illustrations The Editor-in-Chief ASEAN Biodiversity Magazine inspired blogs cineminimized.tumblr.com and pinoycriterion.tumblr.com. Eisen is a BS ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity DevelopmentPamela Communication Quintos-Reblora graduate is of a theBS DevelopmentUniversity of theCommunication Philippines Los graduate Baños of(UPLB). College, Laguna the Communication and Public Awareness Consultant of the ASEAN Centre for E-mails: rainciong@ Biodiversitythe University before of the she Philippines, formally joined Los Banos the Communications (UPLB). She formerly and Public worked Awareness as aseanbiodiversity.org [email protected] in the production of the Centre’s communication materials and audio-visual presentations, [email protected] team of the ACB on January 2013. As a DevCom Associate, she provides assistance

in media relations, and in organizing corporate events. She also worked for the Laguna Lake Development Authority as a Public Relations Officer II way back in 2008.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 5 special reports

Infograph by Eisen Bernardo Communicating biodiversity loss and conservation

By Rolando A. Inciong*

here is a crisis that does not attract media and public attention compared to hot issues such as climate change and natural disas- Tters, heinous crimes, wars, graft and corruption, political or show

business controversies, and sports record breakers. This forgotten crisis Biodiversity is a contraction of two words – biological, referring to life, is called biodiversity loss.

It encompasses all life, from the smallest microorganism to the biggest and diversity, meaning variety. Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth.

6 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

Apart from providing people with includes the full-range of ecosystems, whale. Biodiversity is the web of life that the species that live in them, and the ge- wide range of ecosystem services such food and medicine, nature also offers a The world is losing its netic variety of those species produced as climate stabilization, maintenance of ecosystems, soil formation and protec- biodiversity at unprecedented However, biodiversity is not just the tion, and pollution breakdown and ab- rates. The loss of biodiversity by nature or shaped by humans. is one of the greatest threats - Biodiversity is also a source of liveli- collection of magnificent and wonderful sorption. that the entire human race is hood to millions as the economy of many species. We depend on the vast biodiver We depend on nature for our food, air communities is driven by the use of spe- facing today. Biodiversity loss sity around us to supply our daily needs. and water, medicine, clothing, shelter, cies in industries such as biotechnology, poses a significant threat to - humankind’s food security, cation, protection from harsh weather Moreover, biodiversity provides so- soil fertilization, air and water purifi forestry, agriculture and fisheries. health, livelihood, and nature’s tourism, as well as cultural and aesthetic overall capacity to provide for conditions, and many more. These are cial benefits including recreation and called ecosystem services. our needs and those of future How will biodiversity values. loss affect all of us? Does it matter if we lose generations. just one species? First, it is in the area of food security

Nature provides the plant and animal re- will happen if we take away the bats that biodiversity’s value is most clear. Let’s take bats, for example. What sources for food production and agricul- from our environment? A female bat of reproductive age can consume her fore, national efforts on biodiversity destroyed, the source of food is likewise weight in insects each night—and that need for regional and international co- tural productivity. When biodiversity is conservation are not enough. There is a amounts to millions of pounds of in- The Food and Agriculture Organiza- This is the reason why the ASEAN destroyed. operation. tion (FAO) reported that out of more out, insect population could explode, Member States are signatories to many sects each year. If the bats are wiped including pests that can decimate agri- for food by humans over the millennia, culture yields, and insects that spread These include the UN Convention on than 10,000 different plant species used multilateral environmental agreements. barely 150 species remain under culti- Biological Diversity, the Convention on In short, any species lost in an ecosys- International Trade in Endangered Spe- disease to humans. cies of Wild Flora and Fauna, and the vation. Of these, only 12 species provide Only four – rice, wheat, corn and pota- The world is losing its biodiversity 80 percent of the world’s food needs. tem will have an impact on everybody. toes – provide more than half of human’s - As a response to biodiversity loss, the Convention on Wetlands, to name a few. diversity is one of the greatest threats ASEAN Member States established the at unprecedented rates. The loss of bio Health is another area where the that the entire human race is facing to- ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity to coor- energy requirements. - threat to humankind’s food security, natural benefits of a healthy biodiver day. Biodiversity loss poses a significant dinate regional efforts on biodiversity known to many indigenous tribes for health, livelihood, and nature’s overall sity are most obvious. Plants have been conservation. capacity to provide for our needs and A common front vs. They have yielded chemicals from biodiversity loss centuries for their therapeutic value. which many existing prescription drugs those of future generations. Biodiversity loss: beyond We are losing our biodiversity be- About 80 percent of the world’s losing species cause of deforestation, large-scale and are derived. known biodiversity can be found in small-scale mining, wildlife hunting, The loss of biodiversity is beyond los- air and water pollution, climate change, - forests. Many of them have medicinal losing around 13 million hectares of for- are losing our biodiversity because of values. According to FAO, the world is ing plants and animals. It is clearly an is and irresponsible human activities. We Biodiversity loss does not recognize sheer pressures and demands of the sue of human survival. social, economic, cultural, political and growing human population, and our est cover every year. If this continues, kinds of medicine to cure both existing it would be difficult to develop better - geographical boundaries. What happens wasteful and inefficient consumption and emerging illnesses. in one country affects another. There patterns.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 7 special reports

Reducing biodiversity loss is not the sole responsibility of governments, sci- Green Challenge Accepted entific community and conservation communities, schools, women, youth organizations. Individuals, businesses, Telling the story and all sectors, especially the media, must act individually while forming al- liances to stage a common front against of sustainability

If left unsolved, biodiversity loss will biodiversity loss. have a huge impact on the lives of bil- By Philipp Gassner* bright future if all sectors, including the en vogue. And quite lions of people. Our biodiversity faces a reen is the new pink. Sustainability is media, would get involved. Role of media communicators change, pollution, the sixth global mass extinction, land Grightly so. Illustrations come by the bookful: Take climate and communicators in reducing biodiversity loss - degradation, threats to food security. You name it, we have it. The The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity world is hitting the environmental buffers, more and more jeop recognizes the role of media and com- these symptoms will leave us stumped for an answer – numerous municators in promoting biodiversity ardizing meaningful development. However, simply gazing at conservation and reducing biodiver- other forms of media are treated as tool global efforts don’t bear fruit. Instead, green ideas have to drill sity loss. Traditionally, newspapers and for disseminating public information downThe challenge on the rootlies beyond causes. the green Without a compelling story, great ideas – surface: humans are using 50 percent communicators should play a wider role more resources than the Earth can sus- To get green ideas across and make sense or for covering events. Journalists and also the green ones – are dead on arrival. by being partners, instead of being just tainably produce and unless we change of the science of sustainability, hence my course, by 2030, even two planets will agenda begins with ‘Once upon a time…’ Media and communicators need to tools to disseminate information. make their audience aware of the rich- world’s carbon emissions are produced I turn data into drama, numbers into nar- not be enough. At the same time, half the I try to use the molding power of stories. by just 11 percent of its people, while, rative, and stats into stories – to create on the values and impact of biodiversity with grim symmetry, 50 percent of the ness of biodiversity. Educate the public - world’s people produce just 11 percent For this, we have to leave the green ivo- real behavior change. - in people’s daily lives. Make people real - ly reliable knowledge to a socially robust ize the negative effects of biodiversity of its emissions. In a nutshell, we are ry tower and move from mere scientifical and reporting crimes against the envi- cal annual interest, but drawing down loss. Make them vigilant in preventing currently not living off of our ecologi the accumulated natural capital, leaving the ivory tower might look like, I would consensus on sustainability. How leaving lifestyles that are not friendly to the envi- like to illustrate, using marine pollution ronment. Influence people to change humans are both the problem and the future generations with a huge debt. We craft and implement laws and programs remarkable but nevertheless dull statis- ronment. Pressure local governments to as example. Instead of yawning about the - To accept the green challenge, we thus tics of trash entering the ocean, let’s hitch solution for sustainable development. on conservation. Mobilize entire com Media and communicators’ challenge munities to care for the environment. have to focus on humans. And we simply a hike on a floating motorcycle and go on is: “Demystify” biodiversity by making Instead, human knowledge is based on are not moved to action by data dumps. journey from and to friendly floatees. the man-on-the street aware of the val- - Every litter bit hurts ues of biodiversity and take action to emotional stories. People are storytell too often, the public, scientists and politi- What do space and the ocean have in ing organisms that lead storied lives. All cians stare at each other over a gulf of mu- common? Their vastness, that we know conserve them. *Mr. Rolando Inciong is the head of little about it, and that both resemble the communication and public affairs of the tual incomprehension. Surely, anecdotes ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. piles of tossed out toys, used underwear don’t make science. Data is important. It mess in a teenager’s room. Rather than informs the story. But it is not the story.

8 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org Photo by Arifin Al Alamudi A group of storks flying around AN area landfill, Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

But beachcombers can only comb junkyard of spent rocket stages and dead and dirty dishes, in space one will find a much bigger part ends up in the Earth’s five percent of the floating debris. The To accept the green challenge, ever since the Soviet Union launched spacecraft. These end up in Earth’s orbit slow-moving whirlpools on the ocean’s we thus have to focus on five great subtropical gyres – enormous, of space debris has risen to a burgeon- surface which accumulate debris for humans. And we simply Sputnik 1 in 1957. The number of pieces ing blizzard of over 500,000 fragments - are not moved to action by sands of kilometers across, the biggest years from currents and winds. Thou data dumps. Instead, human is going to have a major impact on the of these gyres is known as The Great in orbit. Even though this space garbage knowledge is based on somewhat less concerning to humanity two huge population and industrial future economics of space flight, it is of Pacific Garbage Patch. Located between emotional stories. People are centres – Asia and North America – the storytelling organisms that lead patch serves as Earth’s mighty bellybut- than the equally messy oceans. A beachcomber’s paradise storied lives.

ton, covered in thin confetti of plastic. Just how messy they are, an uninten- In the world’s oceans, this sums up to More than three million tons of confetti. tional experiment showed when the Japa- nese tsunami in March 2011 swept about the marine garbage problem is a prob- hundreds of million tons. And indeed lem of plastic, making up 85 percent of don’t often get a chance to take an entire bag of chips, a candy bar wrapper, all 4.8 million tons of debris into the sea. ‘You city, put it in the ocean, and see what hap- made of plastic,’ illustrates another sail- all debris in the sea. Six million tons of trash The scientist and adventurer sailed after to our Web of Life six million tons a day make their way to pens to all the stuff,’ Marcus Eriksen says. ing environmentalist, Josh Berry. Over the tsunami garbage on its 7,000-km jour- Our economy is based on the one- rest stems from the 10,000 contain- the sea, 80 percent of it from land. The marine debris, which included a rusting ‘Instead ers lost by container ships each year or ney across the Pacific to find out all about Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a set of golf of hunting and gathering, we now shop. time use of throw away plastics. And every time we shop, we accumulate ghost nets, fishing nets left in the ocean, plastic: a toothbrush, a vat of butter, a becomes mobile blown by the wind, or clubs and a 50-meter fishing boat, found and the like. Once waterborne, debris by beachcomber in British Columbia.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 9 special reports

shopping bags can clog digestive tracts, Philippine university town Los Baños, ending up in gyres and after decades on tricking the animal into thinking it is full, coordinates networks of marine pro- following the flow of ocean currents, tected areas and takes marine debris However, much of the plastic is ending the seabed. thus, causing starvation. the deep space, the trash in the oceans is up as microplastic – fragments less than From Los Baños comes also a clear so- Problem solved? Not quite. Unlike in seriously. of a bigger concern than the threat to the - sight, this microplastic is hosting life, cre- ippine town to enforce a ban on plastic five millimeters across. On the bright lution on the local level – as the first Phil name is well deserved, since blue oceans bags in 2008, now followed by 60 other odd satellite orbiting the blue planet. Its cover two thirds of the Earth and pro- tiny fragments in the Atlantic Ocean have Philippine municipalities – but lobbied ating a new niche in the vast oceans. The been colonized by microbes not found - wouldn’t want to trash the place where in open water, a community dubbed as haps, making the business case is more vide over a billion people with food. You against by the plastic industries. Per your food comes from, would you? convincing: increasing the recycling rate Beyond global food security, oceans Trashing is a good thing then? Hardly, by 14 percent in a few years – thus low- plastisphere. are essential to the health and survival ering plastic waste – the Republic of Ko- of all life, power our climate, and are a can also work as a mini-raft, transport- since on the flipside, the plastisphere ing dangerous species around the world, rea already created economic benefits of marine ecosystem makes up a large part like the Vibrio Until this trickles down, join the glob- critical ecosystem of the biosphere. The $1.6 billion a year. And such rafts can be much bigger, like - bacteria causing cholera. take the ASEAN region, harboring the our Harley-Davidson, on which invasive to Clean Up the World, an astounding 35 of biodiversity, the global web of life. Just al anti-litter movement. True to the mot species can be hitching rides around million volunteer in 130 countries each six of the world’s seven marine turtle mega-diverse Coral Triangle. It supports species, 51 of the 70 mangrove species, Francisco or Manila amount to global for the International Coastal Cleanup. In the globe. Hotspots like the bays of San year. Join them next 15th September, zoos of invasive species, which break - The ecosystem services such reefs pro- the earth’s natural barriers, muck up the meters of global waterways and beaches and 75 percent of global coral species. 2012, the global effort on 28,516 kilo vide globally come to an estimated an- area’s marine environments, cost billions of dollars to manage, and endanger local trash, equivalent to the weight of 41 blue netted a staggering five million kilos of Beyond this money, the region is also nual value of $112.5 billion. crucial to the global cycle of plankton, Another way, biodiversity is put in biodiversity. whales. What to do with all this garbage peril by thin layer of industrial chemi- built a raft, the Plastiki, from old plastic showed activist David de Rothschild. He regulate the global climate and feed all cals and petroleum, coating the plastic bottles and sailed into, where else but tiny floating marine creatures which - particles, creating little poison pills that ery kilo of plankton per cubic meter of - If that is too adventurous for you, per- other marine animals. But now, for ev the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. seawater the great garbage patches con- ing on these toxic morsels, then be sure, fish eat and absorb. And if fish are feast haps you are lucky and find a friendly That means that there is more trash in the world’s oceans since 1992 when tain approximately six kilos of plastic. we are too. floatee – 350,000 of them are travelling the oceans than living beings and, even Clean up the world some containers with child’s bath toy worse, it is passed up the food chain to To avoid feeding on poison and to pro- friendly as the red beavers, green frogs, were washed overboard a cargo ship. As endangers the vital biodiversity, the very tect the marine web of life, there is a very blue turtles and yellow ducks might reach all marine life. A sad fact which easy way: reducing and preventing trash seem, they still are among the ocean’s - same beings make up. Hitching a hike on cal to manage man-made debris at every from entering our waterways. It is criti silent killers. a floating motorcycle point, from its manufacture to a product’s *Philipp Gassner is a consultant by the plastic industry, meeting on Inter- for science and sustainability consumption. Slowly, this is recognized trapped in drifting ghost nets, and birds national Marine Debris Conferences to communication at the GIZ-assisted Coral is smothered by plastic, fish get - address the ocean garbage issue – with Biodiversity and Climate Change cent of the sea bird Northern Fulmar Project, implemented at the ASEAN die from eating plastic. Ninety-five per found dead on beaches has plastic in On a regional level, the ASEAN Centre Centre for Biodiversity, Philippines. what results remains to be seen. for Biodiversity – in cooperation with Find multimedia versions of his articles estimated 100,000 sea turtles and ma- GIZ, the German development coop- on www.GreenChallengeAccepted. their stomachs. Marine debris harms an rine mammals and millions of other sea eration arm – has a strong emphasis on org and follow www.twitter.com/ GrnChllngAccptd creatures each year. For instance, plastic marine topics. The centre, based in the

10 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

Media practitioners share thoughts on reporting biodiversity

By Leslie Castillo*

currency – a story on biodiversity may have most of these news values, mpact, timeliness, prominence, proximity, bizarreness, conflict, and Ibut that does not guarantee it a space on the main page of a newspaper or

- a slot on primetime television. nitely be picked up, news of 100 million sharks being killed every year so While a story of a shark attacking tourists on a popular resort will defi

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 11 Biodiversity Awareness Survey for Media Practitioners in the ASEAN Region

etween February and April 2014, Bthe ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) conducted a survey on ASEAN- based media practitioners’ awareness of biodiversity. This online survey sought to provide baseline data on biodiversity awareness levels. It also sought to gather insights on biodiversity reportage, including challenges faced by media practitioners in reporting biodiversity. Responses from the survey are featured in this article. As promised to the participants, only ACB has access to the raw data, and no particular survey participant was identified in this article or any public or internal reports.

Another daily, The Brunei Times, also - sity and even places environment and allocates significant space for biodiver

“The establishment of The Brunei Times biodiversity news as headline stories. has brought about major improvements in media coverage of environment and

biodiversity issues in the country. The the public about the importance of seri- paper has significantly helped educate very little chance of making it to the pag- are businesses like any other; while we their fins may be made into soup has a as a priority topic. “Media organizations es of a major daily or a top-rating news do have a duty to readers, that duty is ous environmental issues. I would like - of my country,” Yang Berhormat Pehin to see this role sustained for the benefit ers might never know that killing sharks, Media organizations must be shown Udana Khatib DPSS Ustaz Hj Awg Bada- program. This is why readers and view often constrained by the bottom line. the ocean’s top predator, will disrupt the ruddin Bin Pengarah DP Hj Othman of marine ecosystem’s equilibrium and ul- everyone’s bottomline,” another editor how environmental issues can affect One hindrance to prominently pub- Brunei’s Ministry of Home Affairs said. One newspaper that considers biodi- lishing news on biodiversity is resistance timately affect the food web. from Malaysia said. Biodiversity, not a priority topic versity a priority is the Philippine-based BusinessMirror which devotes a full sec- case of The Brunei Times, there was from newspaper’s management. In the According to a number of Southeast tion to biodiversity-related stories once never any resistance from management Asian media practitioners who respond- regarding the paper’s focus on biodiver- ed to the Biodiversity Awareness Survey - a week. “We believe that biodiversity as for Media Practitioners in the ASEAN Re- part and parcel of much of everyday life, ing questions are asked each time the a subject doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s sity and environment issues. “No prob gion, especially those relating to our business editors devote precious front page space reportage on biodiversity is the fact that a major factor affecting the limited - continually seek to promote biodiversity images of the Bornean clouded leopard constituencies. You could say that we to biodiversity news. We can run fresh as no less than the business of living,” or other ‘newly recorded’ species for it is not seen as a priority topic. “Certain like political and economic news and Lourdes Molina-Fernandez, former Edi- days on our front page under favorable ly not. There are always other priorities biodiversity is seen as a secondary news tor-in-Chief of the BusinessMirror said in circumstances, and we don’t expect to 2011 when the paper was recognized as be asked to justify our decisions to man- Half of the respondents said their me- an ASEAN Champion of Biodiversity in item,” an editor from Malaysia said. dia organizations do not see biodiversity editor of The Brunei Times, agement,” Mr. Romulo Luib, managing the media sector. said.

12 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

“Unfortunately, not all media orga- level of understanding, awareness, inter- The role of media nizations can readily devote prominent est and passion; and the understanding space to accommodate stories on bio- and willingness of decision-makers in Article 13 of the Convention on Bio- logical Diversity (CBD) an international reporter or an editor, for example, may treaty with 193 parties, recognizes the diversity. A lot of forces are at play. A the newsroom. want to feature the topic, but a newspa- Too complex, too technical need to create awareness and educate not see it as a story that will sell copies Complicating the situation is the lack highlights that without communication, per or broadcasting firm’s owner may the public in the field of conservation. It education and public awareness (CEPA), Head of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiver- are lots of technical terms that are too or attract viewers,” Rolando A. Inciong, of understanding of the topic. “There sity’s (ACB) communication and public biodiversity loss will continue. Target a Malaysian editor said of information states that “by 2020, at the latest, people difficult for a layperson to understand,” No. 1 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets A reporter from Malaysia supports are aware of the values of biodiversity affairs unit, said. this view, saying, that while she believes According to the executive director of and the steps they can take to conserve materials she has read on biodiversity. media organizations should report a Philippine media organization, “I like more on biodiversity, there are obstacles some terms to be laymanized so that it “Media practitioners play a big role and use it sustainably.” faced, including the priorities and edito- is easier to relay information to the pub- in achieving the global biodiversity tar- rial direction of the paper; the reporters’ gets by bridging the gap between biodi- versity experts and the general public,” lic.”

