On 30 April 2024, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) convened a pivotal Pre-Inception Technical Workshop for the ASEAN ENMAPS project in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The meeting brought together representatives from the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The workshop took place in Davao City, Philippines, setting the stage for this ambitious five-year initiative.
ASEAN ENMAPS, short for “Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region,” is a groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing the management and resilience of marine ecosystems across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. By developing and improving networks of marine protected areas and marine corridors within selected Large Marine Ecosystems, the project aspires to ensure sustainable livelihoods and robust biodiversity conservation in the ASEAN region.
The Pre-Inception Technical Workshop provided a platform for key stakeholders to align their strategies and responsibilities, ensuring a unified approach to the project’s implementation. The collaborative spirit and shared vision demonstrated during this meeting underscore the commitment of all parties involved to safeguarding marine biodiversity and fostering sustainable development.
The ASEAN ENMAPS project is implemented by the UNDP and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with ACB serving as the executing agency. This initiative represents a significant step forward in regional cooperation for marine conservation and sustainable management.