Chapter 3

The ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook Post-2020

The AMS are on track in raising awareness of the value of biodiversity across sectors in their respective countries. Most AMS have mainstreamed the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) work programme into their National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBSAPs) and have drawn up work plans to progressively promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

All AMS have integrated biodiversity values into their educational systems, particularly in the school curricula, mostly through special and diploma courses, and learning centres. Nonformal approaches and experiential awareness-raising activities directed at specific target groups and purposes such as tourists in ecotourism spots and communities that work in and around these areas augment these initiatives. Supplementary information, education, and communication materials, including translations into the local language to facilitate learning, have been produced.

Intensive environmental awareness campaigns and capacity building to educate stakeholder groups on biodiversity and engage them in policy formulation have reportedly helped increase compliance with conservation laws. The youth, media, local communities, government, and private sector-led campaigns are recognised as prime movers of change in the region.

Alignment with the regional framework increased awareness, participation, and investments by the private sector and enactment of conservation policy, and improved the compliance of extractive industries. Aichi Target 1 is closely linked with Aichi Target 19: information sharing and knowledge. It also contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG): to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote learning opportunities for all), and 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.