TVEAP joins IUCN Asia Conservation Forum

The Fourth Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF), one of the region’s biggest and most important conservation events, was concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 13 September 2007.

The event, held from 10 to 13 September, attracted nearly 400 participants representing governments, civil society, private sector and academic organisations from 32 countries. Among them were IUCN members, partners, staff and specialists.

The forum was opened by Nepalese Prime Minister of Nepal Girija Prasad Koirala.

Participants reiterated their commitment to integrate conservation imperatives to the heart of decision making in Asia, home to half of humanity.

The meeting noted that robust economic growth in many parts of Asia was transforming social life, resource use patterns and the relationship between people and Nature. For the planet to achieve environmentally and socially sustainable development, it was vital for Asia to fall in line with international goals and targets.

Julia Marton-Lèfevre, Director General of IUCN, noted that there is increasing concern within Asia that the benefits of the region’s economic growth have not been shared equitably.

Noting that the forum had seen an unprecedented level of private sector participation, she said: “We should now move towards collaboration with entrepreneurs and business: this shows that biodiversity and sustainability is as important to business as it is to us.”

Surendra Shrestha, Regional Director of UNEP, delivering the keynote address expressed the hope of building political commitment to address the pressing environmental issues facing Asia.

Aban Marker Kabraji, Regional Director of IUCN Asia, applauded the role of Nepal in demonstrating some of the region’s most innovative conservation practices. “As the peace process continues and democracy flourishes, Nepal faces both opportunities and challenges in moving towards the path of sustainable development, growth and conservatiosn,” she said.

The proposed IUCN Global and Asia inter-sessional programmes for the next quadrennium (2009 – 2012) were presented to IUCN members for feedback and endorsement. This is part of the consultative process leading to the 4th World Conservation Congress scheduled to be held in Barcelona, Spain, in October 2008.

Other sessions addressed alternative models of development and alternative approaches to natural resource conservation.

“The issues presented during the three days’ deliberations represent a road map this is the first step on a very long road,” the Director General of IUCN observed at the end of the meeting, urging IUCN members and partners to be more engaged in building synergies that support sustainable development in Asia.

TVE Asia Pacific was represented at this Forum by its Director and CEO Nalaka Gunawardene, who is also a member of IUCN's Commission on Education and Communication. One of the few communication professionals at the gathering, Nalaka made a strong case for communicating conservation messages using not just the established advocacy methods, but also the emerging new media platforms and tools.

This point was also echoed by UNEP Regional Director Shrestha, who urged Asia's conservationists to become more media savvy and digitally proficient.

All images courtesy IUCN Asia Conservation Forum Secretariat