are approximately 200,000 protectedareasin 200,000 are approximately to many.new is relatively conservation There tobiodiversity contribute and indirectly on howprotected areasdirectly Knowledge benefits) currently indecline. spiritual and aesthetic, recreational, services (including and others)cultural services (affecting floods, climate, water quality, ecosystems’to 70percentofglobal regulating with up or used unsustainably degraded being are services of these percent that 60 estimates Ecosystem the Millennium Assessment gross domesticproduct.However,the global every year, ofdollars of trillions than farlarger at tens is estimated of ecosystemservices value at an scale. unprecedented The total economic and lost them arestillbeingdegraded underpins that the biodiversity areas, ecosystemsand by protected importance of services provided cultural, andeconomic Despite theecological, climate change. disaster riskreduction,and and well-being, food andwatersecurity,including humanhealth some of the world’s most pressing challenges, protected areasarevital for to responding nature, More thaninstrumentsforconserving and associatedculturalresources. nature toconserve for centuries, communities local and peoples by indigenous applied which hasbeenparticularly tested approach, Establishment ofprotectedareasisatried-and- benefits worldwide. and communities to people economic and environmental, social, Protected areas(PA)of range a wide provide 168 ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook 2 protected areas covering 803,955 sq km. This km. sq 803,955 covering areas protected Areas (2015),the ASEAN region has2,587 According to the World DatabaseonProtected Protected areasinthe ASEAN Region globally. of protected areas nationally, regionally, and and representativeness to improvecoverage protected areas. the urgentneed This highlights as partofterrestrial types areusuallyaccounted poorly representedsince these ecosystem freshwater ecosystemsandgrasslands,are major are protected.Otherbiomes,including percent oftheworld’s marineecosystems protected areas,onlylessthanone declared 14.6 percentoftheEarth’s landsurfaceare While and speciesimportantforconservation. habitats, ecosystems, all cover adequately not the world.However, theseprotectedareasdo

Photo by Ao Phang Nga National Park figure encompasses 13 percent of the land area has the greatest number of protected and 2 percent of the marine area of ASEAN. areas among the ASEAN Member States.

Table 16. Protected Areas in ASEAN

Source: World Database on Protected Areas, retrieved from https://www.protectedplanet.net/ on 12 December 2015.

Models for effective protected area management: The ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme

The AHP Programme manages a regional network of representative protected areas created to generate greater collaboration between AMS in preserving their shared natural heritage. The history of the AHP Programme dates back to 1984 when the ministers of the founding countries of ASEAN signed the declaration of 11 protected areas as ASEAN Heritage Parks. The 2003 ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks states that AHPs shall be managed to maintain ecological processes and life support systems; preserve genetic diversity; ensure sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems; and maintain wilderness that have scenic, cultural, recreational, and tourism values.

ASEAN Heritage Parks are defined as protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region. There are currently 38 protected areas under the AHP Programme, 33 of which are terrestrial protected areas Photo by Kyaw Kyaw Winn covering a total area of 84,067 sq km.

Enhancing implementation: ASEAN’s priority actions to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 169 Table 17. ASEAN Heritage Parks

Among these AHPs, there are six UNESCO The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity serves as World Heritage Sites— the secretariat of the AHP Programme. The (Indonesia), Gunung Mulu National Park AHP Committee is comprised of members and Kinabalu National Park (), Mt. representing each of the AMS. In the Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary and implementation of the AHP Programme, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (), ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and (). Six and Biodiversity (AWGNCB) provides technical AHPs are also Ramsar sites – Indawgyi Lake guidance by reviewing and endorsing AHP Wildlife Sanctuary and Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife nominations, ACB work plans, and project Sanctuary (), Tubbataha Reefs Natural proposals for AHPs. Park (Philippines), Ao Phang-Nga National Park (Thailand), and Ba Be National Park and U Minh The AHPs provide a window to the world Thuong National Park (Viet Nam). showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely

170 ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook 2 Photo by Sahlee Barrer

