ASEAN's biodiversity is important in providing a multitude of opportunities for livelihood and economic development, contribute to poverty alleviation, technology and innovation, serving as an effective adaption and mitigation measures against climate change impacts. It is also crucial for building resilience against new and emerging diseases as may be gleaned from the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and the One Health approach. The matter was shared by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Joint Statement to the Convention on Biological Diversity COP 15 of ASEAN at the High Level Segment of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, UN via video conference.

Yang Berhormat said the ASEAN Member States have also agreed to, among others, intensify efforts on protected areas, particularly to improve the management of ASEAN Heritage Parks, through research, technology transfer, innovation, capacity enhancement and the adoption of sustainable financing options. The conference themed "Ecological Civilization – Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth", was hosted by the People's Republic of China. In line with the conference's theme, the objective of the High Level Segment was to build and maintain political momentum in support of the ongoing negotiations to develop a detailed and effective post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, due for adoption at phase two of the Conference scheduled in early 2022.

Source: Radio Television Brunei