A project by Preferred By Nature (PbN) and Yayasan Sabah (KYS) aims to restore Silam Coast Conservation Area (SCCA) by rehabilitating 100 hectares damaged by logging. With RM1.2 million in funding, the initiative enhances monitoring and supervision for sustainability. KYS plans to restore 360 hectares, promoting research and ecotourism. The Sabah Forestry Department supports the project, aligning with PbN's CSR initiative to preserve the unique ecosystem. Click here to learn more.
The ASEAN Forum on Peatland Biodiversity, organized by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, gathers 52 participants to discuss peat swamp forest conservation. Topics cover peatlands' significance, susceptibility to land use and climate change, and national biodiversity commitments. Deputy Director of Forestry, Reni bin Haji Yahya, emphasized Brunei Darussalam's dedication to preserving peatlands. The forum includes a field trip to observe conservation efforts at Badas Peat Swamp Forest. To learn more, you can click here.
A two-week survey at Sabah's Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA) involves 150 researchers and conservation advocates collecting data to update preservation strategies. Home to endangered species like the Bornean pygmy elephant and orangutan, ICCA is crucial for water catchment. The survey, led by the Sabah Wildlife Department, aims to document wildlife, assess threats, explore tourism potential, and lay the groundwork for a new strategic plan. Findings will be shared in a seminar. Click here to learn more.
Study finds that over half of protected areas in Southeast Asia are ineffective in halting deforestation, leading to biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions. Well-managed areas saved 78,910 hectares of forest, while poorly managed areas saw similar deforestation. Insufficient funding and staffing are blamed, with researchers estimating a need for an additional $17 million to improve conservation efforts. To know more, you can click here.
President Joko Widodo emphasized Indonesia's mangroves' crucial role in climate change mitigation, absorbing 8-12 times more carbon than tropical rainforests. At the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum 2024, he highlighted the country's 3.3 million hectares of mangroves and its green energy potential, including Southeast Asia's largest floating solar plant. The forum, with 8,000 attendees, focused on sustainable growth across sectors. Click here to learn more.
A UN-backed initiative, Revenues for Nature, will launch at COP16 to attract private investment in nature conservation, aiming to mobilize $200 billion annually by 2030. Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and led by the UK's Green Finance Institute with UNDP and UNEP FI, it plans to release a database of nature-based revenue models in October and start implementation in March 2025. The UN biodiversity conference in Colombia (Oct. 21-Nov. 1) will focus on finance to address the $800 billion GBF funding gap. Final recommendations on biodiversity credits will be released by the UK-France led International Advisory Panel. To know more, you can click here.
Global investors managing $1.4 trillion urge companies to disclose their nature-related impacts and dependencies. The call, from 26 financial institutions in the WBA’s Nature Collective Impact Coalition, highlights the significant financial risks of inaction, as detailed by the World Economic Forum and PwC. PwC reports that over 55% of the world’s GDP depends on nature. "Companies must urgently assess and disclose their nature impacts and dependencies within their entire value chain," the investors state. To learn more, you can click here.
Many conservation scaling efforts have failed, requiring reflection on past initiatives. Effectiveness varies with scale, and shifting socio-ecological conditions can influence future adoption. Scaling can also lead to harmful practices jeopardizing long-term success. Monitoring scaling practices is essential for informed management and research. By learning from these lessons, better strategies can address biodiversity loss, climate change, and human wellbeing. To learn more, click here.
Conservation, once seen as a financial burden, is now an economic strategy via The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Nature Bonds Program. By refinancing national debt, it unlocks funds for conservation and provides technical assistance for biodiversity and climate goals. TNC's debt conversions in Seychelles, Belize, Barbados, and Gabon have protected marine environments and reduced debt, attracting investment and revolutionizing global conservation. Click here to learn more.
The Southeast Asia Climate Philanthropy Forum, organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, aims to accelerate climate solutions by uniting over 200 representatives. Leading up to the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024, it emphasizes clean energy transition, clean air, and marine conservation, fostering collaboration and community-centered solutions for sustainable development, job creation, and energy security. Click here to learn more.