Asia is exceptionally rich in biodiversity. The tropical forests of South East Asia, the reefs of the ‘coral triangle’, and the large river basins of the region are among the most unique on Earth. The rapid economic growth in Asia has generated significant pressures on the region’s biodiversity.
The continent of Asia is exceptionally rich in biodiversity. The tropical forests of South East Asia, the reefs of the ‘coral triangle’, the temperate forests and the large river basins found in the region are among the most unique on Earth.
However, biodiversity in the Asian continent is in fast decline. For example, the region recorded the world’s highest number of threatened species in 2015 and extensive coastal development and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources have resulted in the disappearance of over 40 percent of coral reefs and mangroves, leading to declines in fish stocks.
The rapid economic growth in Asia, accompanied by increased resource use by a growing urban and middle-class population has generated significant pressures on the region’s biodiversity. Rapid growth in demand for wildlife products is fuelling unsustainable trade, with significant pressure on the region’s biodiversity. Marine ecosystems are vulnerable to growth in commercial and artisanal fisheries.
Meeting the needs of the region’s population while also ensuring the protection of biodiversity is a challenge, one that will require significant effort to address. The objective of Asia Council Forum on Biodiversity is to address this challenges in most holistic manner, ensuring prompt implementation by the member states.
