The ASEAN region is blessed with richness in biodiversity despite occupying 3% of the Earth’s land. Southeast Asia is also a haven for coral reefs, boasting over 600 species of reef-building coral live here.
Here are some crucial facts related to ASEAN biodiversity:
Three new parks in the Philippines included in the ASEAN Heritage Program
Three parks in the Philippines were recently included in the ASEAN Heritage Park Program: Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, and Apo Reef Natural Park.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is home to over 420 critically endangered species of animals and plants. The park also offers an excellent hiking and trekking experience, with stunning waterfalls within the reserve.
The Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) is a group of six tiny islands at the southern tip of the country. The islands are known for their vital role as nesting areas for marine turtles.
Every year, around 150-200 turtles visit the island to lay their eggs during the peak nesting season (July- August).
Apo Reef is the country’s largest coral reef and the world’s second-largest connected reef system after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Its colorful reefs always attract divers and nature enthusiasts across the globe.
Indonesia's deforestation rate rises
Official data showed that deforestation in Indonesia hit 104,000 hectares from 2021 to 2022, the lowest level in history.
However, deforestation rose to 257,385 hectares in 2023, a study from Auriga Nusantara revealed. Ironically, A total of 31 national parks, 45 nature reserves, and 26 wildlife sanctuaries experienced deforestation throughout that year.
Global warming has severely affected ASEAN coral reefs
According to The Reefs at Risk in Southeast Asia (RRSEA) project, 88% of coral reefs in Southeast Asia are under threat, and 50% of them face extreme heat.
Heat causes coral to lose algae and bleach. Ironically, the data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change revealed that the oceans have absorbed 90% of the human-made global warming heat.
