ASEAN hosts third biodiversity science forum

JAKARTA, Indonesia—Recognising the need to address climate change impacts in Southeast Asia through strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), in cooperation with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, convened the third Biodiversity Science Forum (BSF) from 10 to 11 June 2025.

Funded by the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund through the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands) project, the said forum is a critical gathering of experts, policymakers, researchers, and various stakeholders from the ASEAN region to discuss strategies for effective climate mitigation and robust biodiversity protection. It aims to foster regional cooperation and evidence-based discussions on the vital link between climate action and ecosystem health in the ASEAN region.

“The topic of this year’s Biodiversity Science Forum is very timely given the escalating climate-related disasters in our region. It is imperative that all climate actions, policies and decisions be grounded on science for more sustainable and effective solutions to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change,” said ACB Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor, a known expert in peatlands and wetlands. 

Likewise, H.E. Sarah Tiffin, The UK Ambassador to ASEAN, said in her welcome remarks that, “This forum comes at a critical time for our region. The UK is pleased to support ASEAN’s efforts through the Green Transition Fund, particularly via the EnCORE Wetlands project. By protecting and restoring wetlands and peatlands—some of the most powerful natural carbon sinks—we are investing in nature-based solutions that deliver real climate impact while supporting biodiversity, livelihoods, and resilience.”

The forum also aimed to advance regional progress towards achieving the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework‘s targets such as Target 2 on ecosystem restoration; Target 8 on climate change; Target 10 on sustainable ecosystem management; Target 14 on mainstreaming biodiversity: Target 19 on biodiversity finance; Target 20 on strengthening capacity building, technology transfer, and scientific cooperation; and Target 21 on communication, education, and knowledge sharing. These targets require concerted regional collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors.

Echoing this need for collective actions, Managing Director of WRI Indonesia, Arief Wijaya, emphasized that, “The Biodiversity Science Forum serves as a platform for stakeholders across ASEAN to share experiences and best practices. It allows us to observe and understand the latest developments in biodiversity throughout the region. This forum is a timely opportunity for us to learn from experts and collectively seek solutions towards biodiversity protection.” 

The forum featured distinguished keynote speakers across the region, including Prof. Yongyut Trisurat, Professor, Kasetsart University Thailand and IPBES Bureau Member for Asia-Pacific Region; Dr. Rodel Lasco, Executive Director of the Philippines-based Oscar M. Lopez Center; and Prof. Damayanti Buchori, Director of Center for Transdisciplinary and Sustainability Science, Institut Pertanian Bogor (Bogor Agricultural University), Indonesia.

Spanning two days, the science forum offered a four-part in-depth panel discussion, covering   the following themes: Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration in ASEAN (Panel 1), Innovative Climate Solutions – Community-Based Approaches (Panel 2), Advancing Scientific Research for Climate mitigation (Panel 3), and Scientific Innovations in Climate and Biodiversity Conservation and success stories (Panel 4). Field visits were also conducted, enabling participants to gain firsthand insights into biodiversity practices on the ground. 

Underscoring the importance of this gathering, Dr. Andes Hamuraby Rozak, Chairman of the Research Organization for Life Sciences and Environment, BRIN, stated “This year’s ASEAN Biodiversity Science Forum should serve as a platform to share and discuss our knowledge based on best practices among all stakeholders, highlighting the link between climate action and ecosystem health. Thus, our collective effort in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation will be significantly more effective in achieving a more sustainable and biodiverse future for the region.” 

Dr. Vong Sok, Head of Environment Division and Assistant Director of Sustainable Development, ASEAN Secretariat, acknowledged the vital role of the ACB Scientific Advisory Committee in guiding ASEAN’s biodiversity efforts. “Now is the time to move beyond species lists and use biodiversity science to drive solutions across landscapes, economies, and communities. We need to engage more and collaborate within ASEAN and beyond and extend the role of science and research for practical solutions to promote sound society and science in our region,” he noted. 

Apart from the scientific sessions, knowledge products were also disseminated during the forum. These products support science-based decision support systems, aligned with the EnCORE Wetlands Project, and are integrated into the ASEAN Biodiversity Dashboard.

This year’s forum gathered scientists, members of the NGOs, community leaders, and students with expertise in biodiversity and climate science. Representatives from international organisations and ASEAN institutions, focusing on environmental science and sustainability also attended the forum. The event also welcomed online participants for a wider reach.

About the Biodiversity Science Forum

The Biodiversity Science Forum (BSF) is a platform primarily organised by the ACB to raise awareness and feature biodiversity conservation initiatives in the ASEAN region. It is an annual series of forums, wherein the theme is selected by the ACB Scientific Advisory Committee during their annual meeting. The BSF also seeks to gather the best available information to stimulate the development of science-driven projects and conservation efforts that will support the improvement of regional plans, programmes, and strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of the rich and unique biodiversity in the region. 

It serves as a venue for the scientific community working in Southeast Asia to showcase the results and impact of their scientific work, while also aiming to generate valuable policy recommendations and research-oriented ideas for actionable steps.