One of the world’s most biodiverse countries on Earth has recently joined the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People, backing the global goal to protect at least 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 (also known as ‘30×30’). The Philippines is one of the latest countries to join the HAC, an intergovernmental group of over 112 countries supporting the 30×30 target, signaling growing commitment in the Asia region to address global biodiversity loss.
The science-driven, global goal to protect at least 30% of the planet’s lands and oceans by 2030 is one of the cornerstones of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework set to be agreed upon at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Montreal next week 7 to 19 December 2022.
While ASEAN countries together cover only 3% of the Earth’s surface, the region is home to three of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries: Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Philippines joins Cambodia, Japan, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and the Maldives as the Asian members of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.
The move by the Philippines to join the HAC is in line with recent efforts in the ASEAN region to bolster nature protection:
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A recent report from the Malaysia Academy of Sciences estimated that Southeast Asia harbors nature and biodiversity that pumps US$2.19 trillion into the regional economy every year. This figure could be even higher if governments further prioritize conservation and restoration.
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A public opinion poll conducted in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines revealed resounding support for the global 30×30 goal with almost all respondents–96% in Malaysia, 98% in Indonesia and 95% in the Philippines–supporting the target.
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At the close of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Second Asia Parks Congress in Sabah, Malaysia, the 1,200 participants, hailing from government, civil society, Indigneous groups, conservation groups and academia, issued a stark call to support 30×30 as a key priority to help protect biodiversity in the region.
Quotes
Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari, President of the Center for Conservation Innovation PH and Regional Focal Point of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (SEA-PH):
This development is well-timed for our decision-makers to work towards the inclusion of more than 100 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) across the archipelago that shelters vulnerable and irreplaceable species populations. These areas are outside the current PA network but are largely situated in ancestral domains or territories managed by local communities. Should these areas be included, the current conservation area network in the country will be doubled, and, more importantly, be situated in areas of high conservation value, which will allow the Philippines to greatly contribute to the global target.
Dr. Zakri Abdul Hamid, Science Advisor to the Campaign for Nature:
To see one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiversity-rich countries join forces with over 100 other nations to support 30×30 is inspiring, timely and needed. Our future depends on preventing the collapse of the natural systems that provide our food, clean water, clean air and stable climate. By joining the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, the Philippines has demonstrated that protecting our natural world is a priority and that the countries of Southeast Asia have an important role to play. It’s time for other countries in the region, including Malaysia, to play their part and join the HAC.
KM Reyes, National Geographic explorer and co-founder of the Centre for Sustainability PH (organization leading the 30×30 campaign in Southeast Asia):
Combined with the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of the Philippines, we’re thrilled that our country is best positioned in ASEAN to play a leading role in the region to facilitate robust conservation of our last remaining wild places while ensuring that the rights of IPLCs are upheld.
Jamie Dichaves, 30×30 Southeast Asia Campaign Lead:
With the majority of the 30×30 SEA Coalition members coming from the Philippines, we are grateful that our government leaders are heeding not just the call of the masses but also what science is telling us on the need for this high ambition for our planet. This decision further fuels the coalition to continue on the work of grassroots conservation, all in partnership with the government.