A number of those who responded Inciong said. to the poll, however, said there is limited media outreach by scientists or biodiver-

sity experts. They pointed to the need to invest in greater media education. Need for media education

“Media helps in getting the message across, but they have to be educated as well,” a media expert from the Philip-

and government organizations to “spend pines said. He encouraged conservation

on forums and field studies for media practitioners.” “Training programs are In terms of knowing more about necessary,” he underscored. biodiversity, most of the survey respon- dents said they favor face-to-face train-

biodiversity-related issues they are most ing to learn more about the topic. Among

of genetic resources, agro-biodiver- interested in access and benefit sharing sity, biodiversity information manage- ment, business and biodiversity, climate change and biodiversity, coastal and ma- rine biodiversity, ecotourism and biodi- versity, economics of ecosystem services and biodiversity, urban biodiversity, and

Apart from training, a reporter from communicating biodiversity. Singapore highlighted the need to pro- vide media with regular updates on

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 13 special reports

Another reporter said government and “In the ASEAN region, media practi- coupled with an explanation of why they conservation organizations can “come tioners who want to know more about research findings and emerging issues, - up with programs that will include biodiversity can join the Southeast Asia portance of providing statistics as well public participation, thus, making it in- CEPA and Media Network for Biodiver- are significant. She emphasized the im as easy-to-understand explanation to sity (CEPA-Net), a knowledge network was supported by a Malaysian reporter composed of media practitioners, gov- teresting for the target audience.” This For an editor from Malaysia, con- who recommended “creating unusual facilitate reporting. and communication experts from South- ernment and NGO information officers, constantly engaged on developments on A Filipino reporter suggested tying up east Asian countries who are commit- stant engagement is key. “Keep them ways of connecting with our readers.” biodiversity “with something hot like ce- ted to help promote the importance of on biodiversity go unreported or unap- lebrities” to get more air time or column biodiversity conservation in the region,” biodiversity. Many major undertakings preciated due to poor understanding Addressing the question of making Among the network’s activities are inch of coverage. Inciong said. biodiversity a priority topic, one editor forums on biodiversity conservation, right from the basics.” Not sexy enough? aid, “Put money into it! If an organiza- regular exchange of best practices on tion is willing to support environmental A comment frequently heard about stories with ads, the editorial section biodiversity, sharing of success stories, effective communication techniques for media advocacy programs, and capacity biodiversity is that it is ‘not sexy’ enough. could ‘sell’ the topic to management.” Stories have to be ‘sexy’ to catch atten- Thoughts on “Media practitioners can also visit the “For a lot of reporters, it is not palatable. building activities. biodiversity reportage following websites: - The BusinessMirror is faced with the (ACB); (Secre- tion,” one of the respondents said. www.aseanbiodi - Asked to share their thoughts on the tariat of the CBD); http://biodiversity- versity.org www.cbd.int ing on biodiversity issues, we faced the role of media in conserving biodiversity, (Biodiversity Media same problem. “When we started focus unique challenge of making it a ‘sexy’ an editor from Malaysia said, “Media has Alliance); and - media.ning.com/ topic, which could hook readers and to help all parties in creating awareness (Internews); among many www.https://www.in on biodiversity, especially why it is im- ternews.org/ and editors also have to be constantly portant to conserve biodiversity for the “The ASEAN Centre for Biodiver- generate public support. Our reporters other sites. encouraged to embrace the subject and sity is grateful to receive the views of appreciate the seamless connection be- For the executive director of a Fili- - future of mankind.” tween biodiversity, climate change and pino media organization, “The grow- ing is that amid the obstacles faced in the media sector. An important find ing concerns on environmental haz- biodiversity reportage, media practi- exactly a simple topic to handle; some ards and depleting ecosystem should tioners acknowledged that they have the very stake of human survival. It’s not biodiversity-related issues are complex an important role to play in generating and can’t be written simplistically, or primarily be on public domain. Media without careful research and extensive welcome opportunities to learn more helps in getting the message across. But awareness for biodiversity. They also interviews with multidisciplinary ex- this needs constant updating on rel- about biodiversity so they can better they have to be educated as well. And Business- evant information and current realities bridge the biodiversity information gap Mirror’s between experts and the general pub- perts,” Ms. Lyn Resurreccion, Philippine Science Journalists’ Associa- In fact, this has to be a staple segment science editor and officer of the for contextual and nuanced reporting. merely a tool for media coverage, but a lic. At ACB, we consider media as not A reporter from one of Malaysia’s top is such that editors and reporters need partner in communicating biodiversity,” tion, Inc., said. in newspapers. The newsroom culture - to be conscientious of the necessity of protecting the environment and all life dailies offers a recommendation for con Inciong said. pitching stories, especially to non-spe- - servation organizations. “When they are cialist reporters or news organizations tion groups have to be sustained and forms. Interventions from conserva that don’t have a regular beat to cover it [biodiversity], they should frame the nurtured.” potential story or new information for Bridging the communication gap release in the context of its human inter- est, global implications, and urgency” Some survey respondents raised the *Leslie Castillo is a communication problem of who to approach for ques- consultant at the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. she said. She added the need to highlight fascinating facts and anything quirky. tions on biodiversity.

14 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

The Power of the Moving Image How a TV show is promoting biodiversity conservation

By Angeli Atienza*

hen our program Born to be Wild began airing in 2007, it was the Wonly program of its kind on mainstream Philippine television dedi- in this genre of television had its upside: an endless array of topics just waiting cated entirely to nature and wildlife conservation. Being a pioneer - to be featured in a country blessed with thousands of diverse species. But be ing first also meant having no guide book, no references, no “model” that we could follow to communicate biodiversity on television in the Philippine setting.

Dr. Nielsen Donato, one of Born to be Wild’s hosts

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Armed with our research, our cam- weeks in the mountains or out at sea and eras, and a goal to document the diverse still be faced with the very real possibil- and teams visited local communities continued even off-camera, as our hosts ity that they would come home empty- and schools to encourage participation natural world, we began our story. In nature’s timing translated to our stories, amazing journey, to say the least, to be between filming, writing and editing our handed. But somehow, this respect for in conservation efforts. It has been an phrases like “endemism”, “habitat loss” and through the years we’ve managed to part of a transformation in ourselves first few episodes, we struggled to make and “critically endangered” more mean- elicit the same respect and awe in nature and in our viewers – a transformation - from our viewers – a Tamaraw will not from lack of knowledge towards aware- sity is such a big word, often relegated to ingful to the Filipino audience. Biodiver the world of scientists and researchers, blue whale will show up at its own pace, wait for us; we wait on the Tamaraw. The ness, from indifference to involvement, - For seven years now, our team has and finally from inaction to action. give birth to its young, and this moment - that we found it challenging at first to ex and in its own time. The flying lemur will we eventually embraced the idea that captured on video will continue to be a - plain the idea. But as visual storytellers, lived and breathed biodiversity. Our ex - reality in the wild, for as long as we pro- sations with the stakeholders – locals, periences in the field, and our conver nicate biodiversity to a larger audience indigenous tribes, experts and organi- the most effective way we could commu was through the power of the moving im- our viewers watched and waited with zations at the forefront of conservation tect habitats. And so week after week, – only tell us that the work does not end concept, then we would attempt to bring and throughout our episodes we’ve seen age. If biodiversity seems to be a distant us. Slowly, but surely, awareness grew biodiversity closer to the audience using how little-known species like Varanus In these times, when threats to bio- here. Bitatawa (a newly-named reptile spe- diversity are immense, the challenge is To bring home images of unique spe- cies in the Philippines) and Irrawaddy to continue to make the subject relevant only the best video footage possible. cies for people to appreciate and watch (a most endangered species of dolphin) on television seems like a romantic idea, 500 stories, and literally travelling from to the ordinary person. After close to - As time passed, threats to the forests Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, biodiversity still transformed into household names. making, it became apparent that captur- and the oceans were no longer distant leaves us with so much to discover and so but early on in the work of wildlife film ing footage of elusive wildlife is easier issues, but seen by viewers as habitats that sheltered the wildlife they saw on message that we will continue to bring to much to strive towards protecting. It’s a which helped us to eventually communi- said than done. It was a learning process cate the value of biodiversity to our au- we began to drive focus on how human our television program. Little by little, audiences, one moving image at a time. began to understanding nature has its From inspiring awe in biodiversity *Angeli Atienza is program manager dience. As early as year one, our teams actions directly impact biodiversity. - through the power of the moving im- of BORN TO BE WILD, a weekly nature age, we went on to challenge ourselves and wildlife documentary series which laws and cycles. Plants and animals fol our best chances at capturing the best and our audience to take a more proac- airs Sundays,9:45AM over GMA-7 in low seasons. And we recognized that images were to observe and respect the Philippines. The show is hosted by - Dr. Ferds Recio and Dr. Nielsen Donato. tive stance towards conservation. With ful planning, discipline, and hours upon - BORN TO BE WILD was declared as these natural cycles. It would take care our veterinarian-hosts, Dr. Ferds Recio hours of waiting just to document a sin- sponded to wildlife emergencies such as ASEAN Champion of Biodiversity (Media and Dr. Nielsen Donato, the team re marine mammal strandings and urged Category) in 2010 by the ASEAN Centre In the beginning, the waiting game for Biodiversity, besting media entries gle event in nature. was a challenge; our teams would spend information and education campaigns from ten ASEAN Member States. local communities to do the same. Our

16 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

#biodiversity Communicating biodiversity in the era of social media

By Eisen Bernard V. Bernardo*

- - he rise of social media significantly changed the way people commu saging (Skype, Viber), blogging service (Blogger, Wordpress), content Tnicate. These affordable and user-friendly tools such as instant mes sharing (YouTube, Tumblr), and social networking (Facebook, Twitter) enable

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anyone to create and share texts, audio recordings, pho- WWF proudly shares that its of the organization’s agenda. tos, and videos anytime and website is its home base, the - blog its podium, and social ing a social media account networking sites its mega- anywhere. Nowadays, hav is as important as having Other organizations are phones. show that there are 1 billion also using social media to a mobile phone. Statistics people in Facebook, 560 mil- complement their communi- lion in Twitter, 400 million in Google+, and 150 million in United Nations Environment cation strategies. In 2010, the Programme-World Conser- Social media has democ- vation Monitoring Centre Instagram. ratized almost every aspect (UNEP-WCMC), together with the International Union can voice out opinion on any for Conservation of Nature, of human life. Today anyone issue just by posting a status - launched Protectedplanet. Youtube and other video tive, social media-based site, in Facebook, or by Twitting. net. The website, an interac sharing sites have helped dis- allows the general public to cover many new talents, from upload photographs, record - wildlife sightings, and con- tribute reviews of visits to singers to dancers to film easily interact with their fans makers. Celebrities can now In the Philippines, the Bio- protected areas. Businesses, both multina- diversity Management Bureau via Twitter and Instagram. tional and microenterprises, (BMB) of the Department of have taken advantage of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched in promoting their products its own social media cam- benefits of the social media - paign dubbed #whatsnextph, tional and regional organiza- with the goal of informing and services. Many interna tions, including the United and educating the public on Nations, the World Bank, and biodiversity and wildlife con- the Asian Development Bank, - are using social media tools to servation. Dr. Theresa Mun reach out to a variety of audi- emphasized in an interview dita S. Lim, director of BMB, that “the campaign aims to Moreover, social media tap environmental advocates ences. is the new platform for vari- vironmental conservation have joined - to reflect the concerns of the become very instrumental in the rescue tal problems and thus pressure the deci- ous social advocacies. Recently, it has public regarding different environmen and relief operations and emergency Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s larg- - the social media bandwagon. The World fundraising for the victims of Typhoon est environmental charity organization, sion makers to solve a specific environ employs social media tools to boost its Beyond its power to create public mental issue.” Individuals and organizations in the - awareness, social media is proven to be a Haiyan in the Philippines. biodiversity arena are also harnessing nization believes that social media has platform for long-term and high-impact communication campaigns. The orga given them the opportunity “to engage - supporters and reach new audiences in national organizations and academic the power of social media. initiatives. Experiences of various inter Social media and biodiversity a way they have not ever been able to in and research institutions show that the social media can carry citizen science Many prominent organizations and dialogue and personal connection mak- and crowdsourcing, fund raising, and the past.” The new media allows open government agencies working on en- ing the people more engaged and aware

enforcement programs.

18 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

Trending: citizen science and crowdsourcing users online classrooms which discuss broke geographical barriers by making Survey) and others. It also provides the ogy and related fields. Social media also topics ranging from species adaptation scientists from countries like the United and natural selection to conservation States, Canada, France, Switzerland, Co- research is by involving ordinary citizens lombia, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana and One way of democratizing scientific Citizen science projects like Project and biodiversity. Noah is a good example of crowdsourc- in research activities. This is the essence Brazil collaborate in this project. the Internet, citizen science has become - Hashtag fundraising of citizen science projects. Because of ing is the practice of soliciting ideas and/ ing in this social media age. Crowdsourc Project Noah, a worldwide citizen - more feasible and accessible. science project, is an online mobile plat- funding is the practice of funding an ini- or financial support from large groups. An offshoot of crowdsourcing, crowd amount of information and resources Today, online communities offer a vast Launched in 2010, the Project Noah that can be tapped in crowdsourcing Several organizations have utilized so- form for documenting flora and fauna. tiative using different online platforms. smart phone application is available in cial media and other online tools to raise In 2011, a team of experts from the funds for their biodiversity conservation projects. provides smartphone users a venue to Smithsonian’s National Museum of Nat- both iTunes and Google Play. The app share pictures of their “spotting” or their In 2004, WildlifeDirect, a conserva- projects. - tion fundraising project using social ural History conducted a fish diversity The group collected more than 5,000 encounter with different plants and ani survey in the Cuyuni River of Guyana. - mals. The pictures shared are located in media, was launched in Kenya. Through now, there are almost 600,000 spottings Because of time constraints and insuf- turing a collection of blogs, anyone can maps and taxonomically identified. As of specimens that need to be identified. a website (http:/wildlifedirect.org/) fea participate in biodiversity conservation Project Noah also launched various posted by participants worldwide. ficient literature, the team created an citizen science projects, like online map- 24 hours, more than 90 percent of the are written by conservation workers, online catalog via Facebook. In less than through online donations. The blogs ping (Mushroom Mapping), biodiver- ranging from scientists and researchers sity surveys (Global Urban Biodiversity, of the people commenting on the catalog to doctors and veterinarians, who are species were correctly identified. Most Moths of the World, International Spider - working for the protection of wildlife

were Ph.D. degree holders in ichthyol

Citizen science projects like Project Noah is a good example of crowdsourcing in this social media age. Crowdsourcing is the practice of soliciting ideas and/ or financial support from large groups. special reports

and wetlands, woodlands, and forest Last year, CI used various social media man, an American TV host of Winchester - sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Deadly Passion, triggered the online tivities like helping animals in captivity, Pinterest to communicate its own #Giv- community by posting in her Twitter ac- ecosystems. Some bloggers conduct ac working with children and communities, - count a photo of her kneeling and smil- sages, mostly photographs, inspired by ingTuesday campaign. CI crafted mes In the WildlifeDirect website, anyone the theme Nature gives to us, it’s time to and addressing the issue of poaching. ing with a rifle in hand, behind a lion she who cares about wildlife has the oppor- give back. than 485,000 netizens signed an online had shot and killed in South Africa. More Netizens were given three options on how they can participate in CI’s #Giv- the government of South Africa to make tunity to provide financial support to a petition on Change.org addressed to Donations are used “to purchase equip- conservation initiative of their choice. ment like computers and GPS, food for to support CI’s various conservation ini- Melissa Bachman” page on Facebook ingTuesday. First is by donating money Bachman a persona non grata. A “Stop orphaned animals, patrol vehicles, - school fees and bursaries for needy cial Twitter account and/or by using the Early this year, the traditional dolphin tiatives. Second is by following their offi generated more than 368,000 likes. children in communities that border hashtag #GivingTuesday, and joining the hunt in Taiji Cove in Japan was a trending - online conversation on philanthropy and ing exercises, and wages for rangers and such #tweet4taiji, #HelpCoveDolphins, wildlife, field veterinary care, de-snar topic in social media. Various hashtags - of CI’s simple steps to live green such as and #tweet4dolphins trended on Twit- conservation. And last is by applying some low the conservation worker’s day-to- drive less, eat greener, recycle everything ter to raise awareness about this mass scouts.” In the blogs, the donors can fol day activities on the ground, and moni- outrage was picked up by CNN, and el- else, get involved locally, and others. slaughter of dolphins. The social media Wildlife enforcement evated the controversy in the interna- tor the actual results that their financial In 2007, WildlifeDirect had seven is now viral support enables. blogs written by conservationists work- In Facebook, people are more likely tional media. ing in the Democratic Republic of Con- Events of cruelty to wildlife can easily

to respond on issues affecting them on was used to pay the rangers’ salaries how powerful social media is in raising Rimba, a group of conservation biolo- go. These blogs raised $350,000 that spur social media outrage. This shows the emotional level. In the experience of and help save mountain gorillas in the gists in Malaysia, it is easier for conser- Several events of wildlife slaughter and vation issues that cause moral outrage public support for conservation action. collected in 2008 amounted to $500,000 illegal trade were viral in Facebook and Virunga National Park. Contributions social networking sites compared to in- (e.g. animal abuse) to become viral on to take legal actions regarding the inci- tangible long-term conservation issues and $321,000 in 2009. These funds were Twitter. These also led the authorities used to finance the field projects of the hundred ongoing blogs in the Wildlife- bloggers. At present, there are almost a dents. (e.g. deforestation, illegal wildlife trade). Direct website, including four projects in Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), shared a local tour operator’s photo- In the official Facebook page of Wild On its official Facebook page, the group - the Club regularly posts incidents of graph of snorkelers harassing an endan- utan Foundation; Tasikoki Wildlife res- poaching and illegal trade of wildlife the ASEAN region. These are the Orang cue, rehabilitation and release of native - The post depicting animal abuse went gered green turtle (Chelonia mydas). species; and Sumatran Sea Turtles Com- dents include an online site selling a viral, and drew the attention of the me- particularly birds. Some of these inci munity Conservation in Aceh in Indone- seven-month old Eagle Owl, an airline sia; and the Bornean Sun Bear Conserva- company allowing illegal transport Fisheries Department investigating the dia. This eventually led to the Malaysian of the Philippine Eagle, and a govern- incident, and the tour operator issued a Conservation International (CI), one tion Centre in Malaysia. of the most prominent organizations ment official killing the vulnerable and public apology. working in the conservation arena, part- of these Facebook posts were picked Harnessing social media protected Philippine wild ducks. Most nered with the #GivingTuesday move- up by national television networks and in the ASEAN region ment to raise funds for conservation a picture of a local hunter in Northern The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity broadsheets. Recently, WCBP posted after Thanksgiving celebration in the Philippines who displayed a dead juve- (ACB) has been implementing a wide activities. The day refers to the Tuesday nile hornbill he allegedly shot with an range of programs and projects, with #GivingTuesday movement encourages the aim of conserving and protecting United States held every November. The people to do a good deed on the said into the reports of illegal bird hunting in the ASEAN region’s rich biological re- air gun. The DENR immediately looked date, such as donate money to char- In November last year, Melissa Bach- initiatives, mainstreaming biodiversity the region. sources. Despite the successes of such ity or sign up for volunteering activities.

20 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

conservation remains a huge challenge, considering that biodiversity-related information may not be “interesting or - - sexy” to all types of audiences. Mr. Ro - lando A. Inciong, head of ACB’s commu astically shared that “the birth of social nication and public affairs unit, enthusi media has given hope to conservation organizations such as ACB, by providing

information-sharing platform catering us an efficient, effective, and affordable

He added that “sectors working for to a wider range of audiences.” the conservation of nature and bio-

power of social media to mainstream diversity benefit from harnessing the

can complement our existing commu- our cause. Social media communication nication activities and materials in our communication, education, and public - nized a social media team to plan and awareness programs.” ACB has orga

According to Accenture, a global IT implement its social media campaign. company, all the well-known global In- ternet and social media services are al-

These include Gmail and Hotmail; Face- ready well established in Southeast Asia. book, LinkedIn, and Blogger; Skype and Google+; YouTube and Flickr; eBay; and

Recent statistics from Facebook show the iTunes store and Google Play store. the site has 42 million users in Indonesia, 27 million in the Philippines, 14 million

Other ASEAN Member States have grow- in Thailand, and 12 million in Malaysia. ing numbers of Facebook users such as

Viet Nam (2.9 million), Singapore (2.7 million), Cambodia (1.2 million), and Social media has been proven as an Brunei Darussalam (260 thousand).

It is a low-cost set-up and a platform effective tool to reach millions of people.

media can also provide us new oppor- for quick sharing of messages. “Social tunities to listen, engage, and monitor

our organization’s impact,” Mr. Inciong stressed.

