In May 2022, more than 1,200 participants — including CCSG members — from 49 countries gathered in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for the 2nd Asia Parks Congress (APC). Jointly convened by Sabah Parks and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this APC paved the way for the conservation community to refocus and reinvigorate common objectives, as one of the first, large, in-Asia Parks Conference posterperson (and virtual) gatherings to be held in Asia since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A diverse program of plenaries, working groups, pavilions, events, and community and youth forums at attracted participants from across Asia and beyond to discuss and propose solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the conservation of nature in Asia. CCSG, alongside many collaborators, also contributed toward agreement on the Kota Kinabalu Declaration calling for the establishment and restoration of ecological connectivity through networks of protected and conserved areas that knit together critical habitat for species.

In addition to Working Group 3 being devoted to the topic of “Connectivity & Transboundary Conservation”, key connectivity-related events included:

  • CCSG Chair Gary Tabor speaking on the importance of “Ecological Connectivity Conservation for Nature and People” and emphasizing the importance of connectivity to protect Asia’s biodiversity and enhance resilience to climate change.
  • CCSG Transport Working Group Co-Chair Rob Ament highlighting solutions in the CCSG Transport Working Group’s forthcoming technical report “Addressing Ecological Connectivity in the Development of Roads, Railways and Canals.”
  • A CCSG co-organized side event called “Promoting Connectivity Conservation through Green Linear Infrastructure Development in Asia,” which brought together practitioners, stakeholders, and governments to share their ideas and connect with others in the field of green infrastructure development.
  • A reception for CCSG Members to encourage networking and new recruitment.

    wild orangutan

    A wild orangutan along the Kinabatangan River. Courtesy CLLC/Melissa Butynski

The 2nd Asia Parks Congress (APC) closed on the 29th of May with multiple calls for:

  • Conserving at least 30 percent of lands and oceans across Asia to ensure that the most important biodiversity areas with their associated ecosystem services and cultural and spiritual values are conserved in protected and conserved area systems that deliver their conservation and social outcomes.
  • Improving resourcing to restore and secure the integrity of nature as the foundation for nature-based solutions to address global challenges, and to secure the health and well-being of communities and their economic and social well-being.
  • Greater inclusion and collaboration among the diverse custodians and managers of nature in the region, including respect and support for the traditional custodians of nature, building on their ancient wisdom, knowledge systems and customary law.
  • Maintaining and restoring fragmented ecosystems and avoiding or mitigating the impacts of new infrastructure and environmentally destructive activities.
  • Establishing and restoring ecological connectivity through networks of protected and conserved areas.
  • Securing natural habitat and improving connectivity of protected areas to maintain viable populations of critically endangered species such as Asian rhinos.

    proboscis monkey

    A proboscis monkey, endemic to the island of Borneo, attempts to hide among the foliage. Courtesy CLLC/Melissa Butynski

  • Fostering transboundary cooperation for both peace and security, and to address the transboundary movements of both animals and people.