South-East Asia is a melting pot for biodiversity, as the flora and fauna of South and East Asia converge with Australasia and Oceania to produce some of the most vibrant, eclectic and unique species in the world. The warm tropical climate of the region alongside the abundant freshwater sources and rich, fertile lands have lead humanity to settle across South-East Asia and for millenia live in relative peace with the abundant biodiversity. For centuries South-East Asia has played host to waves of colonisation which has depleted natural resources and decimated its biodiversity and in the decades since independence every nation in the region has commenced plans to protect the natural world whilst balancing a need to develop and bring their populations out of poverty. Today, South-East Asia has reached a critical point as numerous species come close to extinction and natural water sources choke with the world’s waste. The coming months and years will be critical for the survival of South-East Asia’s biodiversity.

As we cross the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas and head out into the staggered rice paddies, raging rivers and great metropolises of China the staggering level of biodiversity in East Asia really comes into view. Across the sea a string of islands where cranes dance in the snow, monkeys relax in hot springs and deer bow to temple visitors, Japan offers a glimpse of ecology in an East Asian Island and exhibits how nature exists alongside the fast-paced development of humanity. Just to the North stands the last vestiges of communism and one of the world’s most significant biodiversity question marks. North Korea, a nation notorious for shutting out the world could prove to be either a safe haven for nature or it could have wiped out some flora and fauna before we even knew it existed. Biodiversity in East Asia is amongst the most unique, most threatened and most diverse in the world. The endearing nature of the regions curious creatures have led to some, such as the panda bear, becoming global symbols of conservation with millions being spent to ensure their continued survival, providing evidence that when humanity truly cares for biodiversity it can bring even the most critically endangered species back from the brink.

Southern Asia is a region infamous for its outstanding natural beauty and abundant biodiversity. From the great flowing river Ganges to the Himalayan mountains to the dense jungles of the Western Ghats to the brilliant coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, Southern Asia is a paradise for naturalists, scientists, conservationists and tourists alike. The regions capacity to sustain life and to produce societies and cultures which have found ways to work in harmony with nature has been something to behold, unfortunately, South Asia is fast losing its balance and today the fight is on to rescue and preserve biodiversity across the region. This mini report provides an overview of how our presence in Central Asia is impacting on the natural world and presents three regional case studies; India, Bhutan and the Maldives to illustrate biodiversity in a national context.

When we discuss biodiversity, it is only natural to start picturing the immense, magnificent, distinctive, and diverse flora and fauna of the African continent. Over such a vast area the challenges posed by climate change, a sharp increase in consumption both in Africa and beyond, and a boom in urbanisation and population size can seem insurmountable. The face of Africa is changing, as cities fill with skyscrapers, industry is expanding and cultures and cuisines from across the continent have gained new found popularity across the globe. Yet, whilst African nations are finding their feet on the international stage and continuing to contend with the damage done by decades of colonisation and oppression, followed by sporadic civil wars, violence, further civil unrest, and a high number of fragile economies it is easy to see how biodiversity took a backseat. In the pursuit of modernisation and development African governments and businesses, like so many others across the globe, have either been forced or were willing to trade in the health of the natural world for monetary gain. Today this is changing, as many nations see the importance of the natural world and have in numerous regions become leaders in conservation and innovation linked to protecting biodiversity. This mini report will provide an overview of how our presence is impacting on the natural world and present four regional case studies; Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and Madagascar to better illustrate biodiversity in a national context.

Cop15 2022 put biodiversity on the map for many in the financial and investment world and with it came a reminder of how crucial biodiversity and the natural world are to our ability to survive and thrive. US$41.7 trillion of economic value generation is either all or in part dependent upon nature, making the protection of our wild spaces and the various flora and fauna which reside within them of the upmost importance. However, the key to securing a balance between biodiversity and human development is not to look upon the value of the natural world in solely monetary terms. Instead, we must remind ourselves of how our survival as a species is deeply interconnected with those ecosystems on which we rely for food, fresh air, water, and raw materials.