*Eisen Bernard V. Bernardo is a multi- media producer and writer at the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 21 special reports Biodiversity CEPA Initiatives of ASEAN Member States

SINGAPORE Engaging the public in conserving the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Article and photos contributed by Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

ingapore, as a tropical island, has

areas, encompassing patches of Sdiverse ecological habitats. These tropical rainforest, swamp forest, man- groves and other ecosystems serve as habitats for many plant and animal spe- cies endemic to the region, ‘green lungs’ for the city, and avenue for residents to get close to nature.

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Conserving the mangroves visitors annually, including tourists from may also choose to participate in guided use of smartphones in the city. Visitors Mangroves are a natural feature of - all over the world. Singapore’s coastline and are considered Engaging the public ing demonstrations and nature photog- walks, marine fish tours, prawn harvest a relatively rare forest type, comprising - - Singapore’s National Parks Board nized for the general public at SBWR are raphy workshops. The activities orga (NParks) manages SBWR with a com- highly interactive, and are aimed at fur- only 0.4 percent of all forests world mangrove and mangrove-associated bination of objectives – conservation, ther increasing public awareness of the wide. They support a plethora of unique species, providing vital habitats, breed- education, research and nature based ing grounds, nurseries and nutrients for the reserve, and how the community can wetlands, the ecosystems one can find in - perspective, NParks recognizes the im- recreation. From a socio-ecological portance of mangrove conservation for - adjacent coastal ecosystems. The im do their part to conserve them. biodiversity in Singapore was formally ent stakeholders which are key to the People’s participation portance of effectively engaging differ recognized by the government’s com- long term conservation of the wetland mitment to legally gazette 130 hectares in Sungei Buloh as a nature reserve in encounter with the wetlands and do reserve. It does so through a variety of Those who prefer to have a first-hand group, including the public schools, non- not mind getting their hands dirty can programs catered specifically to each coastline, this wetland reserve contains governmental organizations and corpo- volunteer in mangrove salvaging, habi- 2002. Located at Singapore’s northern tat restoration, coastal clean-ups and stopover destination for migratory birds Tucked away in the northwest cor- - stretches of mudflats, an important rate organizations. ner of a highly-urbanized island, SBWR ble seedlings and replanting them, these shorebird monitoring. By gathering via hundred thirty species of birds have volunteers are helping in the regenera- to escape from the arctic winter. Two been recorded at Sungei Buloh Wetland and bird-watching hides to increase its has been fitted with boardwalks, trails Reserve (SBWR) alone, of which 118 are attractiveness to Singapore’s city dwell- Birds are good indicators of biodiver- tion of the mangroves. sity and SBWR actively studies the migra- that the reserve was formally recog- migratory species. It was little wonder ing population. Information boards nized as a site of international impor- explanatory diagrams complement Every year, thousands of migratory birds with species identification guides and tory patterns of these birds in Singapore. tance for migratory birds under the East - seek shelter at SBWR during the winter Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership cently, wireless trails and QR codes have trails for self-guided walks. More re been incorporated to make informa- Birdwatching workshops are conducted season in the northern hemisphere. tion about biodiversity in SBWR more to introduce the public to this natural (EAAFP). In 2003, SBWR also became Today, it attracts approximately 130,000 readily accessible, given the common phenomenon; they involve discussion Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park.

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- aims to motivate delinquent youth to tivities like these, participants feel closer contribute positively to society, equips and field sessions. Through engaging ac Given the multi-faceted them with skills that challenge them outreach team at SBWR is supported both physically and mentally through to nature and better appreciate it. The nature of raising awareness of activities aimed at increasing their con- Some of the volunteer activities include local biodiversity, a variety of - by a network of committed volunteers. leading guided walks, conducting work- ducting these activities at SBWR, the outreach methods have been fidence and teamwork skills. By con shops, and contributing to biodiversity utilized at SBWR to appeal to participants are given the opportunity - scriber-based mailing lists with monthly a wide range of audiences and The Ministry of Social and Family surveys. The NParks website and sub to interact with nature. updates and quarterly newsletters have stakeholders. Development and Dads for Life, a local - non-governmental organization (NGO), ing and publicizing outreach activities to co-organize the ‘Nature Rumble with been effective portals for communicat Dad’ program with SBWR to encourage father and child bonding through mean- the public. Starting them young ingful conservation activities, such as ‘Sister Wetlands Affiliation Programme’ old student representatives collaborate planting seedlings to restore mangrove (SWAP). Through SWAP, 10- to 18-year- The outreach team at SBWR orga- with students from other countries nizes structured workshops with local along the EAAFP network, such as Ko- corporate organizations and NGOs is sites. SBWR’s close partnership with - - student representatives include run- viding a powerful tool for communicat- primary and secondary schools. For rea and Japan. Projects undertaken by beneficial for all parties involved, pro ters with mangroves often occur during ing the importance of biodiversity to a many Singaporeans, their first encoun SWAP has been a great way for students ning blogs and conservation initiatives. with schools to tailor programs based to spark interest in biodiversity conser- school fieldtrips. SBWR works closely broad range of audiences. on their desired learning outcomes for Meeting diverse needs

vation among their peers. workshops for primary school students Developing skills through nature Given the multi-faceted nature of students of different ages. For instance, raising awareness of local biodiversity, a and fauna often found in the mangroves, In conjunction with Singapore Press variety of outreach methods have been focus on basic introductions to the flora while more emphasis is placed on envi- Holdings, the Sun Club brings nature utilized at SBWR to appeal to a wide ronmental stewardship with older stu- appreciation to students with special - range of audiences and stakeholders. youth may also wish to further their in- and hands-on craft projects at SBWR ther develop best practices in communi- dents attending secondary school. The needs. Activities such as guided tours Continuous effort is being made to fur terests in the environment through the are developed through consultation cation, education and public awareness ‘Young Naturalist Programme’, which provides students with a more hands- is the Nature Nurtures program, which After all, managing our environment with special schools. Another initiative of biodiversity conservation at SBWR. was established in 2007 and sponsored sustainably is about managing the peo- SBWR also works with schools for the on approach to conservation activities. by Shell Singapore. The program, which ple who benefit from its impacts.

24 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org Biodiversity special reports CEPA Initiatives of ASEAN Member States

(NParks, FOB 2013) President Tony Tan Keng Yam learning more about seastars at Festival of Biodiversity 2013 SINGAPORE Celebrating the annual Festival of Biodiversity

By Linda Goh* Photos courtesy of NParks*

wing to its geographical location, Singapore is a city rich in bio- Odiversity, despite a small land area of just over 700 square ki- – primary lowland dryland dipterocarp forest, primary hill dryland dip- lometers. More than 10 ecosystems can be found in Singapore terocarp forest, primary freshwater swamp forest, secondary forests,

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 25 special reports

‚

Photo by Rene Ong

 ƒ

Photo by Ria Tan

rivers, estuaries, mangrove forests, portance of conserving Singapore’s bio-  Children expressing their creativity sandy beach, rock shore, inter-tidal at a hands-on art and craft workshop. - diversity. ‚ A community art piece of the sea bed and open water – which harbor al event typically involves some 100 vol- Festival’s logo launched in 2012. mudflats, seagrass meadow, coral reef, The two-day fun-filled and education some 52 mammal species, 364 bird spe- unteers and about 40 partners compris- ƒ Volunteers from the marine - ing nature groups, biodiversity experts, community showcasing interesting specimens to the public. schools, corporate organizations and cies, 301 butterfly species, 66 freshwa „ Volunteers sharing nuggets of government agencies, each contributing information with visitors at the ter fishes, 12 species of seagrass and 255 With increased interest in biodi- interactive exhibition panel. hard coral species. versity conservation issues, Singapore Each year at the festival, the National Bringing biodiversity into the heart to the festival’s program and exhibits. of a busy shopping mall. formed the Biodiversity Roundtable to Parks Board Singapore (NParks) puts † Children discovering the secret enable interest groups and non-govern- together an informative and interactive lives of plankton. mental organizations to have greater in- exhibition based on the theme for the ‡ ‘Show and Tell’ trolley packed with year’s International Day for Biological specimens allows movement to different parts of the mall. A brainchild of the Biodiversity Diversity to enhance local understand- volvement in conservation activities. Roundtable, the Festival of Biodiversity - is an annual event that aims to raise tional exhibition subsequently roves to ing of biodiversity issues. This educa greater awareness of our natural heri- various heartland areas in Singapore to tage and excite more Singaporeans to further reach out and spread the mes-

- The whole event takes a celebrative appreciate the diverse flora and fauna sage to the community. rated in 2012 by Singapore’s President mood with a myriad of free activities tar- within our small island-state. Inaugu Tony Tan Keng Yam, the festival features the unique plants and animals found in can sign up and join volunteer guides geted at different age groups. Families various habitats, and highlights the im- to go on a journey of discovery at our

26 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

„ † ‡

Photo by Rene Ong Photo by Ria Tan

conducted by local biodiversity experts - plethora of plant and animal specimens parks and gardens. They can also view a agency. To achieve sustainable biodi and informative exhibits featured at the - implementation, it is essential to have and avid nature photographers. Various versity conservation that is effective in interactive booths manned by the vari- tive biodiversity and species recovery broad-based support from individuals, films are screened to showcase our na ous groups, and listen to the volunteers the community and government agen- share interesting nuggets of information perspectives of the importance of biodi- - conservation efforts to broaden their sity, the biodiversity community, public cies. Through the Festival of Biodiver Young visitors can also exercise their agencies, corporate and school groups, about our biodiversity. versity conservation. creativity at the various hands-on art and individuals are galvanized to con- The first festival in 2012 was held in and craft workshops such as creating tribute to a common goal: the conser- Singapore Botanic Gardens. It attracted and painting a hanging mobile of a but- to the “unconverted”, Singaporeans who some 3,000 visitors then. To reach out may not have discovered the rich biodi- All the partners involved in the event vation of Singapore’s natural heritage. versity found locally, the second festival bring to the Festival of Biodiversity their terfly, or making their very own nature- in 2013 was held at a popular shopping knowledge, expertise and resources to inspired bookmarks. In addition, they and dramatization of “The Giving Tree”, create greater awareness and interest in can also find joy in listening to fun tales “The Lorax” and more at the storytelling The festival received positive feedback our natural heritage and instil a sense of mall and attracted some 10,000 visitors. and many visitors cited that they gained national pride to sustain our rich biodi- by enthusiastic primary school students a deeper understanding and appreciation sessions. These sessions are conducted to make reading fun and encourage chil- of Singapore’s rich biodiversity, its bene- versity for future generations.

For visitors who appreciate more sci- sponsor also invited the organizers to put *Linda Goh is currently the Deputy dren to appreciate nature around us. fits and relevance to Singapore. The venue Director for Biodiversity Information of talks are organized featuring top- Holistic biodiversity conservation and Policy Section in the National entific-based information, a wide range up the Festival again in 2014. ics such as forest conservation, nature Biodiversity Centre, National Parks photography and even animal forensics a single organization or government Board. cannot be achieved with the efforts of

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 27 special reports Biodiversity CEPA Initiatives of ASEAN Member States THAILAND Communication activities of the Royal Forest Department

By Dr. Surang Thienhirun*

hailand’s Royal Forest Department is responsible for the preser-

are approximately 1,221 which still do not have a biodiversity Tvation and protection of the country’s preserved forests. There

community forests to allow people who live around the areas to take database. Some parts of the preserved forests have been converted into



28 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

vegetables, fruits, medicinal plant, bam- boo and mushroom from the forest for has published 42 books and produced and northeastern parts of Thailand. It - To date, the project - their livelihood. The department as five videos to generate awareness on rector of Forest Biodiversity Division to biodiversity exploration training for has collected data from signed Dr. Surang Thienhirun, the di biodiversity. The project also conducts construct the database of preserved for- people who live around the forest and approximately 27 forests ests under the biodiversity conservation - including the northern, standing of how to collect the biodiver- staff to provide them with better under southern, central, eastern Under this project, the Forest Bio- and development project. diversity Division encourages the par- As they worked together, the project and northeastern parts of sity data. ticipants including foresters, scientists, organizers and participants learned a Thailand. It has published and local people living near the forest 42 books and produced The project enables villagers to gain a lot. They benefit from exchanging ideas. discussing, and planning the method to greater understanding of ecology and five videos to generate to work as a team. This entails thinking, awareness on biodiversity. Forest Biodiversity Division is able to de- collect biodiversity data together. Teams biodiversity. Through the project, the group going into the forest and collect- termine which plants, animals, insects, are separated into five groups with each ing biodiversity data on plants, animals, mushrooms and lichens will be extinct

groups also collect the locals’ wisdom community is also made aware of the insects, mushrooms, and lichens. The soon and what are already extinct. The and traditional knowledge related to impact of extinction, encouraging them to think of ways how to conserve forest Forest Biodiversity Division constructed - biodiversity. From the data collected, the the database and made it available in the day, they conserve rare plant species by biodiversity for future generations. To  Training with growing young plants and putting them communities about exploring and collecting website http//biodiversity.forest.go.th biodiversity data To-date, the project has collected data Under the project, the Forest Bio- beginning 2009. back in the forest. ‚ Working on collecting from approximately 27 forests including diversity Division constructs biodiver- biodiversity data the northern, southern, central, eastern sity classrooms with the goal of giving ƒ Database website

‚ ƒ

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 29 special reports

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ˆ

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30 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org special reports

„ Publication and knowledge back to communities through Community and biodiversity video conservation and Biodiversity classrooms are built in schools located sustainable usage classroom in the young generation. The biodiversity different schools near forests so that students and the lo- † Sharing knowledge cal communities are made aware of the Pu-Chao-Po-Laeng crab (Potamonb- with teachers and importance and the value of biodiversity humibol) is the freshwater crab found students on the small cannels in Mae-Jang-Fang- ‡ Everyone in the community help in the forest. grow the rare plants Discovery, the way to preserve In the past, this crab species was for conservation forest by local community Sai forest. ˆ Plant, animal, insect, mushroom, species declined and seemed to be ex- abundant. Soon, the population of this lichen and Thaworn Yasol, who lives in Ban traditional knowledge Sam-Kha near the Mae-Jang-Fung-Sai the change and started implementing tinct. People in the community noticed ‰ Pu-Chao-Po-Laeng forest, Mae-Ta district, Lumpang, joined crab the team to gather biodiversity data in meetings, the locals agreed to catch conservation measures. In one of their Š Mae-Jang-Fang-Sai only the big male crabs and the females forest His village places emphasis on for- Small dam in Mha- the Mae-Jang-Fung-Sai forest. Jang-fang-sai forest est preservation and tries to keep the were assigned to watch out for people without eggs. For over 10 years, guards

Years ago, his village used water from This practice of conserving species be- forest plentiful like it was in the past. who went into the forest to gather food. Mae-Jang-Fung-Sai forest for agriculture was no longer just a rule that they com- came ingrained in the locals’ culture. It crisis in 2003, the village set a schedule and daily life. However, due to the water shows that when people realize and plied with, but a voluntary act. This community consultations, the villagers understand the value of biodiversity, to open and close the water source. In realized that the reason they lacked wa- they will use resources in a sustainable ter was the higher rate of deforestation which reduced the number of trees in By working with local people and manner.

community then arranged for a group of Thailand’s Royal Forest Department not the forest and finally led to drought. The staff, the Forest Biodiversity Division of people to guard the forest day and night only gathered information for its biodi- to catch those who cut the trees without versity database, but also formed a good

The community also built a small dam parties gained knowledge on biodiver- By working with permission. relationship with the local people. Both local people and - only understood more about biodiver- to reduce the speed of water flow during sity together. In the end, the people not cause of storm, people are not allowed sity, the environment, and culture; they staff, the Forest the rainy season. If a tree falls down be realized the important role that they Biodiversity Division to play and started conserving forests to use the trees. They have to leave the of Thailand’s Royal This aims to prevent people from claim- tree in the forest and let it decompose. ing that the tree fell down by itself so Forest Department themselves. not only gathered “This process makes the After 10 years, the forest became community willing to preserve they can move it out of the forest. information for fertile again and the people now have the forest, protect the forest its biodiversity which leads to the conservation is one of the success stories that resulted and protection of biodiversity database, but also enough water throughout the year. This from the cooperation of everyone in the and sustainable usage” formed a good community in restoring the forest so relationship with the - - local people. that they can all benefit from a sustain aged to know more about forest preser- *Dr. Surang Thienhirun is Director of able water resource. By being encour vation, the locals become more willing Forest Biodiversity Division at Thailand’s Royal Forest Department.

to preserve the forest themselves.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 31 features

WORLD WETLAND DAY, 2 FEBRUARY Wetlands and agriculture, partner for growth

By Sahlee B. Barrer

ach year on 2 February, Parties to the Wetlands provide food and other Convention on Wetlands of Interna- agriculture are now recognized as part- agricultural products such as fuel and E port healthy wetlands. Wetlands and tional Importance (Ramsar Convention) ners for growth, and both sectors need - of 1971, celebrate World Wetlands Day, to work together for the best shared duction activities that take place within fiber directly through agricultural pro which provides an opportunity to raise wetlands, such as in rice paddies, coastal Wetlands have been used for agri- grazing marshes, recession agriculture outcomes. world’s wetlands to humanity and the culture for millennia, especially riverine awareness on the significance of the and cropping of small seasonal wet- and aquaculture in large floodplains, - environment. Article 1.1 of the Ramsar wetlands in floodplains where soils are of marsh, fen, peatland or water, wheth- nately, the drainage and reclamation of by providing fertile soils and reliable Convention defines wetlands as “areas fertile and water is plentiful. Unfortu lands. Wetlands also support agriculture wetlands for agriculture has become temporary, with water that is static or According to the ASEAN Centre for er natural or artificial, permanent or supplies of good quality water. - some regions of the world, more than Biodiversity, wetlands in the ASEAN ever more widespread and effective. In ing areas of marine water, the depth of - region are under extreme pressure by flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, includ which at low tide does not exceed six plains and other wetland areas have factors originating from human activi- 50 percent of peatlands, marshes, flood been lost, primarily for conversion for - This year’s theme is Wetlands and Ag- lamation, wetlands conversion for aqua- meters”. ties. Urban expansion such as land rec riculture to complement 2014 as the UN over the world now depend directly culture, pollution, sedimentation and agricultural use. Millions of people all International Year of Family Farming. siltation are among the most common For the longest time, wetlands were some combination of these for their on agriculture, forestry, and fishing, or often viewed as a barrier to agriculture, factors affecting wetland ecosystems. and they continue to be drained and re- a primary driver of economic growth Oliva said changing climate patterns livelihoods. As such, agriculture is often ACB Executive Director Roberto V. have reduced rainfall in many wetlands, However, the essential role of wetlands development comes at the price of wet- resulting to lower water levels, even to claimed to make farming land available. in developing countries. However, this in support of agriculture is becoming lands, which provide vital ecosystem clearer and clearer, and there are suc- services that people are now beginning Other areas experience excessive rain- the point of parchment of some areas. cessful agricultural practices which sup- fall, resulting to higher water levels and - to recognize. cles and reproductive patterns of many flooding. Either way, he said, the life cy

Given their importance for water organisms are affected. supply and food production, wetlands are also a key element of achieving the

Through World Wetlands Day 2014, the goals of poverty alleviation worldwide. Ramsar Convention aims to highlight the importance of wetlands in support- ing agriculture, especially since many family farming operations rely on the soils, water, plants and animals found in wetlands to provide food security and

For more information on World Wet- Photo by Karen Discaya, SCPW improve their livelihoods. Lake Balanan in Siaton, Negros Oriental, Philippines is home to close to a lands Day 2014 and the impact of ag- hundred dalakit/balete trees. The earthquake in May 1925 had caused a massive riculture on wetlands, log on to landslide on both sides of the Balanan and Nasig-id ridges that formed this scenic 24-hectare lake. www. ramsar.org.