ASEAN. These protected areas represent the Goal 1: Strengthen national and regional most intact tracts of land and sea that provide systems of AHP management to ensure vital ecosystem services such as food and clean integration into global network and water, and protection against floods, erosion, contribution to globally agreed goals. and pollution. The AHPs also form the lifeblood Goal 2: Strengthen national and regional of many of the region’s enigmatic indigenous networks and collaboration. cultures. Indigenous and traditional knowledge Goal 3: Enhance capacity of AHP managers practices are intimately linked to nature, and the and staff, and other stakeholders to loss of forests, lands, and connections to the ensure effective management of AHPs. sea also means the eradication of traditional Goal 4: Ensure that scientific knowledge and and sustainable methods of natural resource technologies are improved, widely management. Biodiversity loss also erases shared, transferred, and applied for the traditional knowledge of other resources that effective management of the AHPs. may have significant pharmaceutical benefits. Goal 5: Promote equity and benefit-sharing. Conservation of AHPs, therefore, assists in the Goal 6: Ensure sufficient financial resources sustainable management of ASEAN’s natural . and promote sustainable financing. resources and the protection of the region’s life Goal 7: Strengthen communication and and culture. promotion strategies.

Framework for the implementation of the The AHP Programme is guided by the following AHP Programme priority thematic areas:

During the second AHP Conference in Malaysia 1. Capacity Development in April 2007, the first Regional Action Plan 2. Information Sharing Network (RAP) for AHPs was developed. ACB and the 3. Technical Exchange Program AHPs used this first RAP as a basis for common 4. Public Awareness and Education efforts towards the implementation of priority 5. Promotion of Recreation, Tourism, activities in AHPs. and Ecotourism 6. Participation in Joint Research The adoption of the Convention on Biological Program Diversity’s (CBD) Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 7. Management Improvement Program 2011–2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets in 8. Partnership and Collaboration 2010 encouraged a more focused framework 9. Involvement of Indigenous Peoples in support of biodiversity conservation. ACB and Local Communities and other initiated the updating of the RAP and developed Stakeholders the AHP RAP 2016–2020 in various discussions 10. Development, Review, or Updating of with AHP managers. With seven goals, the Management Plans AHP RAP 2016–2020 provides the guiding 11. Sustainable Financing framework for implementing priority biodiversity conservation measures in AHPs. These are as follows:

Enhancing implementation: ASEAN’s priority actions to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 171 Strengthening the AHP Programme by promoting further nomination of new AHPs, establishing and strengthening partnerships particularly marine, and achieving a balance in the distribution of declared terrestrial and marine Since 2010, ACB has maintained its partnership AHPs. with the Government of Germany via technical and financial cooperation projects. Such joint The AHP Programme, Aichi Biodiversity undertakings target AHPs, among other defined Targets, and the CBD Programme of areas, as the sites in which implementation of Work on Protected Areas: Synergies on-the-ground activities shall take place. and Complementation

Technical cooperation projects are implemented The AHP Programme contributes to the in collaboration with GIZ and include completed, achievement of Target 11 by encouraging the ongoing, and planned projects, such as the establishment of new protected areas. Other Biodiversity and Climate Change Project (BCCP, targets addressed include those that are 2010–2015), Biodiversity-Based Products specific to prevention of habitat degradation, Project (BBP, 2014–2019), and the Institutional fragmentation and loss (Target 5); sustainable Strengthening of the Biodiversity Sector in use of marine resources (Target 6); protection ASEAN Project (ISB, 2016–2019). A financial of coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems cooperation project, through the German (Target 10); prevention of the extinction of development bank KfW, supports ACB in the threatened species (Target 12); and safeguarding implementation of the Small Grants Programme and restoring ecosystem services (Target 14). (SGP, 2015–2019). These interventions aim to develop, pilot test, and replicate good Projects conducted through the AHP Programme practices in protected area management to have also contributed to the achievement of support the creation of regional and national other Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The BCCP biodiversity conservation policies. These raised awareness of climate change, helped projects will also provide technical and limited develop products to reduce dependence financial support that will help build capacity on forest resources, and contributed to the on issues related to climate change, livelihood development of a climate change strategy for development, biodiversity conservation, and marine protected areas, specifically in Viet AHP management. Nam (Target 10). Capacity building activities in taxonomy undertaken with JAIF have resulted The Government of Japan, through the Japan- in enhanced taxonomic skills and published ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), has also granted guidebooks on various species that have financial assistance to ACB for capacity building increased the base of scientific knowledge and activities at the regional and local levels for awareness of the biodiversity values of specific improved management of AHPs. Collaboration AHPs (Target 19). Traditional knowledge, with the government of Japan has also led to customs, and practices of indigenous peoples various training activities in taxonomy, some of and local communities are also well documented which have resulted in increased awareness in a number of AHPs (Target 18). Projects and and knowledge of species found in ASEAN activities are continuously being developed to Heritage Parks. benefit AHP management and with reference to the AHP RAP 2016–2020, Aichi Biodiversity Common issues and gaps in implementing Targets, and the CBD Programme of Work on the AHP Programme Protected Areas (PoWPA).

