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Scaling Conservation Impact Across ASEAN: The ACB-WWF Partnership

EAAFP - Where Connectivity Becomes Action

Transformative Action for Nature

From Commitment to Capital: Scaling Nature-Positive Investment Through the ADB-EU Partnership in the Nature Solutions Finance Hub

For over two decades, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) has been playing a critical role in facilitating cooperation and coordination among the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and with various regional organisations for the conservation and sustainable use of the region’s immense natural wealth. And, in line with the ASEAN’s commitment to support the implementation of the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the ACB will take an active role at the 17th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 17), happening from 19 to 30 October 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.

With the theme Taking action for nature, CBD COP 17 will convene global leaders to discuss pressing issues concerning biodiversity, and agree on the policies and actions to address these issues.

In collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat, the ACB has set up the ASEAN Pavilion at the CBD COP 17. The ASEAN Pavilion showcases creative and informative collaterals on ASEAN’s biodiversity conservation efforts, while hosting knowledge sharing events and side meetings organised by the ASEAN Member States and ACB’s conservation partners.

The ASEAN Pavilion and ASEAN’s participation to the CBD COP 17 are supported by the European Union, through the Technical Assistance Facility to the Green Team Europe Initiative (TAF-GTEI), SD Guthrie, and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.         

In line with the ASEAN’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), with the guidance of the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity and in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat, is taking part in the 17th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 17) in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19 to 30 October 2026, with the theme "Taking action for nature”.

Since the CBD COP 10 in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010, the ACB has maintained a strong presence during the biennial meetings and its side events. Exhibits and other activities are likewise held simultaneously to help enrich the discourse in the main sessions and provide a platform to showcase and share information on issues, new developments, and accomplishments relating to the agenda of the CBD COP Meeting and the CBD objectives.

Building on its experiences in previous CBD COP Meetings, the ACB, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, and the ASEAN Secretariat, is setting up the ASEAN Pavilion at the CBD COP 17. This serves as the headquarters of the AMS during the meetings and is a venue to showcase knowledge products, stage mini side events and hold side meetings with existing and potential partners.

The ASEAN Pavilion and ASEAN’s participation at the CBD COP 17 are supported by the European Union, through the Technical Assistance Facility to the Green Team Europe Initiative (TAF-GTEI), Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, and SD Guthrie.

Message of the Executive Director of the ACB

Happy International Day for Biodiversity!

This marks a crucial midpoint in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, our ambitious roadmap to achieve 23 targets by 2030.

Inspired by this year’s theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact”, this microsite highlights the ACB’s initiatives that ensure inclusive participation of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, youth, the private sector, and other key stakeholder groups. It is a space for us to celebrate equally important local actions led by families, small groups, and individuals who step up and contribute to achieving our goals. This is the heart of our #WeAreASEANBiodiversity Campaign; everyone can and should play a role in biodiversity conservation. No action is too small to count and catalyse a global impact that contributes to our shared mission.

The ACB remains committed to supporting these efforts by facilitating regional cooperation, providing technical assistance, and connecting regional initiatives with local stakeholders to amplify its impact. Join us in accelerating local action as we approach our 2030 targets.

Let us make every action count in our shared dream of living in harmony with nature.

Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor

Learn more about the ACB and how it facilitates regional cooperation, provides technical assistance, and connects regional initiatives with local stakeholders to amplify the impact of its current initiatives on biodiversity conservation and sustainable management.

Read the Press Statement for IDB 2026 here.

Message of the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity

22nd May is the International Day for Biodiversity.

It is a universal celebration of the vital importance of biodiversity, the foundation of all life on Earth. This year's theme is acting locally for global impact. We invite you to join the global celebration by taking and highlighting local actions that support the implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the KM GBF.

Let us watch this message from the Executive Secretary of the CBD Astrid Schomaker.

Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, CBD

Watch the full video message here

22nd May is the International Day for Biodiversity.

It is a universal celebration of the vital importance of biodiversity, the foundation of all life on Earth. This year's theme is acting locally for global impact. We invite you to join the global celebration by taking and highlighting local actions that support the implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the KM GBF.

Let us watch this message from the Executive Secretary of the CBD Astrid Schomaker.​

Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, CBD

Watch the full video message here

IMAGE CREDITS

Ismail Amin – Beautiful Nature for the Future

Tran Viet Linh – Sea Fish Farming on Bai Tu Long Bay

Anouphon Phomhacsar – Girl and Lagoon

Aldrin Cuadra – Hope

Kyaw Kyaw Winn – Fishermen From Countryside of Myanmar

Eduardo S. Seastres – The Art of Fishing

Karlo Emmanuel Victoriano – Mining Site

Aung Thu Ya – Let Them Love Our Planet