32 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org features

World Wildlife Day, 3 March World Wildlife Day highlights urgent need to curb illegal trade

By Leslie Castillo

n 25 February, the Philippines’ ternational Union for Conservation of OBiodiversity Management Bureau Nature (IUCN) Director General Julia (BMB) announced it seized 93 exotic Marton-Lefèvre said “World Wildlife animals which were smuggled into Day gives us a chance to highlight the breathtaking diversity of our planet’s animal and plant species and how their Southern Philippines. Among animals gliders, and assorted mammals and rep- continued survival in the wild is inti- confiscated were 66 wild birds, 10 sugar tiles, some of which are vulnerable and event traces its roots to the 68th session Wildlife Day on 3 March. The global of the United Nations General Assembly “At a time when the earth’s natural mately linked to ours.” caught transporting the animals from on 20 December 2013, when leaders resources are being exploited at an ac- critically endangered. The five Filipinos Australia and Indonesia were arrested proclaimed the third of March as World celerated pace to meet the needs of and were charged with illegal posses- Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise burgeoning populations and consumer awareness of the world’s wild fauna and demands, the World Wildlife Day and Their arrest came two weeks after 100 CITES will help us to focus more on sion and transport of such species. almost similar animals from Australia marks the adoption of the Convention sustainable practices by communities, flora. The date is significant as it also and Indonesia were seized by wildlife on International Trade in Endangered governments and enterprises in our authorities while being transported to ultimate quest for development,” said Adopted on 3 March 1973, CITES plays Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of the Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). - a key role in ensuring that international United Nations Conference on Trade and Manila. gered tiger cubs and hundreds of other trade does not threaten the survival of In Thailand, police seized five endan animals including turtles and monitor In Southeast Asia, ASEAN Centre Development. lizards being illegally transported to Lao for Biodiversity (ACB) Executive Direc- various species. Scanlon said World Wildlife Day is “the CITES Secretary-General John E. PDR as transit point to sell animals to opportunity for all of us – no matter who PDR. Police said traders are using Lao tor Roberto V. Oliva expressed support we are or where we are – to celebrate for the global celebration. “The ACB is caught smuggling the cubs and other the beauty and variety of the millions As home to a treasure trove of plant and China and Viet Nam. The two Thai men proud to support World Wildlife Day. species were charged with illegal pos- of plants and animals that we share our animal species, many of which are either - threatened or critically endangered, the ternational law, it is illegal to trade tigers its own right, we should not forget that ASEAN region has a crucial role in en- session of protected animals. Under in planet with. While we cherish wildlife in and tiger parts, except for non-commer- it also contributes to our personal well- suring that biological resources will be being – from food to medicine – from conserved for future generations,” he In Cambodia, police arrested two cial reasons such as scientific research. Vietnamese caught smuggling nearly 80 to the global problem of habitat loss and The ASEAN region is a known hot- culture to recreation.” He also pointed said. illegal trade, which “is now threatening spot in the lucrative, multi-billion dollar the survival of some of our most charis- global trade of wildlife, in which both kilograms of elephant tusks from Africa. were caught with the illegal ivory after matic species, as well as some plants and live and processed goods of most spe- According to arresting officers, the men arriving in Siem Reap from South Ko- cies are traded, ranging from tigers and - elephants to rare orchids and indigenous animals you may never have heard of.” was being transported to be sold in Viet ers to bring illegal trade to an end and medicinal herbs, from rare marine spe- rea. The ivory, which came from Angola, Mr. Scanlon urged citizens and consum to work for a future where people and The three incidents, which happened While all 10 ASEAN Member States are Nam. cies to endemic reptiles and songbirds. in a span of only two weeks, came days The celebration has elicited support signatories to the CITES, the poaching, wildlife co-exist in harmony. - before the first celebration of World from various global organizations. In trafficking and illegal consumption of

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 33 features

wildlife parts and products remain ram-

According to the United Nations Of- pant. fice on Drugs and Crime, “Southeast Asia and the Pacific is both a point of origin in wildlife that threatens many vital and and destination for a significant trade

Rare wildlife is consumed throughout endangered species with extinction. Asia – but particularly in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Viet Nam and Thailand – for luxury meals, and used for status symbol ornaments and in traditional - sumer market for smuggled wildlife, medicine. Asia is now a significant con driving the massive scale of poaching in

ASEAN Member States are height- Africa.” - ening enforcement actions. One col laborative effort is the ASEAN Wildlife Launched in 2005, ASEAN-WEN is a re- Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN). gional intergovernmental law enforce- ment network designed to combat the

According to Director Oliva, ACB is illegal wildlife trade. working together with ASEAN-WEN on capacity-building activities aimed at en- hancing the understanding of CITES pol-

ACB continued to support the ASEAN- icies by ASEAN Member States. In 2013, WEN and FREELAND Foundation in the implementation of the program entitled PROTECT (Protected Area Operational and Tactical Enforcement Conservation T Director Oliva urges the citizens of raining).

ASEAN to support efforts against illegal - wildlife trade. “There are many simple tronizing food and other products that things we can do. We can start by not pa come from the illegal trade, especially

“Let us cherish wildlife and recognize the endangered species.” their great contributions to our well-be- ing. They provide food, medicine, and many other products and services. But - we must all be responsible. Let us put an retary-General Scanlon, said ‘By working end to illegal wildlife trade. As CITES Sec together we can do this - and in doing so secure the future for wild plants and ani- mals as well as for ourselves.”

34 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org features

International Women’s Day, 8 March Celebrating women and biodiversity By Pamela Reblora

eresita Comia, a Filipina mother Tof seven, is a plain housewife who usually spends her time preparing food for her children, raising chicken, doing household chores, and maintaining a vegetable garden: her routine since her on biodiversity as her family’s primary husband left to work abroad. Relying source of food, medicine, water, materi- als for clothing and shelter did not just bring Teresita closer to nature, but also made her more knowledgeable on how to protect , sustain, and conserve biolog-

Teresita is just one of the many wom- ical resources for her family’s needs. en who are empowered with a wealth of DigiArt by Eisen Bernardo knowledge on the environment and on ways on how to make it sustainable for equal access to information, education, if women will be involved in decision trainings and capacity building opportu- making, and crafting policies on biologi- nities will result to better implementa- - future generations. Women as custodians tion organizations must also consider cal resource management. Conserva of biodiversity women empowerment in formulating tion of biodiversity conservation efforts “As we celebrate this year’s Interna- and developing their projects and pro- anywhere in the world. According to the Convention of Bio- tional Women’s Day, let us pay tribute logical Diversity (CBD), women farmers grams. account to 60 to 80 percent of all food - Celebrating women to all women who contribute to efforts and mother nature in protecting our nature,” said Atty. Ro production in developing countries. This berto V. Oliva, Executive Director of the “In Southeast Asia, 35 to 60 percent of As we commemorate this year’s In- confirms that women play a huge part in ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. The annual global celebration of the the agricultural labor force is composed ternational Women’s Day, let us not just primary land and resource management. International Women’s Day every 8th honor the achievements of women all of March is a constant reminder of the knowledge as they are the ones who of women. Women are rich in indigenous need to recognize the role of women in usually gather biological resources for on why nature is being embodied as a over the world, but let us also reflect society; one of which is their remarkable role as custodians of traditional knowl- a genuine concern for the environment Nature, just like women, provides food, fuel, and medicine. In order to have mother – as a woman. which will eventually lead to conserva- According to the United Nations a woman who has the ability to give edge and biological resources. everything we need for survival. Like - of the importance of nature in our lives,” tion efforts, one must be knowledgeable ganization (UNESCO),the theme for this Thus, both nature and women should Educational, Scientific and Cultural Or birth, nature sustains all life forms. year’s celebration is, Equality for Women Natural resource conservation initia- be well taken care of, nurtured, and Atty. Oliva stressed. is Progress for All. Providing women with

tives will be more efficient and effective protected.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 35 features

International Day of Forests and the Tree, 21 March Promoting the importance of trees and forests

n 21 March, the ten Member States of the Association of OSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) join the global com- munity in celebrating the International Day of Forests and the Tree. According to the United Nations, forests cover one third of the Earth’s land mass, providing vital ecosystem services that

2,000 indigenous cultures that depend on forests for their sustain the lives of 1.6 billion people, including more than - tween 65 and 80 percent of people rely on medicines derived livelihood. The World Health Organization estimates that be

Serving as home to more than half of the world’s terrestri- from forests as their primary form of health care. al species of animals, plants and insects, forests are the most fuel and income for forest-dependent populations; protect biologically-diverse ecosystems. They provide food, shelter, us from harsh conditions brought about by climate change; - tribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity serve as giant purifiers that clean our air and water; and con world’s freshwater, which is essential for agriculture, indus- in the air. Forested catchments supply three-quarters of the

While forests and trees provide priceless ecological, eco- try, energy supply and domestic use. - nomic, social and health benefits, irresponsible human activi global deforestation continues at an alarming rate; some 13 ties continue to destroy them. United Nations data show that - tion accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse million hectares of forests are destroyed annually. Deforesta

In the ASEAN region, the growing population’s depen- gas emissions that contribute to climate change. dence on timber, fuel wood, and other forest products, as well the conversion of forests into agricultural and industrial

Asian countries had lost a total of 555,587 square kilometers lands, are taking their toll on the region’s forests. Southeast of forests between 1980 and 2007, an area roughly the size of Thailand. the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, irresponsible human ac- According to Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, executive director of

“As we celebrate the International Day of Forests and the tivities are the key drivers of forest loss. Tree, let us strive to change our irresponsible activities so that we can contribute to the conservation and sustainable raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and use of our forests and trees. Let us take this opportunity to conservation and sustainable development of forests and of trees. Let us raise awareness of sustainable management, - trees for the benefit of current and future generations,” Direc tor Oliva stressed.

36 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org features

World Water Day, 22 March Global celebration puts spotlight on water and energy

By Sahlee B. Barrer

overing more than 70 percent of the inequities faced by many of the poorest and energy; demonstrate, through case CEarth’s surface, water is important studies, to decision makers in the en- impoverished areas and have no access ergy sector and the water domain that populations. Millions of people live in water to live, grow plants and livestock, to safe drinking water, adequate sanita- integrated approaches and solutions to and is integral to survival. People need ensure sanitation and hygiene, and pow- - water-energy issues can achieve greater economic and social impacts; identify tion, and sufficient food and energy ser water resources and quality have been the development of policies and cross- policy formulation and capacity develop- er industries. Over the years, however, vices. WWD 2014 also aims to facilitate severely compromised, making the cel- cutting frameworks that bridge govern- ment issues; and identify key stakehold- ebration of World Water Day (WWD) on ment agencies and sectors, leading the ers and create collaborations in further way to energy security and sustainable highlights the importance of the sustain- - - 22 March all the more significant as it developing the water-energy linkages. rector of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiver- water use in a water- and energy-effi Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, Executive Di An international day to celebrate sity, said the ASEAN region is blessed to able use and management of water. cient green economy. freshwater was recommended at the awareness of the inter-linkages between have plenty of water resources to satisfy Specifically, WWD 2014 aims to raise 1992 United Nations Conference on water and energy; contribute to a policy the region’s needs and support its indus- Environment and Development in Bra- dialogue that focuses on the broad range zil, and the UN General Assembly re- of issues related to the nexus of water “However, water resources are un- tries. sponded by designating der increasing pressures due to rapidly rising demand from industrial activities, agricultural 22 March 1993 as the first been celebrated annually World Water Day. It has since then to focus global use, and a growing population. the ASEAN Member States af- The different conditions across fect how water resource issues attention on the specific Water Day 2014 address- and their management are ad- aspects of water. World es the nexus of water and dressed, and all of these chal- lenges are also exacerbated by Water and energy are climate change,” Director Oliva energy. closely interlinked and Director Oliva appeals to the explained. generation and transmis- public to participate in World interdependent. Energy sion requires utilization Water Day celebrations to en- of water resources, par- courage greater awareness of ticularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal ener- “Commitment across govern- water and energy issues. ments and communities to ad- amount of energy is also dress issues in supply, demand, gy sources. A tremendous used to pump, treat and water conservation, and water transport water to various quality can only ensure greater sustainability in the use and The United Nations management of water, and en- consumers. decided to highlight the sure better access to safe water water-energy linkage for those who need it the most,” particularly in relation to

Director Oliva stressed.

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World Health Day, 7 April Biodiversity: Nature’s Prescription

By Pamela Q. Reblora

ecause we often associate bats with trols the population of mosquitoes in the Freshwater aquatic snails are also car- Bhorror movies, darkness, and fear, riers of a vector-borne disease called environment. World Health Day 2014: “No one in the 21st century should many of us are scared of these flying Schistosomiasis. that they wish that these hair-raising attention to vector-borne die from the bite of a mosquito, a mammals. Some might be so terrified diseases you believe that bats are actually saving Margaret Chan, WHO Director-Gen- creatures only exist in movies. Would sandfly, a blackfly or a tick,” said Dr. us from real-life blood-sucking “vam- This seventh day of April, we are cel- pires”? ebrating World Health Day, with a work- According to WHO, vector-borne dis- eral. Bats feed on blood-suckers that are ing slogan, “Small bite, big threat,” as the eases take more than one million lives World Health Organization (WHO) gives getting rid of bats would also entail an be accounted to malaria and dengue fe- popularly known as mosquitoes. Thus, annually. Majority of these fatalities can expansion of the population of mosqui- Vector-borne diseases are transmitted - emphasis to vector-borne diseases. by organisms that have the ability to tion, climate change, migration, and de- ver. Rapid population growth, urbaniza communicable diseases such as malaria, transfer illnesses “between humans or forestation, among many other natural toes. These insects carry a number of and human-induced factors contribute the existence of bats in the food chain is organisms include insects like mosqui- to the emergence of vector-borne dis- chikungunya, and dengue fever. In effect, from animals to humans.” Such living - beneficial for human health for it con toes, fleas, ticks, and flies among others. eases.

This seventh day of April, we are celebrating World Health Day, with a working slogan, “Small bite, big threat,” as the World Health Organization (WHO) gives emphasis to vector-borne diseases. Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by organisms that have the ability to transfer illnesses “between humans or from animals to humans.”

38 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org features

Biodiversity loss: threat to Biodiversity heals activities that alter or disturb ecologi- human health - We are well aware that humans de- The medicinal value of biological re- ing to WHO, ecosystem disturbances cal balance should be avoided. Accord pend on biodiversity for survival be- sources is another gift from nature that result in the proliferation of infectious cause nature provides us with food, diseases since reducing the population of a certain species will lead to popula- we should all be thankful for. Traditional However, the relationship between bio- role in health care despite the emer- water, shelter, clean air and many more. medicine has been playing a significant diversity and human health can be de- gence of modern pharmaceutical prac- the contributing factors to the spread tion growth of other species. Some of scribed in more ways than we can ever of infectious diseases are deforestation, - biological resources, particularly plants irrigation, urban sprawl, migration, il- tices and technologies. It is also from ticular plant or animal species? Will it where approximately 25 percent of legal wildlife trade, and land conversion imagine. Does it matter if we lose a par modern medicines are derived directly – all are results of irresponsible human In recent years, illegal trade of geckos have any effect to human health? or “tuko” Southeast Asia, though considered the spread of communicable diseases is or indirectly. activities. Another means of preventing person shelled out as much as USD1,200 one of the “hotspots” for infectious dis- occurred in thePhilippines. A in exchange for a 300-gram gecko which eases, is opportunely rich in biological places with poor sanitation that vectors to maintain a clean environment. It is in what if geckos become extinct as a result the ASEAN region, is home to 18 percent The best way to veer away from dis- allegedly cures a lot of diseases. But resources. “Southeast Asia, particularly usually abound. to illegal wildlife trade? eases is to conserve and protect biodi- “Because a lot of people do not know The biodiversity richness of the region is of all known plant and animal species. the role of geckos in the ecosystem, they one of the strongest weapons in combat- “As we celebrate World Health Day versity. resort to this kind of illegal activity,” said ing infectious diseases as an abundant 2014, let us explore and discover other biodiversity also means more biological - resources with medicinal values,” said cause being informed will surely lead Atty. Roberto Oliva, Executive Director gains that biodiversity provides us. Be vector-borne diseases as they consume to appreciation, and eventually, leadto of ACB. “Geckos actually save us from Atty. Oliva. What can we do? has genuine concern for the environ- insects and other small animals for food. biodiversity conservation. If a person every species has an important role in ment, he will keep his surroundings Some also feed on rats. This implies that maintaining the balance of nature which We have biodiversity to back us up clean; avoid ecosystem disturbing activi- is very important to human survival,” in our battle against infectious diseases, ties; and thus, contribute in achieving a

Atty. Oliva explained. but we should also do our part. Human healthy environment,” said Atty. Oliva.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 39 features

Earth Day, 22 APRIL Nurturing the Cities of the Future

By Eisen Bernardo

other Earth is a motif that com- Mmonly appears on the mytholo-

- gies of different cultures around the bodying fertility and motherhood such world. It depicts Earth as a goddess em as Gaia in Greek mythology and Terra particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, in Roman tradition. In Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Laos, the Earth goddess depicted as a young woman with water is known as Phra Mae Thorani. She is have Dewi Sri who is the goddess of rice flowing from her hair. In Indonesia, they and fertility. Dewi Sri is considered as encompasses birth and life, and con- Mother Earth in Javanese culture. She trols rice which is the staple food of the

In today’s culture, the term Mother Indonesians.

The term embodies the nurturing char- Earth is still used to personify nature. - acter of our planet. It is the common ex “the interdependence that exists among pression for the planet Earth that reflects human beings, other living species, and

In 1972, the United Nations orga- the planet.”

Human Environment to respond to the nized the first UN Conference on the emergencies posed by global warming and the damage human activities are - al awareness of our “interdependence” causing planet Earth. It started the glob sustainable communities is more impor- initiative of the Earth Day Network, the General Assembly declared every 22nd campaign focuses on three key elements with Earth. In 2009, the United Nations of April as International Mother Earth The theme for this year’s celebration such as buildings, energy, and transpor- tant than ever.

Earth as the place that sustains all living Earth Day 2014 will focus on “green cit- Day. It aims to promote a view of the is Green Cities. The International Mother tation. ies, mobilizing millions of people to cre- Three Key Elements ate a sustainable, healthy environment things found in nature. Green Cities Buildings account for nearly one Having launched last year, the Green third of the world’s greenhouse gas by greening communities worldwide.” Today, more than half of the world’s Cities Campaign aims to help cities and communities around the world acceler- building design should improve energy emissions. To build Green Buildings, - ate their transition to a cleaner, healthier, population lives in cities. As the urban mate change worsen, the need to create pollution, use sustainable buildings ma- population grows and the effects of cli and water efficiency, reduce waste and and more economically viable future.An

40 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org features

terials, and move towards renewable transportation, and green buildings - makes biological diversity a vital compo- and spiritual life of urban dwellers. This ordinances, switch to performance- energy sources. Cities need to update for the cities of the future to be differ - communities will be cleaner and more ent from the cities of today. The future nent for cities to function properly,” Atty. sustainable, and the quality of life will “We should start building the cities based building codes, and improve fi Oliva stressed. Another key element of the Green of the future by making urban planning nancing options. The future cities will have more en- guidelines to be more ecological and be better. world’s energy infrastructure pumps Cities campaign is energy. The current greenhouse gases into the air and con- Solar panels will become vital part in tools in monitoring and evaluating bio- ergy independent homes and buildings. sustainable. It should also integrate the

will be equipped with comprehensive He also encouraged city governments tribute to climate change. Green cities the construction of houses. Buildings diversity in the cities,” Atty. Oliva added. energy by constructing more solar pan- - to adopt strategies that aimed to em- should utilize cheap, clean, and efficient els and wind turbines throughout com- power and to be implemented by the water management systems for effi - by solar-powered public transportation cient water use. Cities will be connected cy should start now to make this energy options that are convenient and eco- be community-driven initiatives like munities. Education and policy advoca public and the business sector. This can community farms, aquaponics or urban The urban lifestyle prompts more future a reality. friendly. Solar energy from space will be Or can be business sector-supported harnessed to provide clean and efficient gardening for additional food resource. This makes transportation as the fast- projects such as adopting a public park people to rely on cars for transportation. electricity. est-growing source of greenhouses gas Urban Biodiversity or acquiring idle lands for park develop- sectors to increase public transportation “The cities of the future should be a In building our cities of the future, emissions. The campaign pushes all the ment. options, invest in alternative transporta- haven of rich biodiversity,” according all our development initiatives should tion, and improve walkability and bike- carry the nurturing tradition of Mother Director of the ASEAN Centre for Bio- to Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, the Executive ability of cities. Earth. Cities of the Future raw materials, water, and medicinal re- Sources: diversity. “Ecosystems provide food, sources; regulate the quality of air, water, https://www.un.org/en/events/moth- For the Green Cities campaign, right erearthday/background.shtml investments should be made in energy, and enrich the physical, social, aesthetic, http://www.earthday.org/greencities/ and soil, and control flood and disease;

he Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Di- International Day for Biological Tversity (CBD) announced the release of the logo for the Diversity 2014 Logo 2014 International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), which This theme was selected to coincide with the designation will focus on the theme ‘Island Biodiversity.’ by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) of 2014 as the Interna-

tional Year of Small Island Developing States. The theme was the Conference of the Parties to the CBD “urges Parties, and also chosen to reflect Decision XI/15, Paragraph 1 in which

relevant organizations to strengthen the implementation of invites other Governments, financial institutions and other

The Secretariat also invited parties that have already initi- the programme of work on island biodiversity.” ated plans to celebrate IDB to keep it informed of such plans, including activities organized by NGOs and other organiza-

Read more: - tions for inclusion in the IDB 2014 webpage. SCBD tional-day-for-biological-diversity-2014-logo-released http://biodiversity-l.iisd.org/news/interna .

