The Asia Pacific region is rich in biodiversity, but the reservoirs of nature face great pressures and is in fast decline. In order to address global biodiversity loss, the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 was adopted by countries, including those from the Asia Pacific. Here is “The state of biodiversity in Asia and the Pacific, a mid-term review of progress towards the Aichi biodiversity target”. Tracking the progress can helps identify the next steps to accelerate progress towards target.
Some excerpts from the report about the state of biodiversity in the region are:
- The exceptional biodiversity in Asia and the Pacific continues to decline.
- Combinations of human-induced factors are a key driver of biodiversity loss.
- Asia and the Pacific continue to experience deforestation and forest degradation.
- Rapid growth in demand for wildlife products is fuelling unsustainable trade, with impacts inside and outside of the region.
- Invasive alien species create pressures on the oceanic islands.
- Marine ecosystems are vulnerable to growth in commercial and artisanal fisheries.
- The negative impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems are exacerbating the effects of other pressures on Asia and the Pacific’s biodiversity.
There is much more information at the link.
Richard Jeo's blog 