Assessing the Gaps: An Analysis of How the ASEAN Region is Faring in Protecting its Marine and Terrestrial Areas

As of 2021, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States (AMS) have made significant strides toward Aichi Biodiversity Target 11, collectively protecting 15.57% of terrestrial areas and 4% of coastal and marine areas. This study presents the findings of the third edition of the ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) to evaluate the region’s progress in both quantitative coverage and qualitative elements such as ecological representation, connectivity, and management effectiveness.

The analysis reveals that while terrestrial coverage approached the 17% global target, marine protection lags significantly behind the 10% goal. Furthermore, protection of areas of importance for biodiversity is incomplete; while 37% of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are protected, 44% are only partially protected, and only 11% of critical Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites are fully covered. Qualitative assessments indicate a critical data deficit, with Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME) assessments completed for only a mere 4.34% of the marine network. Currently, estimates of OECM coverage are unavailable at the regional level, despite the potential of Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) to contribute significantly to connectivity and coverage targets. Furthermore, connectivity analysis reveals that even where coverage targets are met, design deficiencies result in low ecological connectivity.

To address these gaps and to achieve the KM-GBF Target 3, the study recommends accelerating the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme, legally recognising Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and aligning national targets with regional goals to ensure sustainable, equitable, and effective conservation outcomes. There is a need to expand protected area networks and identify OECMs that will encompass ecoregions in the terrestrial, marine, and inland waters, including the areas of particular importance for biodiversity with a wider representation of trigger species from different taxonomic groups. Enhancing cooperation with IPLCs in the creation, control, and management of areas outside of protected area boundaries will also greatly enhance the capacity and capability of the AMS to meet succeeding conservation targets in the post-2020 scenario.

Keywords: ASEAN Biodiversity, OECMs, Key Biodiversity Areas, IPLCs