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 41 features

Nature’s Invisible Hand – Simply Complex

By Philipp Gassner

our eye in something very complex - an your partner? Stressed by your job? Sadly, Ming just passed away, some 70 Stuck in a traffic jam? Trouble with da Vinci was just painting the Mona Lisa. Zoom away and relax for a moment in million years after the Dino Deinocheirus, famous metaphor of the invisible hand efficient economy. But how can Smith’s of the self-regulating market explain our rich natural biodiversity? English wonderland... a place of rainbows and an odd mix of a sloth and camel, with 2.4- mystical place? wow enough? Then you might like the naturalist Charles Darwin wondered too, unicorns. But where can we find such meter-long arms and 20-cm claws. Not The narrow strip of lush evergreen and coined the term ‘Economy of Nature’, forests along the mountains of the Anna- the-dark ice cream, a British company is according to which life on earth evolves Glowing Jellyfish, or rather the glow-in- mites called Truong Son in Vietnam and - Sai Phou Louang in Laos might just be it! stead, in his book ‘Origin of Species’ he making from the jellyfish’s luminescent without the guidance of a designer. In Entangled in the rainbow-magic mon- explains the ‘invisible hand’ of nature, protein. soon forests along the legendary Ho Chi The economy of nature Minh Trail, look closely and you might better known as evolution. Glow-in-the-dark, 100 eyes, unicorns! Playing evolution Marveling the resourcefulness of nature’s just get a glimpse of a unicorn. The polite animal incredibly ludicrous and squandering in- “The survival of the Fittest” - rings ventions one cannot help but wonder: a bell? Well, let’s see! To grasp this con- An Asian unicorn to be precise! And what’s the point and how is this even its name is well deserved, owing to its possible? By sheer chance? Surely not? You have to guess a word in 20 questions cept, take a friend and play a little game. Scottish economist and moral phi- the chocolate brown Saolas or Pseu- about one million possible words of the long, sharp parallel horns. Undeniably, only with yes or no answers. Out of the doryx nghetinhensis do have a certain Exactly 238 years ago, on 9 March 1776, English language that seems impossible, losopher Adam Smith offers an answer. he published ‘The Wealth of Nations’. In or is it? Just try and see what happens: ‘Is animals, they walk in a gentle, quiet and this fundamental work in classical eco- mystique about them. Known as ‘polite’ nomics, he illuminates how our incred- the word an animal?’ ‘No’. ‘Can I eat it?’ their forelegs tucked under their bodies, ibly complex, inventive and powerful Step by step you get to the answer, slow manner. When they sleep, they have ‘Yes’. ‘Is it a fruit?’ ‘No’… necks extended and chins resting on the economy works and developed - a simi- - larly puzzling mystery to nature’s rich works: initially you ask for a category quicker than you think. This is how it floor. Then again, to witness this won eight-million-year-old cousin to the cow, enterprise is doing its best to prosper, in the next round you randomly vary der you have to be lucky, very lucky. The biological diversity. In a nutshell: each of words, which may be wrong. Thus, goat and antelope is a relic of the last Ice the category and repeat asking, com- Age and one of the world’s rarest mam- - yet without the ‘benefit’ of a centralized vidual competition-results invisibly to is the same with nature: a random ge- planner. Something very simple -indi ing closer to the word every step. This mals. Only 11 have been recorded alive. The first one during an expedition lead the ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiver- by Dr. John Mackinnon, the co-director of sity Conservation Project, now known as ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, who remembers: “I knew it was so ‘wow!’ so ‘new’!” Also with an undeniable wow factor is the Kangaroo rat, which is so adapted to desert life that it won’t take a single drink which have more than 100 single eyes of water in its whole life. Or the scallops, Photo by Lim Fung Yenn. ‘Ming’, the world’s oldest-recorded ani- Biodiversity is often referred to as the web of life. It is the unique combination of - commonly blue ones. Or take the clam life forms and their interactions with each other that have made Earth a habitable mal, born 507 years ago when Leonardo place for humans.

42 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org features

as ecosystem insurance, we are all too gene pools can adapt. Biodiversity acts

But at the same time that we discover dependent on. our brilliantly rich, complex world in which we live in, we are destroying it at a rate is unprecedented in history – a rate too fast for natural adaptation, since

While in Smith’s economy enterprises go evolution doesn’t happen overnight. ‘bankrupt‘, in nature, species go ‘extermi-

Creative Commons from vi.wikipedia Snapshot of the rare Asian Unicorn, Saola. Which brings us back to our unicorn: nated’. the latest was photographed in Vietnam netic mutation causes a variation, for in- are used daily for instance by hackers stance slightly thicker fur on a formerly to break password protection or by au- last September 2013 for the first time in - the last time, as the unicorn is extreme- the 21st century. Let’s hope it was not ly threatened from hunting and habitat bald animal. In a hot climate this varia tomated trading systems in the financial Just like Smith’s invisible hand ‘Dar- tion is useless, or even a hindrance. The sector. colder climate, however, the variation win’s theory of evolution was a concept of Barney Long, a World Wildlife Fund environment will answer with no. In a fragmentation. To protect its habitat, such stunning simplicity - variation, selec- conservation biologist is working with tion, repetition- but it gave rise, naturally, fellow scientists in Vietnam, where he is very beneficial, helping to survive the on to the next ‘round of questions’, in- to all of the infinite and baffling complex- woefully reckoned: ‘If we lose the Saola, cold. Thus, the variation will be passed ity of life’ English writer Douglas Adams it will be a symbol of our failure to pro- This way of the environment saying yes tect this unique ecosystem’. herited by the following generation. Does life get ever more complex then? put it. on variations in words like in the game, There are indeed increasingly complex Unicorn is only one of its 5,000 fellow is called selection. But instead of passing Long couldn’t be more right. The evolution uses genetic code, also known blueprints, like the ones of our eye or species endangered in Southeast Asia, almost a third of all 16,928 species one individual but the whole genetic listed as threatened with extinction on as DNA. This does not only happen in brain. But that does not necessarily make life forms are still dominant on Earth, it more successful. In fact, the most basic and over again the animal species will such as the estimated nine million bacte- priority of the Unicorn spotter Mack- pool of many individuals. Repeated over the IUCN Red List. Exactly, these are the become very furry - or glowing in the ria species which are around for billions innon’s heritage, the ASEAN Centre

Centre, supported by the GIZ (Deutsche dark or have 100 eyes. of years already. for Biodiversity. The Philippine-based Stunning simplicity Going bankrupt Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusam- menarbeit GmbH) since 2010, coordi- Put simply, the stepwise progress This notion does not only explain the nates sustainable use and conservation of evolution works through hereditary immense biological diversity around us, variation plus variation in success of re- but puts us in line with the millions of is bad news not only for unicorn lovers of biodiversity. Well aware that its loss peer species – inviting certain humble- but for all Southeast Asians utterly de- Thus, the common understanding of pendent on the services biodiverse and production (selection) plus repetition. evolution as the ‘survival of the fittest’ can tried to push the pause button on their ness. Sure, throughout history humans be rephrased as ‘passing on the code of services include provisioning of water resilient ecosystems provide. These the most successful reproducer’. However, houses or medicine, against the natural and timber, cleaning of air or support- own evolution by building buffers, like this does not only happen in reproduc- - ing of natural cycles, and also recre- - ing their own thick coat of fur like other selection around them. Instead of grow versal principle in many systems, such Such values come to mind when wan- ing animal or plant species. It is a uni ational and esthetic values. dering about Vietnam’s wild jungle or animals, men simply learnt to take it off - evolution born diversity around us that dreaming away with rainbows and uni- as culture. Our taste for music, art or them. But mind you that it is exactly this makes the global ecosystems resilient to corns… sounds like a much better idea food is stored (e.g. in a cookbook), multi than letting them go ‘bankrupt’, doesn’t plied and passed on (e.g. by a publishing Or take evolutionary algorithms which it? house), and modified (e.g. by the cook). all kinds of threats. If one species fails, the next one steps in. If conditions change,

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Indonesia Bukit Tiga puluh National Park

stablished in 1995, Bukit Tigapuluh National Park lies just south of the equator in Eastern Sumatra and

of the park lies in Riau province while around 33,000 Ecomprises approximately 144,000 hectares. Majority Hills, dominant forest types in the park include lowland, hill hectaresare located in Jambi province. Also known as Thirty

The park is part of the Bukit Tigapuluh Forest Landscape, tropical rainforest, swamp and highland forests. which forms nearly 508,000 hectares of contiguous dry lowland and mountain forests spread across Riau and Jambi provinces and containing some of the richest biodiversity on Earth. Bukit Tigapuluhis one of the last refuges for three of the four flagship forms part of the globally important Tesso Nilo Complex where Sumatran species – orangutans, elephants and tigers. It also some of the highest biodiversity figures on earth have been recorded.

44 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 45 Flora Fauna temminckii), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), pig-tailed The park is a safe haven for In NORINDRA surveys of fauna macaque (Macaca nemestrina), siamang thousands of species of plants and found in Bukit Tigapuluh, 192 species (Hylobates syndactylus), banded leaf animals, many of which are threatened of birds were recorded, which is almost monkey (Presbytis femoralis), Malayan 1/3 of all bird species known from sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), In a survey of the biological resources spotted-winged fruit bat (Balionycteris by extinction or are extremely rare. of Bukit Tigapuluh, Norwegian- species of birds not previously known maculate), white-collared fruit bat Sumatra. Breeding was confirmed of 18 Indonesian Rainforest and Resource to breed on Sumatra, including the (Megaerops wetmorei), spiny turtle Management Project (NORINDRA) Garnet pitta (Pitta granatina), which (Heosemys spinosa), researchers observed and recorded had not been recorded in Sumatra shelled turtle (Notochelys platynota), Malayan flat- 660 plant species, including 246 estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus medicinal plants that are utilized by the bird species recorded are globally porosus) and false gavial (Tomistoma for more than 70 years. At least 10 of schlegelii). threatened non-utilized plant species Some 59 species of mammals were the local population. Many rare and threatened. Threats locally named Cendawan mukarimau threatened, including the Oriental were also recorded. One example is the recorded, five of which are globally (Tiger-face mushroom), which is small-clawed otter (Aonyxcin cerea), Threats to these forests come from none other than Rafflesia hasseltii, clouded leopard (Neofelisne bulosa), agricultural encroachment as well previously observed in only two tiger (Panthera tigris), Malayan tapir as plantation and timber enterprises locations (West Sumatra and Pulau (Tapirus indicus), and elephant (Elephas maximus). this forest block was relatively free from all over Indonesia. Until 2006, a betel-related palm known by locals were collected and preserved, and one from large-scale commercial forest Tioman, Malaysia). Other examples are A total of 98 species of fish as Mapaukalui (Iguanura of these, a glass-perch, turned out to be highly distinctive Salo palm (Johannes new to science and has been given the However, as police cracked down on sp.), and the conversion because of its hilly terrain. tejsmannia altifrons), which is on the name Gymnochanda limi. illegal logging in Riau Province, the International Union for Conservation activity shifted to Jambi Province, thus of Nature’s (IUCN) list of threatened park are gibbons (Hylobate sagilis and putting pressure on the forests of Bukit Other significant species found in the H. syndactilus), golden cat (Catopuma plants. Tigapuluh.

46 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org Conservation program establishment of wildlife protection to secure the forests against illegal units, community education programs, activities, conduct wildlife surveys and The Bukit Tigapuluh landscape habitat and wildlife monitoring, collect information about potential was designated one of just 20 “global priority” landscapes for tiger development programs and local A Mobile Education Unit (MEU) and wildlife research. Community threats. conservation by a global team of tiger employment complements the works with the people who live in biodiversity conservation activities at the more than 30 villages of Bukit has also been the site of a successful Tigapuluh to explain the importance scientists in 2006. Since 2002, the park conservation project to reintroduce A major component of the of conserving habitat and wildlife in Bukit Tigapuluh. Sumatran orangutans and is now home initiative is the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, which with information about wildlife, the area. Local teachers are provided Tigapuluh is the only existing wild re-introduces orangutans into Bukit forests and conservation to enable to 135 reintroduced orangutans. Bukit habitat for this great ape outside the them to continue lessons once Perth Zoo-born Sumatran orangutans the unit has moved on to another Tigapuluh. In 2006 and 2011, two A number of organizations and made history when they were provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra. projects have been actively working released into Bukit Tigapuluh as part include interactive stories, games, school. Activities within the program with the government and park of a reintroduction program and puppet shows, while older children management to protect the park’s also participate in discussions population of this critically endangered about conservation, climate change international efforts to re-establish a is the Bukit Tigapuluh Wildlife and habitats and species. One such project Ecosystem Protection, a joint program Perth Zoo has also funded the Resources provided to the school species in the wild. Through donations, and how they can take action. between the Frankfurt Zoological construction of an Orangutan Open include colouring-in sheets, origami, Society (FZS), Perth Zoo and Australian Sanctuary in the Bukit Tigapuluh Orangutan Project (AOP), with the rainforest for rescued ex-pet and The greater community is also magazines and workbooks. orphaned orangutans that cannot encouraged to be involved in the MEU The program’s work focuses on the be released into the wild and need support of the Indonesian Government. unique ecosystem of Bukit Tigapuluh, into the surrounding ecosystem, local program. Movie nights provide insight with the aim of protecting the habitat Wildlife Protection Units patrol the wildlife species and the protection specialist care. The specially trained and the wildlife within it through the forest terrain of Bukit Tigapuluh

work being undertaken. Training is

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 47 PROFILES

Research has shown that the Talang Mamak tribe uses 110 and the Orang Rimba tribe uses 101 medicinal plants and fungi found in Bukit Tigapuluh to

most usable part of medical plants after cure over 50 diseases. Leaves are the

roots, bark and sap. They have long cures for common diseases such as known the plants and fungi as effective rheumatism, dysentery, hepatitis, respiratory ailments, malaria, goiter, provided to prepare communities for Riau that was the center of the Malay plants are also considered natural skin rashes, coughs and diabetes. Some people can act without harming animals embraced Islam, these tribes chose plant are boiled then the water drunk as human-wildlife conflict so that local kingdom. When most of the region contraceptives. Usually the parts of the (commonly elephants and orangutans), to adhere to their traditional ancient which may enter villages in search of The survival of this knowledge and an herbal extract. the tribes themselves are unfortunately beliefs and fled into the remote jungles The Frankfurt Zoological Society For this reason, when members of their under threat as the park faces food. of Sumatra, including Bukit Tigapuluh. also works with the Jambi province tribes convert to Islam, they will be intensifying pressures from logging and administration and other partner organizations in the development of The Orang Rimba (People of the The park is not yet open to tourists called Malays. land conversion. a land use plan for the southern park Forest) have around 3,000 members, border to decrease the pressure on most of whom live in Jambi province because of the difficulty of access to while almost 400 live in the forests of Bukit Tigapuluh. in conserving the forest surrounding References: the protected area. FZS is also involved the national park, which is made up of and migrate through natural forests CNN Expedition Sumatra (http://edition.cnn. Bukit Tigapuluh. They are nomadic com/2013/09/10/world/expedition-sumatra- well-preserved secondary forest and in and depend on natural resources from we-knew-this/index.html) the northern part includes an important the forest and rivers everywhere in Destinations in Indonesia (http://id.indonesia. travel/en/destination/930/the-bukit-duabelas- national-park-of-jambi/article/295/bukit- Other partners in conservation The Orang Rimba have developed a elephant habitat. this forest block for their existence. tigapuluh-national-park-in-jambi-threatened- projects in Bukit Tigapuluh include traditional system of forest resources habitat-of-sumatran-orangutans) other Australian and New Zealand zoos management, based on enrichment The Indonesian Conservation Community such as the Australia Zoo, Auckland and selective enhancement of many (http://www.warsi.or.id/forest/FOREST_tnbt. php) Zoo, Taronga Conservation Society and Indonesia Tourism (http://www.indonesia- collect non-wood forest products, tourism.com/jambi/bukit_tiga_puluh.html) tree and plant species. They generally employ local people and support local Frankfurt Zoological Society (http://www.zgf. Dreamworld. All programs train and The fact that the Orang Rimba base de/?projectId=62&id=65&language=en) hunt, and practice swidden cultivation. their livelihood on the collection of German Federal Nature Conservation Agency community involvement. (BfN) (http://www.bfn.de/0310_umweltbildung- People and culture forest products makes this forest of bukittigapulu+M52087573ab0.html) The Orangutan Project (http://www.orangutan. The forests and their surrounding a hinterland tribe, the Talang Mamak org.au/Projects/mobile-education-unit) great importance to them. Known as numbers about 6,000 and depends on Perth Zoo (http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov. Rimba (also called Kubu) and Talang the natural resources found in the park au/conservation/bukit-tigapuluh-wildlife-and- buffer area provide homes for Orang ecosystem-protection-sumatra/) Mamak – forest dwelling tribal Sumatran Tiger Trust (http://www. communities all of whom have adapted earn their living collecting resin from tigertrust.info/sumatran_tiger_where. in Riau’s Indragiri Hulu regency. They to living in the environment in a a species of rattan, which is known as asp?ID=NP4&catID=9) sustainable way that has little impact “dragon blood” which can be sold in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/ waza-conservation-projects/overview/bukit- to be descendants of the Pagaruyung with illegal loggers encroaching into the tigapuluh-wildlife-and-ecosystem-protection) on the ecosystem. The tribes are said towns for millions of rupiahs. However, park, this resin becomes harder to come World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia Other scientists say that they originate (http://www.wwf.or.id/en/about_wwf/ Kingdom in neighboring West Sumatra. whatwedo/forest_species/where_we_work/ from the Siak Indragiri kingdom in bukit_tiga_puluh/) by, making life more and more difficult for this isolated tribe.

48 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org

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cambodia Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary

he Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary (PPWS) is located 25 kilometers west of the border with Viet TNam and 25 kilometers east of the Mekong River in King Sihanouk designated Phnom Prich as a forest reserve and Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces. In 1962, former was designated a protected area under the jurisdiction of the refuge for the kouprey. On 1 November 1993, the sanctuary

Covering roughly 225,000 hectares, the sanctuary is more Ministry of Environment. than 15 percent of the total area of Mondulkiri province and forms part of one of the largest remaining relatively undisturbed diversity of habitats, ranging from hilly evergreen forest to open landscapes in mainland Southeast Asia. It is notable for its rich dry dipterocarp woodland and seasonally wet grasslands.

