The ASEAN region is blessed with a wealth of biodiversity despite covering 3% of the Earth’s surface. Southeast Asia can also be a paradise for coral reefs, home to over 600 species of reef-building corals.
Here are some key facts related to ASEAN biodiversity:
Three recent parks within the Philippines included within the ASEAN Heritage Program
Three parks within the Philippines were recently included within the ASEAN Heritage Parks Program: Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Nature Park, Turtle Islands Nature Reserve and Apo Reef Nature Park.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is home to over 420 critically endangered animal and plant species. The park also offers excellent mountain climbing and trekking opportunities, with beautiful waterfalls inside the reserve.
Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) is a bunch of six tiny islands on the southern tip of the country. The islands are known for his or her vital role as nesting areas for sea turtles.
About 150-200 turtles visit the island every year to put their eggs throughout the peak breeding season (July-August).
Apo Reef is the biggest coral reef within the country and the second largest interconnected reef system on this planet after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Its colourful reefs at all times attract divers and nature lovers around the globe.
Deforestation rates in Indonesia are increasing
Official data showed that deforestation in Indonesia in 2021-2022 reached 104,000 hectares, the bottom level on record.
However, a study by Auriga Nusantara showed that deforestation had increased to 257,385 hectares in 2023. Ironically, a complete of 31 national parks, 45 nature reserves and 26 wildlife sanctuaries were affected by deforestation this 12 months.
Global warming has severely impacted ASEAN’s coral reefs
According to The Reefs at Risk in Southeast Asia (RRSEA) project, 88% of coral reefs in Southeast Asia are in danger and 50% of them face extreme heat.
The heat causes the coral to lose algae and bleaches. Ironically, data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change revealed that the oceans have absorbed 90% of the warmth of human-induced global warming.
