Malaysia Enhances Regional Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

Strategic Insights -

Malaysia has strengthened its commitment to regional biodiversity conservation by nominating three protected areas as ASEAN Heritage Sites (AHPs) at the 27th ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) Governing Board meeting. The meeting, chaired by Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones, discussed the nomination of three sites in Malaysia and three new sites in Vietnam. The launch of the 'Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN' (EnCORE Wetlands) program was also introduced, with Maludam National Park, Sarawak, selected as Malaysia's pilot site.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malaysia nominated three protected areas as ASEAN Heritage Sites (AHPs): the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve, Pahang; Bako National Park and Bukit Lambir National Park, Sarawak.
  • Three new sites in Vietnam were nominated as AHPs: Xuan Thuy National Park, Pu Mat National Park, and Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve.
  • Maludam National Park, Sarawak, was selected as Malaysia's pilot site for the 'Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN' (EnCORE Wetlands) program.
  • The ASEAN Biodiversity Plan (ABP) 2024-2030 was finalized, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
  • The ACB GB meeting also discussed the coordination of an action plan for the development of an ASEAN Joint Statement (AJS) on biodiversity, which will be delivered at COP 17.
  • The AJS development process involves a series of consultations with ASEAN member states and is expected to be finalised by mid-2026.

Statistics:

  • Three protected areas in Malaysia were nominated as ASEAN Heritage Sites (AHPs).
  • Three new sites in Vietnam were nominated as AHPs.
  • Maludam National Park, Sarawak, was selected as Malaysia's pilot site for the EnCORE Wetlands program.
  • The ASEAN Biodiversity Plan (ABP) 2024-2030 was finalized.
  • The AJS development process is expected to be finalised by mid-2026.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency, 28 Jul 2025: Malaysia has enhanced its efforts and commitment in regional biodiversity conservation with the nomination of three protected areas as ASEAN Heritage Sites (AHP).