The management of AHPs is the responsibility of Element 4 of the CBD PoWPA, “Standards, each AMS and follows national and sub-national Assessment and Monitoring,” prescribes policies and regulations. Within the context of the development and adoption of minimum the AHP Programme, ACB generates regional standards and best practices, evaluation and scenarios based on identified gaps and issues improvement of effectiveness of protected area of every AHP. These scenarios intend to assist management, assessment and monitoring of the AMS to better understand common issues protected area status and trends, and ensuring and recommend appropriate measures that may that scientific knowledge contributes to protected address these issues collectively as a region. area establishment and effectiveness. The AHP Programme supports the implementation Challenges include the development of of the CBD PoWPA by conducting capacity sustainable financing mechanisms for AHP building activities and AHP conferences and sites, updating of AHP management plans committee meetings; reviewing and updating (as some management plans are outdated), AHP criteria and requirements; and updating and implementing AHP RAPs. 172 ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook 2 Photo by Pamela Reblora

Fifth ASEAN Heritage Parks Conference 2. Collaborative management, partnerships, livelihood development, and gender The Fifth AHP Conference (AHP5) held on – Multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral 24–27 October 2016 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar collaboration is an effective mechanism reiterated the importance of protected areas in protected area management and in biodiversity conservation and sustainable governance, which is called for under development. Support for the ASEAN Heritage global and regional frameworks and Parks Programme will continue through mandates. Collaboration can be managed collaboration with various partners. ACB will through partnership agreements, learning capitalize on existing support from AMS and from available models in PA management other partner organizations and projects, set-up and governance. including the German Cooperation projects and the European Union, for the AHP Programme The United Nations Development and the implementation of the AHP RAP. Programme (UNDP) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is emerging as a viable Highlights of AHP5 include the following: tool for improving biodiversity conservation and livelihood of communities. The SGP 1. Biodiversity information management and could facilitate collaborative management communication and public awareness at the local level by supporting local – AHP5 highlighted the importance of authorities and organizations, and women organizing biodiversity data into information to engage in AHP co-management. The relevant to the monitoring and management ASEAN SGP, through ACB and KfW, could of protected areas (e.g., mobilization and also take into account landscape level SGP, publication of geo-referenced species- learning from the experience of UNDP. The related information to know distributions SGP is paving the way for piloting models of and places of species aggregation). collaborative protected area management Participants explored further collaboration in ASEAN Heritage Parks in Myanmar and on biodiversity information management Indonesia, and soon in Viet Nam. capacity building activities, such as the production of biodiversity field guides, to 3. Ecosystem restoration and invasive alien synergize information management with species – PA management plans must communication, education, and public consider climate change adaptation, such awareness efforts. as the conservation and rehabilitation of habitats susceptible to extreme weather The conference highlighted the need for conditions. This entails integrated collaboration with the right agencies at management of water and fire regime to the appropriate level of governance to maintain habitats and biodiversity. The communicate the significance of sustainable community participatory approach has also management practices. Partnerships must been successfully applied in developing be built among PA management, township livelihood activities towards the sustainable leaders, local authorities, NGOs and use of water resources in buffer zones. other stakeholders. AHP5 also stressed the importance of addressing gaps in On the issue of invasive alien species communication capacity, policy support, (IAS), AHP5 has, among others, identified and enforcement of wildlife policies in PAs. capacity building for researchers and

Enhancing implementation: ASEAN’s priority actions to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 173 relevant government officials to undertake to conserve threatened biodiversity and basic research, prepare risk analyses, ecosystems borders, thereby maximizing and prevent and control IAS. Global and benefits to people. TBPA is particularly regional partnerships are important to the important in wildlife law enforcement to: integrated control of IAS and to prevent their spread across borders. • Enhance cooperation in forest conservation and protection between 4. Governance and management planning two countries at the local level. – Legislation and policy support are • Generate collaboration among countries significant to protected area management for financial support with donors and because they provide the guidelines and partners on TBPA management. framework for processes and contents, • Raise awareness on the crucial role of and encourage participation of key wildlife in sustainable development. stakeholders of protected areas. It is • Undertake research on wildlife for important to recognize internationally- management planning. accepted standards for protected area • Develop policies and legal frameworks management and capitalize on good to address wildlife trafficking. practices that have already been tested. • Promote collaboration and participation These can be modified and enhanced to of international organizations for a more conform to specific site conditions. robust wildlife law enforcement network.