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 51 PROFILES

Habitats and wildlife provide habitats to a diverse mammal developed by those working in the

This wealth of ecosystems is due The PPWS is also known for its rich around law enforcement, governance community. area. The conservation strategy focuses to the sanctuary’s diverse elevational avifauna and is one of the last global and policy development, community structure, which varies from 80 to strongholds for the endangered green engagement, and biodiversity intricate mosaic of forest habitats: duck (Cairina scutulata) has also been biological survey in MPF and PPWS 640 meters. This has created a rich, peafowl. The elusive white-winged monitoring. WWF carried out the first about 50 percent of Phnom Prich’s in 2000 and then regular biological forests are dry dipterocarp with an Other key bird species inhabiting surveys were conducted from 2000- spotted inside the protected area. additional 40 percent semi-evergreen or potentially inhabiting the area’s wetlands and streams include giant was conducted in 2009 as a basis for 2008. A detailed baseline survey These open forest mosaics support ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea), white- regular monitoring for priority species and 10 percent evergreen forest. shouldered ibis (Pseudibis davisoni), including large carnivores and their animals that are characteristic of both saruscrane (Grus antigone), black- prey, Asian elephants and yellow- globally significant populations of dry and dense forest ecosystems, necked stork (Ephippiorhyncus particularly large mammals and asiaticus), woolly-necked stork (Ciconia Law enforcement is critical to cheeked crested gibbons. waterbirds, many of which have been episcopus), lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos conservation in the area and WWF has extirpated from most other parts of javanicus), greater adjutant (Leptoptilos been actively supporting enforcement dubius), (Heliopais The Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary personata). Three major enforcement teams Southeast Asia. and masked finfoot activities in the landscape since 2006. is home to some of the endangered work in the landscape, including Threats ranger teams in MPF and PPWS for wide varieties of mammals, birds enforcement within the protected areas species in the country. There are Uncontrolled hunting, logging, land species in the sanctuary are tiger, Asian clearing and other unsustainable uses The protected area teams conduct and reptiles. Some of the protected and a Mobile Enforcement Unit (MEU). of natural resources are major threats regular enforcement patrols within the park boundaries and gather basic elephant, wild water buffalo, jungle cat, The wildlife sanctuary hosts the This is particularly troubling as the and deer. to the landscape’s rich biodiversity. core area for the largest Asian elephant sanctuary provides habitats for some of The MEU is responsible for monitoring but vital information on key species. herd in eastern Cambodia, with camera international border transit points, trapping technology showing good checking markets and restaurants for Cambodia’s most endangered species. recruitment with many calves seen in Conservation program wildlife products as well as gathering intelligence on wildlife and forest mega-herbivores banteng and gaur as Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary photographs. Wildlife also includes the well as populations of the endangered Information System (MIST), an crime. The teams use a Management programs, one of which is support electronically-based system used to benefits from a number of conservation form the prey base for an unknown from the World Wide Fund for Nature Eld’s deer. These and other herbivores number of Indochinese tiger present information on key species’ distribution monitor the patrol efforts and to gather of habitats and the large number of (WWF). Recognizing the rich variety include leopard and clouded leopard, endangered species in PPWS, WWF in the sanctuary. Other key carnivores and habitat quality. Other monitoring as well as marbled cat, jungle cat, and included the dry forest landscape of the informants and track law enforcement tools measure effectiveness of Mondulkiri Protected Forest (MPF) and In 2008, surveys by World Wildlife PPWS in its list of Global 200 ecoregions Support for community livelihoods dhole. actions. Fund for Nature (WWF) revealed that that contains the most outstanding and have also been initiated to encourage the sanctuary had the second-largest representative terrestrial and aquatic community support for conservation population of endangered yellow- natural resources within the protected habitats of the world. and offset restrictions to access to The surveys estimated more than 1,000 technical support to the Ministry cheeked crested gibbons in the world. WWF provides both financial and endangered gibbons in 275 groups of Environment, the Ministry of focus on awareness and education, area. Community-based activities Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, community forestry, and improving livelihoods through sustainable harvest reside in the wildlife sanctuary. The dry evergreen forests of Mondulkiri Conservation actions are directed of non-timber forest products and project findings emphasize that the and the Provincial Government. are relatively intact and thus able to through a landscape strategic plan

ecotourism.

52 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org People and culture The Bunong use several varieties of trucks leave the New Market in Phnom jars in traditional ceremonies passed Penh regularly, and travelers just need PPWS has about 8,500 residents to secure a seat, or otherwise sit in the living in communities inside and are very important because the Bunong down from their ancestors. These jars adjacent to the wildlife sanctuary, need these jars for making rice wine cab of the pick-up truck.

Communities surrounding MPF jars are estimated to be hundreds of References: most of whom are indigenous people. and for praying to their ancestors. Some and PPWS are composed of eleven Ministry of Tourism Cambodia (http://www. indigenous groups, with Bunong, Khmer tourismcambodia.org/provincial_guide/index. years old. php?view=attdetail&prv=12&att=252&page=2) Ecotourism The Phnom Penh Post ( The Bunong in this area strongly com/news-archives/2008/dec-08/ppp_ and Lao as the three largest groups. http://www.ecologyasia. believe in ancestral and natural spirits, The scenic sites, pleasant climate, ) Ratanak, Ou. 2008. Analysis of Phnom Prich ghosts and gods and continue many of beautiful landscapes, and wildlife 081231_1.htm Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia. A Thesis submitted observation areas form the bulk of in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the hold many traditional ceremonies ecotourism features of Phnom Prich Degree of Master of Science (Agricultural and their indigenous traditions. Villagers Resource Economics). Department of Agricultural every year such as rice, spirit, wedding, and Resource Economics, Graduate School of include wildlife observation, hiking, Bioresouce and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Wildlife Sanctuary. Common activities Kyushu University. Japan. Ceremonies are also conducted when and house construction ceremonies. Singh, Rohit; PhanChanna; PrumSovanna; Pin forests are cleared and converted to water-based activities such as rafting, Chanratana; Gerard Ryan; and Mark Wright. and bird watching. There are also 2013. The Serengeti of Asia: Conservation in Two Major Protected Areas of the Eastern Plains to pray to the spirits for prosperity and Landscape Protected Area Complex, Cambodia. rice fields. The spirit ceremony is done canoeing, and fishing. prevent disease among the villagers, How to get there Parks. Vol. 19.2. while the rice ceremony is done to pray World Wildlife Adventures (http://www.world- wildlife-adventures.com/directory/cambodia/ for good rice production and prevent The road from Phnom Penh to wildlife-park.asp?sanctuary=Phnom+Prich+Wil destruction of the crop by insects and Mondulkiri is in good condition and dlife+Sanctuary&state=Mondolkiri+and+Kratie +Provinces) travel will take about seven to eight WWF Cambodia (http://m.cambodia.panda. dancing and drinking of locally-made other pests. Most ceremonies include org/where_we_work/dry_forests/phnom_prich_ wildlife_sanctuary/) hours. There are many taxi and private rice wine. transfers available. A number of pick-up

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Philippines and Malaysia share good - practices in park management and A field visit to Taman Negara National Park and other nature- es; shared good practices; and promoted cooperation and net- ecotourism based tourism sites in Malaysia provided first-hand experienc working on recreation, tourism and ecotourism management the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Re- As part of the training workshop, the participants devel- Twenty-six senior and mid-level protected area officials from in the Philippines and Malaysia. sources (DENR) joined a study tour in Malaysia to look into good oped a re-entry plan for an ecotourism project in the ASEAN - nized by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the DENR plan include recommendations on the implementation of practices in protected area management and ecotourism. Orga Heritage Parks and protected areas in the Philippines. The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) activities based on the experiences in the learning package. of Malaysia, the experiential learning package brought the pro- The Philippines has five ASEAN Heritage Parks – Mt. Apo, Mt. tected area managers to Taman Negara National Park, one of - Malindang and Mt. Kitanglad in Mindanao; and Mt. Iglit-Baco ered in the re-entry plans include facilities and development and Mt. Makiling in Luzon. Key elements that were consid The study tour aimed to increase knowledge of the elements structures; good practices in natural resources management, the 33 ASEAN Heritage Parks in Southeast Asia. and principles of ecotourism and the policies and standards of a home stay program, visitor management in relation to eco- ecotourism as practiced in Malaysia; and shared experiences -

tourism; sustainable financing; and public-private partner and lessons learned on recreation, tourism and ecotourism. ships.

Palawan strengthens data management in biodiversity conservation

Palawan Province in the Philippines has taken a major

conducting a training-workshop on Biodiversity Data Orga- step in strengthening its biodiversity conservation efforts by

the workshop was conducted by the Palawan Council for nization and Management. Held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Sustainable Development (PCSD) and the Biodiversity In- formation Management (BIM) Unit of the ASEAN Centre for

Biodiversity (ACB). - Dr. Sheila G. Vergara, ACB-BIM Director, said the workshop ing available information on species and protected areas (PA); enhanced the capacities of PCSD staff and partners in manag acquiring relevant information from other sources online; and processing the information into relevant trends useful for The training workshop included 33 participants repre- - senting the PCSD, Department of Environment and Natural ping skills and basic wildlife photography to populate species Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources analysis. The workshop introduced the participants to map - servation requires accumulating vast amounts of data to sup- and PA databases. Dr. Vergara explained that “Biodiversity con Office, Provincial Government Development Office, City port conservation management and action, policy making, and - Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office, ture-PAES, Palawan State University, Holy Trinity University, City Government Planning Office, Department of Agricul organization of biodiversity data is therefore crucial to provid- awareness and education campaigns. Proper management and Western Philippines University, Palawan NGO Network Inc., ing directions for effective conservation efforts.” and the Tubbataha Management Office.

54 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org bookmarks

ASEAN park managers undergo training on tropical ecosystem resilience of maintaining and protecting their remaining natural ecosys- Most ASEAN Member States are faced with the difficult task tems, which are threatened by increased demand, exploitation, To enable managers of protected areas and ASEAN Heritage poor environmental frameworks, lack of law enforcement, and Parks in Southeast Asia to learn strategies on making tropical ecosystems resilient to environmental threats, the ASEAN-Ko- implemented, much of the ecosystems’ functions in the region other issues. Unless effective management of these resources is rea Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP) conducted a Short-term Training Course on Tropical Ecosystem Resilience will be lost. and Services on April 4-7, 2014 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Bru- ASEAN aims for more heritage parks

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the ASEAN Centre for Southeast Asia has 33 best nature parks called ASEAN Heri- nei Darussalam. The event was held in cooperation with the

The training course gathered representatives from AKECOP, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, representatives of Biodiversity (ACB). tage Parks (AHP) and the region is aiming for more. In a meeting ACB, the ASEAN Korea Environmental Cooperation Unit, and the ten ASEAN Member States comprising the AHP Commit- tee agreed to declare more ASEAN Heritage Parks, especially Brunei Darussalam and UBD based on studies on threats to and ASEAN Heritage Parks to learn from the conservation efforts of Asia’s best natural parks which provide habitats for some of the marine and protected areas by 2020. The AHPs are Southeast disseminate knowledge and promote awareness and under- - resilience of tropical ecosystems. It provided an opportunity to standing of regional environmental issues and their impacts world’s most enigmatic species and harbor a globally signifi on tropical ecosystems; and strengthen cooperation between The AHP Committee Meeting reached high level status with cant wealth of biodiversity and ecosystems. - the attendance of Prince Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Ibni Duli ticipants experienced the pristine nature of the country’s eco- Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazie Sa- Brunei Darussalam and other ASEAN Member States. The par systems through trips to Ulu Temburong National Park, Tasek hibul Himmah Wal-Waqar Pngiran Muda Mohamed Bolkiah, Merimbun ASEAN Heritage Park, and the mangroves at Pulau nephew of the Sultan of Brunei and currently Curator of Natural History and Manager of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, Brunei

Selirong. They also had a chance to see UBD in action with a The world’s forest ecosystems provide an array of environ- visit to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre. mental benefits and services, including food, water, medicine, - fiber, watershed protection, air purification, carbon storage, vices are maintained, however, requires a greater understand- climatic regulation, and recreation. Ensuring that these ser ing of how tropical ecosystems work; how they are changing over time; and how they can be protected, regenerated, and - stand or absorb external pressures and return to its pre-dis- restored. Resilience, or the capacity of an ecosystem to with turbance state, has become a major concern as governments and communities implement conservation measures amid looming threats from climate change, deforestation, pollution, and other pressures.

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Museums Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Bounphanmy, Dean and Associate Professor at the National The participants from Lao PDR included Dr. Somchanh - - Brunei Darussalam. tre for Biodiversity (ACB), said the establishment of the AHPs - Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, executive director of the ASEAN Cen University of Laos; and Mr. Bae Pheaxay, Head of Academic Di demonstrates that the ASEAN Member States share a common pines for two months where they had an opportunity to learn vision at the university. They were based in Los Baños, Philip natural heritage and provides an avenue for collaboration to protect the rich biodiversity that supports the lives of millions The Lao PDR team was the second batch of participants in the and exchange experiences with biodiversity experts from ACB.

Huyen Pham Anh and Dung Le Anh completed their short-term of people in Southeast Asia. ACB serves as Secretariat of the secondment program. In 2013, junior biodiversity officers Supported by Germany through the Biodiversity and Cli- posting with ACB’s Programme Development and Implementa- AHP Programme. mate Change Project, the meeting in Brunei Darussalam dis- cussed the AHP Regional Action Plan for 2014-2020; agreed on Norman Ramirez, ACB capacity development specialist, tion Unit. an evaluation system for new AHP nominations; deliberated on stated that “Through the secondment program, ACB provides - opportunities for understanding and appreciation of ACB ac- dates on the implementation of the ASEAN Member States’ AHP tivities and the capacity building needs of ASEAN Member nominations for new AHPs for confirmation; and discussed up

The meeting discussed the ASEAN-German collaboration in themselves with the institutional setup and work processes management plans. States. The program enables the participants to familiarize - of ACB; bolster mutual learning through exchange of informa- versity and Climate Change Project (BCCP) funded by GIZ and tion, expertise, and lessons learned; and enhance biodiversity support of the AHP Programme, specifically the ongoing Biodi coordination processes between ACB and the ASEAN Member the Small Grants Programme (SGP) funded by KfW. The BCCP has conducted management effectiveness reviews in selected States.” protection and the livelihood of the local population directly de- ASEAN Heritage Parks. The SGP is helping improve biodiversity

ASEANpendent on trains selected Laotian AHPs and adjacent areas. environmental workers

Environmental workers from Lao PDR participated in the planning and implementation of biodiversity conservation projects through the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity’s (ACB) - sonnel from the ten ASEAN Member States to know more about Secondment Program. The program allows environmental per biodiversity research and capacity building, wildlife conserva- tion, and other biodiversity concerns.

56 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org bookmarks

- als, which may then affect production, sales, and business and trigger economic losses. Biodiversity loss thus has severe rami - fications on human health and wellbeing. volved business and the youth in biodiversity conservation, Mr. Inciong cited successful partnerships that have in

various ways where stakeholders can contribute to biodiversity but stressed that more efforts are needed. He then enumerated conservation, and challenged the students take a more active

Futurerole in environmental Asian and protection. African environment leaders discuss biodiversity

Through web-streaming lectures by environment experts, Business students join advocacy graduate students from Asia and Africa can discuss biodiversity on biodiversity conservation conservation and other environmental concerns at the comfort of their laptop and desktop computers through the online Lead- Some 400 business management and accounting students ership Study for Sustainable Living with Environmental Risk from the College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA) of the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) in the Yokohama National University in Japan, which uses an on- (SLER). SLER is a special educational program instituted by San Pablo City Philippines joined the global campaign to con- serve biodiversity by organizing a forum on the “Link Between Through SLER, top researchers and specialists from globally line platform called Interactive Multimedia Education System. - eration with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) as part Business and Biodiversity.” The forum was conducted in coop of ACB’s ASEAN Schools Forum Series on Biodiversity, which is conducted in different academic institutions in the 10 ASEAN Member States. emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation in The forum was facilitated by CBMA Prof. Onie Gallega and business and the role of business students in promoting conser- vation. Key resource speaker was Rolando Inciong, ACB head of depends on plant and animal species and ecosystem services communication and public affairs, who explained that business have severe impacts in business, in terms of loss of raw materi- for their products and services. Biodiversity loss would thus

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successful businesses and organizations lecture on environ- mental leadership, ways of living with risk, and basic philoso-

In a recent SLER online lecture on Biodiversity in Southeast phy and technology for environmental restoration. Asia: ASEAN Response to Address Biodiversity Loss and Pro- - gram development and implementation of the ASEAN Centre vide Benefits to People by Clarissa C. Arida, director for pro for Biodiversity (ACB), students learned about the drivers of biodiversity loss such as habitat change, climate change, inva- explained the role of ACB in addressing biodiversity loss in the sive species, and over exploitation of wildlife. Ms. Arida also ASEAN region, highlighting the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP)

Programme, access and benefit sharing, and other activities to Other issues discussed during the lecture and open forum were encourage mainstreaming of biodiversity in different sectors. the mitigation of climate change impacts, funding for wildlife conservation, arresting illegal wildlife trading, impacts of land

Hosted by the College of Economic and Management, Uni- reclamation on biodiversity, and access and benefit sharing.

Arida was viewed by students from the University of Nairobi in versity of the Philippines Los Baños, the SLER lecture by Ms. Kenya, University of Antananarivo in Madagascar, Malaysia Sci- Nurturing young biodiversity advocates ence University, University of Lampung in Indonesia, University Around 60 students from Cere Care Philippines Foundation - of Danang in Vietnam, and East China Normal University. Living in Harmony with the Earth walk Eco ART venture on 23 February 2014 at the Makiling and St. Therese of the Child Jesus Academy joined the Health

Through the Training Center for Tropical Resources and Eco- an exhibit from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), the Botanic Gardens, Los Baños, Philippines. Through a lecture and systems Sustainability (TREES), the ASEAN Centre for Biodi- children learned about the values of biodiversity and the role of versity (ACB) welcomed Environmental Managers of Toshiba Corporation on 19 February 2014, at the ACB Headquarters, Healthwalk is a one-of-a-kind community event that raises plants, animals and forests in our daily lives. the Centre’s Biodiversity Information Management Unit dis- of groups of restaurateurs, health spas and organic farming busi- University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna. Experts from awareness for one thing that everyone values - health. Composed cussed the ACB Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) and species nesses in Los Baños, Healthwalk aims to educate children and - parents to have a healthier eco-friendly way of life through family, vironmental Vision 2050, which is to “contribute to society by database encoding. This activity was in line with Toshiba’s En creating new value through innovation to ensure that all people Botanic Gardens and a paper mache art workshop were among food, exercise, wellness program and arts. A tour of the Makiling can lead affluent lifestyles in harmony with the Earth.” the activities held to help the students appreciate nature.

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Youth Power for Biodiversity

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) joined the 67th an- niversary of San Pablo Colleges (SPC) by providing forums, - nature. Dean Olive Oabel, coordinator of the forum, stressed that students have the power to effect changes through ad aimed to spread love for nature and biodiversity among the to 350 high school students of SPC and encouraged them to film showings and an exhibit on biodiversity. The activities vocacy on biodiversity conservation. Mr. Inciong also talked

ACB discussed biodiversity values and the need for con- Around 120 elementary students had the chance to watch youth. take part in biodiversity conservation activities. - the forum for 300 college students from San Pablo Colleges, duced by ACB to promote love and appreciation for threat- servation through the ACB ASEAN School Forum Series. In “Animals and Plants in Danger,” an animated short film pro - fairs of ACB, stressed the power of the youth in shaping the ten-minute video highlighted the causes of species loss and Rolando A. Inciong, head of communication and public af ened animals and plants species in the ASEAN Region. The - ways on how to save critically endangered species from ex- vival if biodiversity loss will continue to wreak havoc on world’s future. He emphasized the risks to humanity’s sur tinction. World Ecotourism Conference in Cebu City, Philippines on 20-22 February 2014 for the 5th discusses emerging issues in marine and coastal ecotourism Ecotourism: Oceans of Uncertainties, Waves of Opportunities, World Ecotourism Conference. Focusing on Marine and Coastal WEC 2014 was jointly organized by the Philippine Department Around 400 representatives from government and non-gov- ernment environmental organizations, protected area man- - of Tourism and DISCOVERYMICE, an affiliate member of the agers, academe, and hotel and travel organizations gathered vided a platform for legislators, ecotourism experts and practi- World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The conference pro

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 59 bookmarks

Various ecotourism destinations and activities were also pre- sented, which may inspire others to explore in their respective

countries. countries, highlighting issues and concerns for many nations WEC 2014 is notable as being the first WEC for developing that may just be starting to develop ecotourism as part of na- - dressing marine and coastal issues, given the reality of climate tional development. Many speakers stressed the urgency of ad change, and richness of coastal and marine resources of coun-

of Aichi Targets, with current marine protected areas (MPAs) tries in the region. Ecotourism was also discussed in the context being way below the target for biodiversity conservation of ma-

In addition to increasing the number of MPAs, there is the rine ecosystems and species.

greater challenge of ensuring management effectiveness of issues, including increasing employment and incomes, em- coastal and marine sanctuaries. This encompasses complex powering communities, using rights based approaches, raising environmental responsibility, and improving resilience against - els for ecotourism and participants can use these in their own disasters and climate change impacts. There are success mod

have to be mainstreamed into action in areas with similar po- countries. There are many success stories as well and these - sively in ecotourism planning, and combined with outreach, tentials for ecotourism. Science is also being used more exten tioners, educators, community leaders and other stakeholders media, and more involvement from the business sector, eco- to share knowledge, skills and experiences, and collaborate to tourism is envisioned to increase incomes to local and national economies, improve social services, alleviate poverty, protect - local cultures, and strengthen environmental protection and encourage and sustain ecotourism in coastal communities. Key personalities in the conference include Agnes A. Mag pale, Vice-Governor of Cebu; Michael L. Rama, Mayor, Cebu City; biodiversity conservation. - Biodiversity conservation remains Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Tourism vironment of Natural Resources (DENR); and various experts Philippine DENR’s top priority (DOT); Ramon J.P. Paje, Secretary of the Department of the En the two-day conference include the launching of the National Environment Secretary Ramon in marine and coastal species and ecosystems. Highlights of Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2022 by the DENR and DOT; keynote presentations on balancing conservation and of the country’s biological diversity J.P. Paje said that the conservation commercialization, practices and challenges, and sustainability; and sessions on mitigating vulnerabilities, development of eco- (PAs) management will remain through effective protected areas tourism destinations, and establishment of marine protected one of the top priorities of the Department of Environment Marine and coastal issues have become more urgent as and Natural Resources (DENR) areas for ecotourism. coastal areas and communities have become increasingly vul- nerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea in 2014. The DENR will also continue to implement the National Greening Program, which aims to plant 1.5 billion issues will have to be considered when planning and developing 79, the government’s mining policy, which declared 78 areas levels, coastal erosion, intense storms, and wave surges. These trees in 1.5 million hectares by 2016; and Executive Order tour operators also presented green initiatives of their respec- will continue to impose a logging ban to improve forest ecotourism in marine and coastal areas. A number of hotels and as “off-limits” to mining activities. He added that the DENR tive organizations, focusing on water and materials recycling, conditions and contribute to national and global biodiversity using local labor and materials to reduce carbon footprints, developing environmental programs as part of usual business A major change has been the reorganization of the Protected conservation efforts. operations, and working with local communities to ensure sus- Areas and Wildlife Bureau into the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) to meet the changing needs of the environment tainability of efforts and strengthen community participation.

