THE Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity yesterday.
This year’s celebration, themed ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’, focusses on raising awareness about the key contributions of sustainable tourism to economic growth and to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Home to a wealth of picturesque natural sites, the Asean region has become a prime destination for backpackers, adventure-seekers, and tourists to experience the rich biodiversity, astonishing landscapes, and breathtaking seascapes found in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Among tourist destinations in the region are 38 Asean Heritage Parks – protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems and species of the Asean region.
The 10 Asean member states are promoting the protection of Asean’s natural heritage through these sites. They are implementing the Asean Heritage Parks Programme to instil greater awareness, promote conservation, and provide a sense of pride and enjoyment of the rich natural heritage sites among the Asean people.
Photos show Gunung Mulu Deer Cave in Miri, Sarawak (ABOVE) and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore (BELOW)
These key life-supporting major ecosystems have provided a common agenda and united the countries to better protect the environment and take responsibility and leadership for the sustainable management of their shared resources. One goal of the programme is the promotion of recreation, tourism, and ecotourism in these parks.
This International Day of Biodiversity, the private sector is called on to support the conservation of natural heritage sites through the Adopt an Asean Heritage Park Programme by sponsoring training activities for park managers and rangers; building much-needed infrastructure; supporting communication, education, and public awareness activities; and providing transportation for park workers can make a big difference for Asean Heritage Parks and biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.
Everyone is encouraged to know more about these Asean Heritage Parks and experience the many wonders that these natural treasures have to offer.
Tourists can help preserve the integrity of the environment by respecting natural habitats and the wildlife found in these areas; disposing waste responsibly; respecting local communities living in travel sites; and choosing nature-friendly accommodation.
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