5. Indigenous peoples and local communities, Capacity building for AHP managers and health and well-being, and traditional stakeholders knowledge – AHP5 recognized the need to generate active participation of local The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity will support communities in biodiversity conservation continuing capacity building for PA managers and protected area management and and stakeholders, and engage all sectors, to build their capacity to sustainably including women, indigenous peoples and manage these areas. Some experts relate local communities, local authorities and the that ASEAN needs a paradigm shift by private sector. Capacity building activities will be rediscovering and celebrating its ancient based on identified needs and capacity gaps on wisdom, traditional ecological knowledge, management planning, law enforcement, and and philosophy in developing contemporary standard setting. ACB will capitalize on various approaches in protected area management. partnerships and develop collaborations with Development of community protocols other stakeholders, specifically the business could support good understanding and community, to generate more support for AHP awareness of the community on customary and PA management activities. Outcomes of sustainable uses of biodiversity, protection AHP5 will be integrated into the 2017–2018 of traditional knowledge, and related legal Work Plan under the AHP RAP. frameworks such as access and benefit- sharing. Ways Forward

6. Transboundary protected areas and AHPs are not only measures to conserve wildlife law enforcement – Transboundary protected areas, but also a means to achieve protected area (TBPA) management harmony between humans and nature. They provides a framework and opportunity advocate conservation within a protected area

Photo by Corazon De Jesus

174 ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook 2 Photo by Pamela Reblora while helping uplift the economic conditions building the capacity of ACB in carrying out of communities living within and adjacent to processes required for the implementation of protected areas. Internalizing experiences and the various components of the AHP Programme lessons learned help generate a broader and is being done and shall continue to improve more strategic perspective on how the ASEAN delivery of services. Improving the monitoring region can push the agenda of biodiversity and evaluation systems of the AHP Programme conservation vis-à-vis protected area shall be designed to facilitate the provision of management to new heights. The succeeding technical assistance. Exposure of ACB to good views articulate possible measures to achieve practices and lessons learned from significant this goal. PAs outside ASEAN can improve knowledge and broaden understanding of PA issues. Initiatives to improve the AHP Programme Effective implementation of the AHP RAP The strengthening of the AHP Programme to support effective management of unique and With the implementation of the RAP, ACB shall ecologically representative protected areas continue to promote the application of AHP RAP in ASEAN would need further recognition activities through the updating and revision by the ASEAN public at large. As such, ACB of AHP management plans. ACB shall also will undertake the following initiatives and continue to provide complementary support for learn from experiences of the World Heritage the implementation of AHP management plans Site Programme of UNESCO: 1) increase through ACB programs and projects. Lastly, recognition of the AHP Programme through ACB will establish and strengthen a regional promotional events and participation in monitoring and evaluation system that is aligned international fora, 2) continue to monitor with national and site level systems. and provide assistance to AHPs as part of a collective effort to develop AHPs as models of Establishing and strengthening networks, effective protected area management in the linkages, and partnerships region, 3) review the evaluation system for new AHP nominations, 4) intensify lobbying for more Partnerships and linkages with like-minded nominations for marine AHPs, 5) adjust AHP organizations and networks are also instrumental management approaches based on changing in levelling up the technical and financial natural and socio-economic conditions, and capacities of ACB and the AHPs. Hence, ACB 6) strengthen collaboration with stakeholders shall maintain existing partnerships and establish across levels and sectors to enable engagement new ties with global and regional organizations of partners and leveraging of resources for that are mandated to support protected area AHPs. management. Tapping business organizations and encouraging investments in AHPs shall also Strengthening ACB as AHP Secretariat be done to secure additional support for AHPs. ACB will link with international organizations The AHP Programme is expanding as evidenced involved in protected area management and by the AMS response to more nominations landscape conservation (such as the UNESCO of protected areas for declaration as ASEAN World Heritage Centre and Ramsar Convention Heritage Parks. This necessitates a subsequent Secretariat) to gather insights and initiate increase in technical capacity in ACB to adjust technology transfer to benefit AHPs. to the growth in the AHP network. Therefore,

Enhancing implementation: ASEAN’s priority actions to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets 175