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services and human resource opportunities; strategies for eco- threefold increase in the 2014 budget of the DENR’s BMB, along - and biodiversity conservation sector. Sec. Paje stated that the with thorough manpower rationalization, will ensure a more tourism development; as well as case profiles of successful eco - complement other frameworks for ecotourism in the country, tourism activities in the country. The NES and Action Plan will including the Tourism Law (Republic Act 9593), the Philippine efficient and effective implementation of biodiversity conserva In addition, the enactment of Republic Act 10629 in 2013, Development Plan, and the recently formulated National Tour- tion programs in the country. which allows every management board of PAs all over the coun- try to utilize 75 percent of its revenues generated under the In- ism Development Plan (NTDP), among others. tegrated Protected Areas Fund for its operation, will boost on- GBIF launches awards on biodiversity research going efforts of the DENR to protect and conserve the country’s The Global Biodiversity Infor- rich biodiversity. Blueprint for Philippine mation Facility invites nomina- ecotourism launched tions for the 2014 Ebbe Nielsen Prize and Young Researchers At the World Ecotourism Conference held in Cebu City, Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the has been awarded annually to Awards. The Ebbe Nielsen Prize Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the a person or team who demon- Philippines (DENR) launched the National Ecotourism strates excellence in combining biodiversity informatics and - Strategy (NES) and Action Plan 2013-2022. The document low the recipient(s) to engage in biosystematics/biodiversity serves as the blueprint for ecotourism in the Philippines. biosystematics research. The €30,000 award is intended to al - informatics research outside his/her/their country of resi- In 2012, 4.2 million foreign tourists visited the Philippines, and this number is expected to reach 10 million in 2016. An ex - The Young Researchers Awards aims to foster innovative re- pected 35 million tourists are expected in 2016. With the huge dence for a period of three to six months. tial maximum earnings from ecotourism could reach P157 bil- volume of both foreign and local travelers, the financial poten search and discovery in biodiversity informatics. Two awards means to reduce poverty while conserving biodiversity and the doctoral program at a university in a GBIF Voting Participant or lion (US$3.5 billion) in 2016. Ecotourism is thus envisioned as a of €4,000 will be available to graduate students in a master’s or

Nominations for the 2014 Ebbe Nielsen Prize and the 2014 cultural heritage of the country. The strategy will also ensure Associate Participant country. that host communities and vulnerable groups reap benefits The goal of NES and Action Plan provides information on information on submission procedures is available at http:// from ecotourism in their sites. Young Researchers Awards are due on 31 May 2014. Detailed the ecotourism destinations; available tourism infrastructure,

www.gbif.org/newsroom/opportunities.

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Countries report on achieving Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-4), the CBD’s major periodic as- the Aichi Biodiversity Targets GBO-4 will help assess overall progress towards the Aichi sessment of the state of biodiversity, trends and options. The In preparation for the 12th Biodiversity Targets and form an important communications Meeting of the Conference tool during the 2011-2020 United Nations Decade on Biodi- of the Parties (COP 12) to the Convention on Biologi- during COP 12 in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea in October versity. The GBO-4, as well as the 5NRs, will be considered cal Diversity (CBD) in Oc- - tober 2014, countries are ress made and, among other things, prepare a road map on 2014. At COP 12, countries are expected to take stock of prog currently submitting their the way forward for the remaining implementation period of Fifth National Reports (5NR) that will enable a the Strategic Plan. global assessment of prog- Ramsar Wetland Conservation ress made towards achiev- Awards is on ing the Aichi Biodiversity The Ramsar Convention an opportunity for Parties Secretariat has launched Targets. The 5NRs provide to report internationally on progress made domestically on bio- a call for nominations for diversity commitments since the landmark COP 10 in 2010 in the sixth edition of the Ramsar Wetland Conser- vation Awards, which will Nagoya, Japan. Submitting a national report at agreed intervals A focus of the 5NR is the attainment of the Aichi Biodiversity be presented at the 12th is an obligation that needs to be fulfilled by all 193 Parties. meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties Targets and associated national targets. These include targets namely, to address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss in Punta del Este, Uruguay, under each of five goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society; reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sus- Three awards will be given, each with the Evian Special Prize in June 2015. tainable use; improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding categories: a) The Ramsar Convention Award for Wetland Wise of US$10,000 offered by the DANONE Group, in the following to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services; and enhance Use; b) The Ramsar Convention Award for Wetland Innova- ecosystems, species and genetic diversity; enhance the benefits implementation through participatory planning, knowledge tion; and c) The Ramsar Convention Award for Young Wetland

National reports also provide a key source of informa- management and capacity building. Champions. For more please consult the Ramsar web site: tion for the preparation of the fourth edition of the Global http://www.ramsar.org/Ramsar-Award/. The deadline for the receipt of nominations is 15 July 2014. Biodiversity information at your fingertips!

Check out our website for information materials on biodiversity conservation in ASEAN! The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity produces a number of public awareness materials on biodiversity in the region, including the quarterly newsmagazine ASEAN Biodiversity, as well as profiles of ASEAN Heritage Parks and endangered species. Proceedings on workshops organized by ACB focusing on issues such as marine gap analysis, multilateral environmental agreements, and business and biodiversity, among others are already available. The Policy Brief Series focuses on ASEAN actions and recommendations on issues such as community conserved areas, ecotourism, and invasive alien species. Visitors can access the Biodiversity Information Sharing Service (BISS) to check species lists and protected area network data in ASEAN. Links to biodiversity information in other ASEAN Member States can be accessed here as well. ACB has also produced videos on ACB and its work in ASEAN, as well as the values and the need to protect our treasured natural resources. For more information log on to www.aseanbiodiversity.org.

62 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org BIODIVERSITY NEWS SOUTHEAST ASIA

strated the coral propagation process, Brunei Darussalam an attachment process where broken coral fragments are collected and then Beach management riddled with attached onto natural live rocks from rubbish and red tape. Littering, the same area using ordinary cyano- sewerage pollution, coastal erosion and a lack of funding and manpower underwater environment, the corals are just some of the problems plagu- willacrylate naturally glues. establish Upon return their to foothold their

The Beach Bunch, an NGO dedicated The Brunei Times sions of 18,000 hectares to plant sugar toing keeping management Brunei’s of Brunei’scoast clean beaches. and on the live rocks. cane and rose wood, and local temples of a preliminary report on local beach Local residents attest that damaged safe, presented these findings as part forestshave been not damaged only take inaway the livelihoods,process. are Serasa, Muara, Meragang, Be- rakas,management. Tungku, The Jerudong, beaches Empire, reviewed Khmer Voice of America Seri Kenangan, Penanjong, Telisai, but important cultural land as well. Sg Liang, Lumut, Panaga, Seria and shared ownership and management of Kuala Belait. Other problems include- ent jurisdictions; lack of enforcement ofbeaches environmental among agencies laws; and with continued differ Protecting insect world vital to appearance of litter despite clean-ups, preserving diversity. Universiti - Brunei Darussalam (UBD) focused on ommended the hiring of more cleaning the conservation of global invertebrate servicesamong others. to stop The the Beach accumulation Bunch rec of biodiversity through Invertebrates as Cambodia protects forest for giant litter; conduct of water quality assess- a key-group for Biodiversity Conserva- ibis. Cambodia has set aside 66,932 ment; ban unauthorized camping or tion, a lecture that was part of UBD’s hectares of the Western Siem Pang driving on the sand; and limited access Institute for Biodiversity and Envi- forest to protect the country’s national The ronmental Research (IBER) Seminar bird, the giant ibis (Thaumatibis gigan- Brunei Times tea). Listed as Critically Endangered for domestic animals to the beach. Republic institutes spoke about global by the IUCN Red List, the giant ibis is Minister calls for coral protection. At invertebrateSeries. Three biodiversity, specialists from focusing Czech on - a Coral Propagation Programme work- earwigs (Dermaptera), centipedes (Chi- Life International stated that the forest shop facilitated by Ocean Quest (Malay- lopoda) and millipedes (Diplopoda). down to just a few hundred birds. Bird sia) Sdn Bhd, Minister of Industry and They estimated that insects make up bird species in addition to the giant Primary Resources Yang Berhormat - ibis,is home including to five the Critically white-shouldered Endangered Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri though the diversity of insects has been ibis (Pseudibis davisoni), white-rumped Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato describedabout 60 percent as about of one global million diversity. species, Al vulture (Gyps bengalensis), slender- Paduka Hj Bakar urged the public to the predicted diversity of insects is billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), and preserve corals and help by not using probably about six to seven times more the red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps cal- - vus). The newly dubbed Protected For- sential to protect insects if people are est adds to a larger landscape of parks, Ponicoral-damaging Divers, and fishing other stakeholders tools. He lauded in especially in the tropics. It is thus es making up 700,000 hectares across efforts of the Fisheries Department, - The Brunei Times northern Cambodia, southern Lao PDR, to protect diversity as a whole. participatedtheir efforts into theenrich workshop marine where ecotour has been pushed to the edge of extinc- PONIism. Thirty Divers divers and Ocean and 15 Quest students demon - Cambodia tionand westernby vast deforestation, Viet Nam. The hunting giant ibis and mongabay Tribes hold ceremony to protect trees in remote northern province. Dynamitehuman disturbance. fishing threatens Cambo- Minority groups in Preah Vihear prov- dia’s seahorses. ince gathered in a ceremony to combat practices have decimated the once abundant seahorseDestructive population fishing in Cam - The forest of Preah Rorka covers 90,000illegal deforestation hectares and intribes the province. in the area Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) tracksbodia. Tothe save animals’ the fragile underwater animals, habitat the Companies have been granted conces- rely on the forest for their livelihoods. and works with local fishermen to

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 63 BIODIVERSITY NEWS SOUTHEAST ASIA

rhinos sit in a volcanic hotspot, and a now has the second largest manta ray sizeable eruption could wipe out the tourism industry in the world, with an estimated annual value of over US$15 also believe the population won’t be ablewhole to population. grow much Conservationistslarger given the could become the top manta tourism size and state of the forest and there million. If managed properly,mongabay Indonesia have been discussions about moving destination on the planet. - lastpart Javan of the rhino population on mainland to a different Southeast Cambodianencourage the government use of sustainable to get more fish site to help boost the population. The ing methods. MCC is working with the subspecies—was killed by poachers in working closely with other conserva- Asia—which representedmongabay a different tionstringent groups controls to get ain formal place. marineMCC is also protection area established around 2009 in Viet Nam. the Koh Rong Samloem island, which Indonesia’s new forest agency head expected to speed reform. The recent appointment of Heru Prasetyo as the forwas those once harmingteeming withthe marine seahorses. environ The- move would put stiff penalties in place REDD+ Agency, tasked with reducing marine protected area will go into ef- climate-changingnew head for Indonesia’s emissions fledgling from defor - ment. It’s hoped that Cambodia’s first estation, is expected to accelerate tree Deutsche Welle fect in 2014, and others to follow. Indonesia pledges to protect manta forests in Indonesia, and raise more rays. planting and other efforts to protect Indonesia and Fisheries has issued a decree to is a key part of Indonesia’s plans to protect The two Ministry manta ofray Maritime species, MantaAffairs reducefunds for its REDD. greenhouse The REDD+ gas emissions Agency by Javan rhino population jumps by birostris and Manta alfredi, throughout 26 percent by 2020, and is backed by over 10 percent. The Javan rhino - population has increased by over ten itly extends that protection to all parts Prasetyo is a former management percent from 2012 to 2013, according their entire life cycle. The decree explic consultanta Norwegian and aid also pledge served of $1 as billion.secretary demand for manta ray gill rakers—the to Indonesia’s REDD+ Task Force, a of their body. During the last decade, rangersto new figures counted released 58 Javan by rhinos, Ujung Kulonup zooplankton from the water—has in- agency is tasked with formulating for- National Park. Using camera traps, small structures the fish use to filter estprecursor management to the REDD+policies Agency. that will The slow once roamed much of Southeast Asia, item in southern China where they are Indonesia’s rate of deforestation and todayfrom 51 it isin only 2012. found Although in Ujung the Kulonspecies usedcreased. in a The soup dried believed organs to haveare a manypopular help achieve its ambitious emissions National Park in western Java and is known as one of the most imperiled plans for a national REDD+ strategy, - Historically,health benefits the including ingredient boosting was never the whiletarget. promoting It will draft REDD+ and implement as a vital part ists counted 50 young and adult rhinos, aimmune part of traditionalsystem and Chinese killing cancer. medicine, Thomson Reuters mammalsalong with on eight the calves, planet. proof Conservation that Foundation despite such a small population the rhi- support any of the purported health of government policy. - and no scientific evidence exists to wing-spans of over seven meters, and Lao PDR rhinosnos are (Rhinoceros reproducing. sondaicus) There are are 23 listed fe havebenefits. one Mantas,of the highest which brain-to-bodycan achieve malesas Critically and 35 Endangered males in the by group. the IUCN Javan Gaur lost in village, caused by en- croachment of forest habitat. A gaur a single area, potential threats include Wildliferatios of Conservationany fish, generally Society, reproduce several lost in Done Tane Village, Khong Dis- Red List. Given the tiny population in studiesonce every have two “provided years. According irrefutable to the evidence” that manta rays are far more inbreeding, poaching, and disease. The believed to bring in over US$100 mil- lionvaluable per year alive globally than dead. in dive Mantas tourism, are

million in tourism revenue during its with a single fish worth as much as $1 to the current $200 price tag for a dead 30-40 year life span. This is in contrast

manta sold in Indonesia. Indonesia

64 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org BIODIVERSITY NEWS SOUTHEAST ASIA

trict, Champasack Province was caught by villagers and taken to Phondam- Malaysia now, foreign nationals, mostly from deuan Temple, according to the chief the(US$153,000). Indo-Chinese For region, a number have of been years plundering the forests in Malaysia of Agriculture and Forestry Department of Done Tane Village. The Provincial These syndicates are known to carry agar wood and other natural resources.- stated that the gaur is 1.40 m tall and insular Malaysia, and spend several 1.70 m long and weighed about 500 firearms, operate throughout Pen Piengkg. The National gaur is aProtection protected Area, species which and themselves they often set snares and is suspected to have fled from the Se weeks at a time in the forest. To sustain good health and is being feed grass at WWF-Malaysia and TRAFFIC urged the is home to manyLao News gaurs. Agency The gaur is in Malaysian micro jewels going extinct authoritieshunt animals to asprosecute a source the of protein. culprits to as they are discovered. A Malaysian- the full extent of the law, and investi- Proposedthe temple. dam in Lao PDR called Dutch team of biologists have cata- gate other parties involved in the smug- threat to dolphins downstream in logued all 31 species of the tiny snail WWF Malaysia Cambodia. The planned Don Sahong genus Plectostoma from West-Malaysia, hydropower project in southern Lao Sustainablegling attempt. tourism major contribu- PDR, located just one kilometer up- are new to science, but some of those tor to economy. According to Malay- stream of the core habitat for Mekong areSumatra, going andextinct Thailand. as they Ten are species being sian Tourism and Culture Minister dolphins, could precipitate the extinc- Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, tion of the species from the Mekong by PhD student Thor-Seng Liew of with the right investment, tourism can River, according to the World Wildlife Naturalisdiscovered. Biodiversity The study wasCenter carried in Leiden, out be a lead change agent in the move to a green economy by driving economic builders’ proposal to use explosives to Liew spent four years studying the excavateFund for millionsNature (WWF). of tons Theof rock dam will distribution,The Netherlands, shell andshape, three and colleagues. genetics tourism simultaneously improves create strong sound waves that could growth and job creation. Sustainable - kill endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, working on the species from Borneo, mental degradation, and raises envi- which have highly sensitive hearing whereof these Plectostoma minuscule snails.is exceptionally He is still resource efficiency, minimizes environ As a result, many ASEAN countries Prime Minister Hun Sen to call for a they have irregularly coiled and haveronmental chosen awareness tourism development among travelers. moratoriumstructures. WWF on the urged dam Cambodian during the ornamenteddiverse. The snailsshells, are making special them because look as one of the main pillars of their Mekong River Commission’s Heads exact shapes of the shells allowed Liew According to a United Nations World River Irrawaddy dolphin has been tolike recognize micro jewelry. 31 species, Investigating ten of which the Tourismeconomic Organization and national study, development. interna- listedof State as Summit critically in endangered April. The Mekong on the tional tourist arrivals for the period World Conservation Union Red List of live on limestone hills, which are few 2012 to 2030 were predicted to grow UPI were new to science. The species only snails that manage to colonize them are OudomxayThreatened officialsSpecies since seize 2004. illegal rose- completelyand far between isolated, in Southeast resulting Asia.in a high The predictedat an average to increase annual ratefrom of 940 3.3 millionper wood shipment. - cent. Tourist arrivals in Malaysia are cials in Oudomxay province teamed up may also be its downfall, as limestone Global Travel Industry News with local authoritiesForest to interceptinspection ve offi- level of endemism. The species’ habitat- in 2012 to 1.8 billion in 2030. hicles suspected of concealing illegally cies, Plectostoma sciaphilum, is already hillsextinct, are and quarried six more for cement.are on the One brink spe Myanmar checkpoint in the province, they found of extinction, including P. tenggekensis, twoharvested tons of timber. rosewood At the and officials’ six cubic first me - Loss of forests accelerates as Myan- ters of maidou and mai tae kha hidden ZooKeys mar opens for business. According which occurs only on Bukit Tenggek. to UN-REDD Programme data, at least Conservationists applaud PERHI- seizedin two semi-trailersone ton of rosewood from Vientiane. hidden in LITAN and the Anti-Smuggling Unit On January 21, forest officials also - for seized agar wood. WWF-Malay- losthalf 18of Myammar’s percent of its land forests of 667,000 in 15 years sq. rently making inquiries to ensure that sia and TRAFFIC congratulated the km. is still covered in forest, but had perpetratorsa Toyota Fortuner. of the The crime police are arepenalized cur Department of Wildlife and National to some of the most pristine forests in Parks Gerik and the Perak Anti-Smug- Southeastbetween 1990 Asia andbut experts2005. It warnis still that home known locally as maikhayoung , is very gling Unit for seizing a substantial Myanmar is fast losing its woodlands expensivein accordance and withis highly the law.sought Rosewood, after in amount of agar wood originating from due to a combination of commercial logging, agricultural expansion and Vientiane Times The haul was valued at RM500, 000 neighboring countries. the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex. firewood harvesting. The country’s

