Target 11

Overview

Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 is where most, if not all, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have  shown clear accomplishments. As of 2021, the AMS have collectively established protection for 15.57 per cent of terrestrial and 4.00 per cent of coastal and marine areas within their jurisdiction. Some have committed to increase the conservation areas beyond the percentages suggested by Aichi Biodiversity Target 11.

In terms of qualitative indicators, a number of AMS have taken steps to improve site management by updating and revising management plans within the context of the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) Programme. Conservation at the landscape level is being considered by several AMS and reflected through the establishment of forest and marine protected area (MPA) complexes. The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) as the node for regional implementation support network for Aichi Target 11, supported by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat, facilitated a series of regional workshops to discuss ways to enhance the accomplishment of Aichi Target 11’s quantitative and qualitative goals. Further efforts are needed to progress towards meeting other elements of the target such as ensuring the management effectiveness of protected areas, improving the understanding and implementation of the various types of governance and equity in protected areas, and enhancing the extent of the connectivity of the protected area networks in the region.

The ACB conducted a Protected Area Gap Analysis to assess how AMS have fared in their implementation of Aichi Target 11 using quantitative or qualitative indicators such as protected area coverage, areas important for biodiversity, connectivity, ecological representation, and effective management. Progress for indicators on equity, areas important for ecosystem services, and integration into the wider landscape and seascape remain a challenge to  measure due to the lack of quantifiable indicators. Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) that can have significant contributions to progress on Aichi Target 11 were also discussed.

Regional progress

AMS are integrating conservation at the landscape level through the establishment of forest and marine protected area networks. As of 2021, 15.57 per cent of terrestrial and 4.0 per cent of coastal and marine areas are conserved through protected area policies. Under the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) Programme, 50 heritage parks in the region have been recognised.

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