ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity

The ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (AWGNCB) is part of a broader institutional framework on ASEAN Cooperation on the Environment [http://environment.asean.org]. The AWGNCB meets annually to discuss and undertake collaborative activities to ensure the region’s rich biological diversity is protected, conserved and sustainably managed. The AWGNCB also serves as a technical advisory body to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

One of the flagship programmes under the AWGNCB is the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP). The AHP Programme serves as a regional network of national protected areas of high conservation importance, conserving a spectrum of representative ecosystems to enhance awareness, pride, appreciation and conservation of ASEAN’s rich natural heritage. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are part of a network of 33 ASEAN Heritage Parks.

The National Biodiversity Centre of NParks represents Singapore as the national focal point for the AWGNCB.

For more information on ASEAN Cooperation on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, please visit: http://environment.asean.org/awgncb

 

ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) was established in September 2005. The purpose is to facilitate cooperation and coordination among the members of ASEAN, and with relevant national governments, regional and international organisations, on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of such biodiversity in the region. The ACB is governed by a Governing Board consisting of ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) and the AWGNCB serves as a technical advisory body to the ACB.

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is the ASOEN for Singapore delegated NParks (National Biodiversity Centre) as a member of the Governing Board.

Singapore actively contributes to the activities and programmes of the ACB. For example, in 2009, Singapore hosted the inaugural ASEAN Biodiversity Conference. Singapore also shares its experience on urban biodiversity conservation with ASEAN Member States through workshops such as the ASEAN Workshop on the City Biodiversity Index in April 2010.

The ACB is hosted by the Government of the Philippines in Los Banos. For more information on ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, please visit: http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/