Researchers: Biodiversity Conservation Becomes a Top Priority
Bogor (ANTARA) - The Director of the Regional Centre for Southeast Asian Tropical Biology (SEAMEO BIOTROP), Professor Dr Edi Santosa, stated that agricultural expansion and various forms of development have made biodiversity conservation one of the regional priorities.
“The conditions of agricultural expansion and various forms of development mean that governments and communities are facing increasing pressure due to climate change, land-use changes, unsustainable resource exploitation, and pollution,” said Edi Santoso in Bogor on Tuesday.
He noted that Asia is one of the most biologically rich regions in the world. Although Asia covers approximately 30 per cent of the world’s land area, the region holds nearly 20 per cent of global biodiversity, including several global biodiversity hotspots.
According to him, the region also contains more than 17 megadiverse countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
At the same time, challenges have emerged, not only regarding how to develop biodiversity but also how to ensure that biodiversity continues to support human life and develops sustainably for future generations.
“This challenge requires science, education, innovation, policy intervention, and, of course, strong regional collaboration,” he said.
SEAMEO BIOTROP is present and playing a role in bridging these needs. One such effort is the hosting of “The 5th International Conference on Tropical Biology,” organised by SEAMEO BIOTROP at the IPB International Convention Centre (IPB ICC) on Monday (5/10).
SEAMEO BIOTROP, as a regional centre under SEAMEO, was established in 1968. Its primary mandate is to contribute to the sustainable development and management of tropical biology in Southeast Asia.
Its focus lies in research, capacity building and training, as well as the dissemination of knowledge and information regarding tropical biology.
SEAMEO BIOTROP strives to generate and share knowledge, enhance human resource capacity, facilitate regional cooperation, and support the sustainable management of tropical biological resources and biodiversity.