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 65

BIODIVERSITY NEWS SOUTHEAST ASIA

Myanmar, Norway to cooperate on environmental conservation. On 21 of Mindanao, including vulnerable and January, Myanmar Minister of Environ- lia in the waters off the southern island mental Conservation and Forestry U Win Tun met with Norwegian Ambas- birds,critically including endangered a rare species. Pesquet’s Among parrot, asthe well creatures as assorted confiscated reptiles were and 66mam wild- mals such as a long-beaked echidna, thesador forestry Ann Ollestad sector and in Nay protection Pyi Taw. of The a Malayan box turtle, and 10 sugar biodiversity,officials discussed particularly the development in develop- of gliders - squirrel-like animals that can highest deforestation rates have been known tourist site in Shan State, and transporting the animals were arrested recorded from the Ayeyarwady Delta thement discussion of Inle Lake. between The lake Myanmar is a world- and andglide were from charged tree to tree. with Five illegal Filipinos posses - Norway focused on the betterment of - the social economy of ethnic minorities The seizure came just a week after beras a haveresult also of firewood moved across extraction Myanmar’s for sion and transport of those species. Yangon. Considerable amounts of tim discussed include the conservation of Philippines, found almost 100 similar to global commodity markets, rapid waterresiding resources, around the development lake. Other of issues eco- animalswildlife officers,from Australia also in andthe southernIndonesia porous borders. Increasing exposure tourism, and enhancement of technol- a weak governance environment will leadinflows, to direct foreign deforestation direct investment, for large- and Xinhua transportedbeing transported from Indonesia by van to Manila.to Malay - scale agriculture, and indirect defores- ogy expertise and human resources. sia,Wildlife and thenofficials across believe the porous the animals mari -are tation caused by large-scale agriculture time border to the southern Philippine displacing poor farmers to the forest Philippines - margins where they have to clear new Eco-Business Environment department mulls theisland smuggling of Mindanao. could Aside spread from disease endan to permanent closure of Mt. Banahaw. gering the exotic animals, officials fear land. 50 hectares of forest and grasslands couldlocal animal not identify populations. them, and The had animals to The massive fire that ravaged some were so rare even the wildlife officials prompted the Department of Environ- - mentaround and the Natural mystical Resources Mt. Banahaw (DENR) has mentask Filipino have died hobbyists in transport, for help. while About 40 to consider making the protected area percenta third of of the the animals second inshipment the first had ship perished, according to the Biodiversity

permanently off limits to the public. Philippine Daily Inquirer The recent fire also razed some 92- Management Bureau. Vermont law school to train Myan- agementhectares ofBoard plantation has declared within certainMt. San Climate change clouds Philippines’ mar ministry in environmental as- Cristobal. The Protected Area Man dream of rice self-sufficiency. The sessments. Vermont Law will facilitate Cristobal Protected Landscape closed National Economic and Development an Environmental Impact Assessments toportions the public of the until Mts. 2015 Banahaw-San to allow the Authority (NEDA) said that climate (EIA) training to protect the country’s rehabilitation of its natural resources change will complicate the Philippines’ - throughout the world to ensure that nately, people have been able to slip environmental andresources. social impactsEIAs are of used damagedpast the cordons by human into activity. the prohibited Unfortu percentefforts toof thebecome estimated self-sufficient damage in from development projects are considered naturalrice. Preliminary disasters datain the showed country that in 2013 74 face charges for violation of Republic year came in the farm sector, primarily system also mitigates environmental area. Suspects in the forest fire could - impactsbefore projects of projects begin. during The assessmentconstruc- Conservation and Protection Act, which phoon Haiyan damaged about 600,000 prohibitsAct No. 9147, the killingor the ofWildlife wildlife Resources species hectaresaffecting of rice. agricultural NEDA stated lands, that with Ty an Sponsored by the Vermont Law Myanmartion, operation, Environmental and decommission. Governance Banahaw is home to a rich biodiversity Program, the training is made possible ofand endemic destruction and indigenous of their habitat. plant Mt. and estimated 1.1 million metric tons of in part by a grant from the blue moon animal species and is a famous site for crops lost. The Philippines needs to - fund to support education in Myanmar trekkers and religious devotees during ippinesharvest hasat least been 19.03 a net million rice importer tons of for as the nation prepares for consider- DENR rice to achieve self-sufficiency. The Phil able foreign investment, and will be was cheaper to buy rice from Viet Nam, attended by Myanmar’s Ministry of Newthe Lenten haul of season. exotic animals seized in Cambodiathe past five and decades, Thailand in partthan becauseproduce it Environmental Conservation and For- Philippines. Wildlife authorities seized Myanmar Times 93 animals from Indonesia and Austra- it locally. The Asian Development Bank estry. (ADB) has identified Southeast Asia

66 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org

BIODIVERSITY NEWS SOUTHEAST ASIA

as one of the world’s most vulnerable on record between Jan 13 and Feb 8 ernization and urbanization translate regions to climate change because of to an increased demand for energy, its long coastlines, the concentration of - and increasingly higher greenhouse people and economic activity in coastal andtion hasand had water little recycling rain since. operations Shares in - areas, heavy reliance on agriculture Hyflux Ltd, which operates desalina ments of low-carbon green growth for livelihoods and high dependence In peninsular Malaysia, 15 areas have gasin economic emissions. strategies Incorporating would elecover notthere, had have rainfall risen in 3.5 more percent than in20 January. days, - Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and with some of them dry for more than a ment aspects, as well as national Vieton natural Nam could resources. each need ADB tosaid spend the month, according to the Malaysian Me- andtechnological, regional energy financial development and invest $5 billion a year by 2020 on climate policies geared towards achieving a change adaptation measures such as lack of rain is raising concerns about - theteorological pace of climate Department. change The in the abnormal re- sues provide the context for the 2014 The Wall Street Journal Internationalsustainable green Conference future. Theseand Utility is flood-control projects. hurt palm oil yields, push up palm oil Exhibition (ICUE) on Green Energy prices,gion. In damage Malaysia, rice the crops, dry weather and increase can for Sustainable Development, which Singapore was organized by the Asian Institute dry spell has been blamed for the mass the risk of forest fires.The In Guardian Singapore, the carbon based type of economy will helpof Technology mitigate environmental (AIT), Thailand. pollution A low- death of fish stocks. and CO2 emissions caused by fossil fuel use, help reduce reliance on dwin- dling fossil reserves, and encourage

brought together energy profession- als,technological policy makers, innovations. researchers, ICUE mem 2014- Ministry of the Environment, Japan bers of the academia, engineers, and and NEA ink Letter of Intent on members of the energy supply sector environmental cooperation. A Let- from almost 30 countries to exchange ter of Intent (LOI) was signed by His research ideas, experiences, technical, Excellency Junichi Shiraishi, Vice-Min- Singapore takes the lead on green issues covering greening energy utili- of the Ministry of the Environment, building in Asia. New structures in social, financial, economic and policy ister for Global Environmental Affairs Singapore underscore the country’s an opportunity to showcase research of the National Environment Agency commitment to greening its built zation. The conference also provided Japan (MOEJ) and Mr. Ronnie Tay, CEO environment through generous incen- transformative emerging technologies, commitment to continue enhancing tive schemes and a building rating tool andfindings, discuss technological burning global, innovations, regional capacities(NEA). The to LOI protect reflects the both environment countries’ that encourages improvements such and national issues in energy utiliza- as sun-shading exteriors, water-ef- tion for development and environment While a prior LOI in 2010 focused on theand 3Rs promote and solid sustainable waste management, development. Asian Institute of Technology the new LOI covers expanded areas of ficient fittings, computer modeling of policies and programs. cooperation such as vehicular emis- energy flows and carbon emissions, - Asian elephants console other sions and noise standards; air quality ingand tool highly launched efficient in air 2005, conditioning Singapore’s elephants in distress. A study led by standards; environmental planning; Buildingand ventilation and Construction systems. Since Authority the rat Joshua Plotnik of Mahidol University re-use of incineration ash; as well as

inhas Asia certified has the 1,534 potential new buildings to produce and thatin Bangkok Asian elephants provides reassurethe first evidence other exchange ofNational information Environment on off-site Agency large215 pre-existing energy savings ones. and Green make building polluted elephantsof consolation in distress in elephants. with physical He stated radiation decontamination activities. cities more habitable while partially Singapore and Malaysia hit by mitigating the impacts of global warm- behavior is rare in the animal king- extreme dry spell. The two nations GreenBiz.com touchesdom, with and empirical vocalizations. evidence Consolation previ- are grappling with some of the driest ously provided only for the great apes, weather they have ever experienced, ing. canines and certain birds in the crow forcing Singapore to ramp up sup- Thailand plies of recycled water while Malaysia a group of 26 captive Asian elephants rations reserves amid disruptions to 2014 International Conference and livingfamily. on The about current 30 acres study at focused an elephant on Utility Exhibition on Green Energy experiences tropical downpours on for Sustainable Development held a year, the researchers observed and farming and fisheries. Singapore, which in Thailand. Industrialization, mod- recordedcamp in northern incidences Thailand. when an For elephant nearly most days, suffered its longest dry spell

JANUARY-APRIL 2014 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l 67 BIODIVERSITY NEWS SOUTHEAST ASIA

of Understanding to cooperate on

endemicity. It has a narrow and limited rhinoefforts poaching to control in illicitSouth Africawildlife andtrade, on provincesdistribution stretching area. The from turtles Da areNang only to theparticularly continent of have rhinoceros. risen sharply The cases in the of found in under flooded zones in central past few years and are threatening to were on the edge of extinction due to reverse the hard-won progress made by thePhu loss Yen. of Scientists its natural said habitat, that the cultiva species-

2014, 189 rhinos have been killed, 121 ofconservation which were authorities. poached and Since killed January in tion of under flooded Vietnam areas, Newsand rising Service pollution. displayed a stress reaction and the re- of 1,004 rhinos were poached, up from Kruger National Park. In 2013, a total The initial stress responses came from stop poaching, South Africa continues to stimulisponses such from as other a dog nearby walking elephants. past, a engage668 in 2012. with countriesWith tireless where efforts rhino to horn snake or other potentially dangerous animal rustling the grass, or the pres- are trying to trace the whole chain to betteris traded address and consumed. all components Authorities of illegal nearby elephant would go to the side ofence the of distressed another, unfriendly animal and elephant. use its A its commitment to the MOU and is set trunk to gently touch its face, or put totrade implement in wildlife. a plan Viet to Nam increase reiterated public UNDP hails Viet Nam’s environmen- The responding elephants also showed and reduce demand for endangered tal sustainability. Viet Nam has seen its trunk in the other animal’s mouth. awarenessSABC of the significance of wildlife considerable achievements in ensuring frequently responded to distress a sustainable environment over the past signalsa tendency of other to vocalize. elephants Elephants by adopt - species. years, according to the United Nations ing a similar body or emotional state known as “emotional contagion,” which Sustainable development is part of the country’sDevelopment socio-economic Programme development(UNDP). nearby elephants also were more likely strategy of 2011 to 2020 and it was also tomay bunch be related together, to empathy. or make physicalGroups of included into the country’s socio-eco- nomic development plans during the Environment News Service contact with each other. Forest coverage has increased from Protest proving a boon for envi- 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 periods. ronment. The Bangkok shutdown all land in 2012 and up to 96 percent of campaign has already made an Phu Yen farm protects rare regional Vietnamese28.8 percent households in 1990 to 40 have percent access of to environmental impact - a sharp turtle from extinction. Pham Ngoc electricity and other modern sources Hoang, a farmer in Phu Yen Province, particles in the air due to fewer has successfully developed a farm rais- country to continue to prioritize clean decrease in hazardous fine dust ing the rare and endangered Bourret’s water,of energy. environmental UNDP has encouraged sanitation, climatethe Levels of PM 10, particulate matter box turtle (Cuorabourreti), helping to withcars ona diameter the usually of 10congested microns roads. or Localities have been urged to mobilize less, have fallen by about half in the box turtle is a turtle subspecies found thechange, community and biodiversity and their preservation. authorities’ LatPhrao, Chatuchak, and Yannawa inprotect central them Viet from Nam extinction. and adjacent Bourret’s Lao involvement in ensuring the sustain- areas, according to the Pollution PDR and commonly called the central ability of water and environmental one seventh the width of a human Starting with six turtles in 2000, the biodiverse countries in the world, rich hair,Control can Department. cause breathing The disordersdust, about totalVietnamese number flowerback of turtles on box the turtle. farm has withservices. a diversity Viet Nam of habitat,is one of species the most and increased to 190, including 30 mother degraded, and many species are at risk and damage lung tissue. OtherBangkok areas Post ofgenes. extinction However, due biodiversity to the loss of is habitats being experienced similar results. protectturtles with the turtles an average from weight extinction of 1.3-2 by keepingkg each. theThe turtles farm is for expected breeding to purposhelp - stressed that attention should be paid Viet Nam es and sharing farming experience with toand protecting environmental the living pollution. environment UNDP others to help more people get involved and biodiversity conservation and the South Africa, Viet Nam vow to end private sector should be encouraged to rhino poaching. In 2013, South Africa species are receiving much attention and Viet Nam signed a Memorandum fromin the the preservation international of the community species. The for its Nhan Dan Online participate in environmental protection.

68 l ASEAN BIODIVERSITY l JANUARY-APRIL 2014 www.aseanbiodiversity.org FOCUS

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)

T of up to 100 individuals have been sighted, often when he whale shark is the biggest fish and shark in the These sharks are usually solitary. However, loose groups world. Despite their massive size, the whale sharks’ Whale sharks appear to be highly migratory, and have been favorite food is plankton. Its enormous mouth (nearly they are feeding, making them prime tourist attractions. sharkfive feet generally wide) engulfs weighs large11 tons quantities and reaches of tiny a planktonlength of that it filters through its gills as it swims. The whale tracked for thousands of kilometers. Very little is known aboutFound their throughout reproduction. the world’s The whale oceans shark in temperateis ovoviviparous and 40 feet. tropicaland thus waters, gives birththe whale to live shark young. most commonly occurs in a The head is flattened and the wide mouth, positioned at the tip of the snout, stretches almost as wide as the body. Whale sharks are highly valued on international markets withThe dorsalits dark fin greyish-blue is particularly color large on andthe theback tail and has sides, a half- and global band around the equator between 30° to 40° latitude. moon shape. The patterning of the body is very distinctive are victims of bycatch, the accidental capture of non- stout ridges travel the length of the body, ending at the tail because of huge demand for their meat, fins and oil. They array of pale yellow blotches. The undersurface is pale and astarget feeding species changes in fishing migratory gear. Theybehavior, are currentlyand they listedare as Theshaft. mouth Five massive contains gill around slits occur 300 tiny on theteeth side although of the headthe a vulnerable species. They are also affected by tourism, and within these there is a sieve like structure of cartilage. oftentimes injured by boat propellers. The whale shark’s pattern of spots is like a human References: function of these is unknown. World Wide Fund for Nature (http://worldwildlife.org/species/whale-shark) National Geographic (http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/ fingerprint as each pattern is unique and allows the sharks whale-shark/) to be identified. In the Philippines, the World Wide Fund ARKive (http://www.arkive.org/whale-shark/rhincodon-typus/) for Nature (WWF) has identified 458 different kinds of whale sharks.

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Megamouth Shark (Megachasma pelagios)

he megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) is one of shark’s natural ecology and behavioral observations have Tthe most mysterious and least understood of all the only been possible from the tagging of one individual from other shark lineages that it has been placed in its shark was observed to undergo vertical migrations, sharks. It was first recorded in 1976 and is so different (Megamouthspending the 6)day for in a deep brief water two-day and period ascending in 1990. to midwater This Megachasma is derived from the Greek megasor megalos (great);own family: and Megachasmidae.chasma The currently validpelagios genus atMegamouth night. It is sharks likely thatare thoughtthis migration to feed is by undertaken swimming in (cave). The species name responsethrough groups to the ofmovements small prey of items prey withspecies their such mouths as krill. open, means “of the sea”. shortMegamouth snout and, sharks as the can name reach would over suggest, five meters an extremely in length Found in the open ocean, the megamouth shark is and weigh around 800 kilograms. The head is large with a althoughbelieved tothere occur is noat depthsscientific of proof150 to to 1,000 this behavior.meters and large mouth. The mouth contains over 50 rows of very small, hooked teeth. The body is tapered with a fleshy have been reported from the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic appearance, and is blackish-brown above and white below. Oceans.However, As the with megamouth the two other is considered filter-feeding to be sharks, less active the ThereFrom are its two discovery unequal in sized 1976, dorsal only 54fins sightings and the havetail has been a basking and whale sharks, this species is wide-ranging. longer upper lobe. and a poorer swimmer than the basking or whale sharks. recorded,megamouth including shark weighing seven in 1,102-poundsthe Philippines. (500 In Marchkilograms) Poor mobility likely is a reflection of its flabby body, soft 2009, mackerel fishers caught a 13-foot-long (4 meters) fins, asymmetrical tail, lack of keels and weak calcification. Museum of Natural History dubbed it Megamouth 41, the The megamouth shark is classified as Data Deficient on off the city of Donsol, Sorosogon, Philippines. The Florida References:the IUCN Red List. during its capture but it had facial scars from past run-ins National Geographic (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/ Philippine specimen’s official name. The megamouth died news/2009/04/090407-megamouth-shark-eaten-picture.html) Majority of the sightings of the megamouths have been Florida Museum of Natural History (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ with gill nets. The shark’s last meal was shrimp larvae. ichthyology/Gallery/Descript/Megamouth/megamouth.htm) Consequently, very little is known of the megamouth Sharks World (http://www.sharks-world.com/megamouth_shark/) of dead specimens, either accidentally caught or stranded.

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Common Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)

hresher sharks are one of the most instantly temperate waters worldwide and is a pelagic species found Trecognizable of all sharks because of the long upper observed far from shore and inhabits waters to 1,800 of about 25 feet (760 centimeters) in length and their feetin both (550 coastal meters) and deep, oceanic although waters. it wandersIt is most close commonly to the lobe of the caudal fin. They grow up to a maximum is blue-grey to dark grey or blackish on top, with silvery whip-like tail fin can be as long as the body. The body coastThe in thresher search of shark food. is Thresher an ovoviviparous sharks are and observed gives birth are curved and taper to a point, and the snout is short toinfrequently two to seven jumping pups outwith of each the water.pregnancy lasting about or coppery sides and white undersides. The pectoral fins and pointed. The eyes and jaws are relatively small, but nineAll months. members They of genusreproduce Alopias, annually the thresher and are sharks, thought are to distinguishedthe thresher shark’s from other sharp threshers teeth are by efficient the position at capturing of the listedreproduce as Vulnerable throughout globally the species because range. of their declining slippery prey. The common thresher shark can be history characteristics, hence low capacity to recover from first dorsal fin, which has its leading edge situated above moderatepopulations. levels This of is exploitation, the result of and a combination high levels ofof largelyslow life the trailing edge of the pectoral fins. unmanaged and unreported mortality in target and bycatch The thresher shark is an active strong-swimming fish that is occasionally seen leaping out of the water. Bony fish make up 97 percent of the thresher’s diet. They feed mostly fisheries.References: on small schooling fish such as menhaden, herring, Atlantic ARKive (http://www.arkive.org/thresher-shark/alopias-vulpinus/) saury, sand lance, mackerel, bluefish, butterfish, bonito, Florid Museum of Natural History (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/ stunssquid, themand have with beenpowerful known swipes to kill of sea the birds. tail, before It uses turning its Descript/ThresherShark/ThresherShark.html) unique tail fin to herd fish together in tight shoals, and then Goldman, K.J., Baum, J., Cailliet, G.M., Cortés, E., Kohin, S., Macías, D., Megalofonou, P., Perez, M., Soldo, A. & Trejo, T. 2009. Alopiasvulpinus. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. . Downloaded on 02 April 2014. pairs or groups.

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Pelagic Thresher Shark (Alopias pelagicus)

he pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) is an quality meat which is used fresh, frozen, smoked and Toceanic species whose biology and behavioral ecology livers for vitamin extraction and their hides are used in the and by-catch data indicate that it is found in warm and dried-salted. Their fins are prizedAlopias for pelagicus shark-fin represents soup, their are largely unknown due to study limitations. Fisheries 12 percent of Taiwan’s shark catch with an average 3,100 production of leather goods. temperate offshore waters, that it matures late, has low low fecundity of two pups per litter over long gestation fecundityIn the Philippines,(ability to produce the Thresher healthy Shark offspring) Research and and is units (222 metric tons) taken per annum. They have a Conservationvulnerable to Groupover-exploitation. have been studying pelagic thresher sharks found at Monad Shoal along Malapascua Island, periods. Their habitats are subjected to high intensity oceanic fisheries, raises concern over the sustainability of on the shoal drives the local dive and tourism industries, the species. In 2002, experts estimate that 80 percent of Cebu. Early morning presence of pelagic thresher sharks globalInternational thresher sharkconventions populations have recognizedhave been lostsome to sharkfishing The thresher sharks regularly visit seamounts, speciespressure to over be vulnerablethe past 15 or years. threatened, promoting nations presentingfuelling 80 apercent unique of opportunity the regional to economy. study this rarely continue to show stakeholders that pelagic thresher sharks areto implement more valuable protection alive than policy. dead Conservation as they earn organizations millions observed oceanic shark. The seamount is an open water in dive tourism compared to trade as meat or other by- betweensite rising shark 250 meterspresence from and the cleaning sea floor activity to 15 conducted - 25 meter by residentdepths. Studies cleaner have and identifiedmoon wrasses significant (Labriodes relationships dimidiatus and local communities in promoting environment friendly and Thalasso malunare interactionproducts. Environmentalists with thresher sharks also andwork development with governments of why these mainly oceanic sharks venture into shallow ) at seamounts. This explains protective legislation. References: coastal waters, where they are vulnerable to fishing and Thresher sharks are among the more demanded shark The Thresher Shark Conservation Project (http://www.threshersharkproject. disturbance from dive tourism. org/TSRCP/Home.html) species for global fisheries. They are prized for their high

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