UNDP in Asia and the Pacific’s Post

Yesterday, while watching the news, I saw a segment on the endangered Malayan tiger, which left a profound impact on me. In the 1950s, it was estimated that around 3,000 tigers once roamed the vast rainforests of the Peninsular. However, the situation today is dire, with fewer than 150 wild tigers remaining. The primary culprit behind this dramatic decline is deforestation. The relentless clearing of forests for agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development has severely disrupted the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures. As their forest homes shrink and fragment, tigers find it increasingly difficult to find shelter, hunt, and breed. Adding to this crisis is the near extinction of the deer, the primary food source for tigers. With deer populations dwindling due to habitat loss and hunting, tigers struggle to find enough food to sustain themselves. This scarcity of prey forces tigers to venture closer to human settlements in search of food, often leading to dangerous encounters and further threats to their survival. The plight of the Malayan tiger underscores the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts. Protecting and restoring their habitats, along with measures to preserve their prey, are critical steps toward ensuring the survival of these majestic animals. #InternationalTigerDay

🌍 Wildlife crime is a global crisis impacting biodiversity, economies, and regional stability. #Thailand often serves as a hub for illegal wildlife trade, spanning source, transit, and destination roles. Exotic species like rhino horn, elephant ivory, and pangolins suffer immensely due to these illicit transactions. 📈 UNDP latest study in Thailand with the use of the Targeted Scenario Analysis (TSA) tool raises awareness among decision-makers about the terrible social, economic, and environmental losses stemming from wildlife trafficking. TSA, with the support of the Global Environment Facility and International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), helps decision-makers and stakeholders in Thailand focus on critical decisions leading to improvements in both sustainable development outcomes and profitable sustainable business. It's time to highlight the benefits of tackling this trade both locally in Thailand and on a global scale. ➡️ Learn more about this innovative tool: https://ow.ly/jxKZ50PIRrR

Unity in Action: Stakeholders Join Forces Our mission, to combat trafficking of wildlife involves a group of dedicated individuals who have united to create a meaningful impact. Through the efforts of UNDP, GEF and USAID we have organized three workshops for port stakeholders in Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Kampala bringing together over 200 participants from backgrounds. These workshops have played a role in promoting cooperation among government bodies private businesses and non governmental organizations to collectively fight against the trade of wildlife. Each workshop session concluded with the release of a report on wildlife seizures and comprehensive action plans involving stakeholders tailored to meet requirements and available resources. The formation of the Joint Port Control Unit in Zanzibar in 2021 marked a milestone. This unit consists of officers from four agencies. Has been instrumental in streamlining operations and improving the effectiveness of our interventions at the port level. The combined dedication and effort of all those involved have not enhanced security at these locations but also increased awareness about the importance of safeguarding endangered species through enhanced port activities. We take pride in our accomplishments so far and eagerly anticipate furthering our initiatives to ensure a safer future, for wildlife worldwide. #ConservationEfforts #EngagingStakeholders #EnhancedPortSecurity #UNDP #GEF #USAID #UNODC #TRAFFIC https://lnkd.in/emwXUeRb

Indonesia published a road map for #seagrass protection and rehabilitation. In 1994, it was estimated that the country had about 30,000 km2 of seagrass, but the number dropped to just 1,507 km2 according to government research agency. At present, there’s a notable lack of coordination between various government agencies and stakeholders responsible for collecting and publishing data on the country’s seagrass. Progress won’t be able to be measured if there’s no government coordination. https://lnkd.in/dXMQZcgC

#PNGNews The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with NGO Mas Kagin Tapani (MAKATA), has facilitated the establishment of a conservation agreement. To read more: https://lnkd.in/g98E7uiw #USAID #EnvironmentConservation #PapuaNewGuinea #PNG #LoopPNG #LoopNews

An investigative report on Mongabay.com that uncovered a massive shark finning operation by China's Dalian Ocean Fishing company was partially funded by our support for Mongabay's Indonesia program. The report discovered that DOF's boats had been illegally killing 60-100 sharks per day, amounting to roughly 31,000 sharks in 2019. This amount exceeds China's entire REPORTED catch of 735 tons in 2019, meaning that China as a whole drastically undercounted its shark catch by over 50%. Dalian Ocean Fishing also engaged in rampant human trafficking in its enslavery of Indonesian deckhands. Some of these deckhands blew the whistle on DOF's practices by reporting them to Mongabay. Open and free journalism is integral to the exposure of illegal and harmful practices to nature by private and public entities. We hope that our support for Mongabay will continue to spur action and justice against these harmful actors. https://lnkd.in/eyeqpQnk

The goal of our forefathers still stands: rural or village-centered development. If the original intention associated with the spirit of our forefathers can be realised, it is education or training to deliver the basic skills development where it matters most—the rural PNG. At least the development partners are doing it at the village level, where people appreciate it. These are entry points that the government must look at to support the people so that socioeconomic disparity is addressed between rural and urban centres.

Looking forward to speaking at this conference in Tashkent next week. I'm a strong believer in the power of collaboration and togetherness as tools for spurring environmental progress. Uzbekistan's position in the world is certainly a unique one, which is why all of us can learn from this country's localized approach to environmental stewardship. Who else will be there? #Conservation #EnvironmentalProtection #ClimateChange #Uzbekistan

#ResilientPacific | 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea is taking bold steps to safeguard its ocean resources and ecosystems, to ensure sustainability for future generations. SPC is working with key government stakeholders including the PNG Office of Ocean Affairs (OOA), of the Department of Justice and Attorney General, to help progress the country’s National Ocean Policy. PNG is one of several Pacific countries that have developed ocean policies to address the increasing challenges of managing the needs of multiple ocean users, including fishing communities, the fisheries industry and private sector among others.” At the heart of these oceans policies is the desire for integrated ocean management, that is working to harness science and knowledge (including traditional knowledge) for integrated ocean management. Read more at https://bit.ly/3ME9H5y #OceanScience #PapuaNewGuinea #traditionalknowlege

🎥 New Video Alert: Transforming Rwanda’s Eastern Province - The TREPA Project 🌱 Discover the transformative journey of Rwanda's Eastern Province and the lives touched by TREPA, a project supported by a $33.8 million investment from the Green Climate Fund. View here: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dsjV6P2m Spanning from 2021 to 2027, this initiative aims to restore 60,000 hectares of drought-affected landscapes across seven districts, enhancing the resilience of 75,000 smallholder farmers in Eastern Province. This region, vital for agriculture yet vulnerable to climate-induced drought, is witnessing a transformation towards climate-resilient ecosystems, ensuring food security and sustainable growth. By shifting to sustainable land management, the TREPA project envisions a future where degraded landscapes are restored, and communities thrive under the banner of resilience, poverty reduction, and food and water security. This endeavour is brought to life through the Government of Rwanda with the collaboration of the Rwanda Forestry Authority, CIFOR-ICRAF, Cordaid, World Vision, and Enabel, highlighting the power of partnership in addressing global climate challenges. CIFOR-ICRAF Cordaid World Vision Rwanda Enabel RWANDA FORESTRY AUTHORITY (RFA) Habimana Jean Claude