About Asia: a rich and dynamic region

Well managed, healthy and diverse ecosystems and the diversity of life they encompass are critical for a healthy, safe and prosperous world. They provide us with food, clean air and water, energy, shelter, medicine, recreation and inspiration. Some of Asia’s greatest wealth is contained in natural forests, mountains, wetlands, marine habitats and other ecosystems.

The dynamic economic growth being experienced in Asia is driving dramatic losses of biodiversity which is impacting the health of societies and economies and increasing the vulnerability of many countries to the impacts of climate change and disasters.

Our work in the region

The Regional Programme encompasses various domains ranging from Red listing of flora and fauna to ecosystem restoration, climate change, gender and sustainable development.

To deliver on our mission toward a just world that values and conserves nature, our work in Asia builds on IUCN's niche as the world's authority on biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and nature-based solutions. IUCN is involved in over 100 projects throughout Asia, including several initiatives in large ecosystems that extend beyond the shared borders of two or more countries. In Asia, the regional portfolio covers 5 programme areas and 3 strategic themes.

Nature-based Solutions

IUCN takes a holistic approach to tackling these challenges – understanding that human, social and economic well-being depend on the health of natural ecosystems, and that conservation, development and social justice must go hand-in-hand.

We believe nature can play a strong role in tackling the challenges. Nature’s solutions are at our fingertips, they are cost-effective and we know how to implement them. IUCN promotes nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change, secure water, food and energy supplies, reduce poverty and drive economic growth.

Livelihoods for nature

Across Asia, there are thousands of local communities and indigenous people who rely on forests for their livelihoods. IUCN Asia secures marine and coastal resilience and livelihoods through restoration and adaptation actions. The strategic theme includes in its purview, community enterprise development, conservation financing, green business development and private sector engagement.

Governance and rights

To ensure the realisation of the rights, roles, inclusive conservation and sustainable use of nature in Asia, we expand partnerships with indigenous peoples, promote access of women and girls to lands and natural resources, and empower youth in conservation through active engagement and intergenerational partnerships in the region.