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 the region's greatest wealth is contained in natural forests, mountains, wetlands, marine habitats and other ecosystems.

The dynamic economic growth experienced in Asia is driving dramatic losses of biodiversity, which in turn impacts the health of societies and economies as well as increase the vulnerability of many countries to the impacts of climate change and disasters.

This year, IUCN Asia will convene the 8th Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) to address key transformative directions and actions for achieving a nature positive future for Asia and the world. About 500 representatives of Union constituents, partners and supporters will gather for the three-day event in Bangkok, Thailand. Find more about the RCF on this page: The 8th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF 2024) | IUCN

 

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 3 strategic themes (Nature-based solutions and Climate Action, Livelihoods for Nature, Governance and Rights) and 5 programme areas (Species and Biodiversity, Costal and Marine Ecosystems, Water and Wetlands, Protected and Conserved Areas, Forest and Agriculture Landscapes). 

Nature-based Solutions

Nature can play a strong role in tackling various challenges in cost-effective ways. 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, thousands of local communities and indigenous people rely on forests for their livelihoods. IUCN also secures marine and coastal resilience and livelihoods through restoration and adaptation actions. This strategic theme includes in its purview community enterprise development, conservation financing, green business development and private sector engagement.

Governance and Rights

To realise inclusive conservation and sustainable use of nature, we in Asia have built partnerships with indigenous peoples, promoted women and girls' access to land and natural resources, and empowered youth through active engagement and intergenerational partnerships.

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Species and Biodiversity

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Species are the cornerstone of functioning ecosystems, upon which all life depends, from the most untouched forests and oceans of the world to highly modified rural and urban landscapes.

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Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

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IUCN works to reduce the risks posed to coastal communities by supporting sound policy and integrated coastal management initiatives.

 

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Water and Wetlands

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Freshwater ecosystems and species are a key feature of nature in Asia. The region hosts some of the world’s greatest rivers.

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Protected and Conserved Areas

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According to the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), there are now more than 12,300 protected areas in Asia, including 49 natural World Heritage Sites and 298 Ramsar Sites.

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Forest and Agriculture Landscapes

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Asia’s forests support globally important biodiversity and provide critically important ecosystem services to millions of people across the region.

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Meet our Members and partners in the region

More than 280 State, government agencies, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples' Organisations (IPOs) and institutions in Asia are IUCN Members. We also work with over 2,500 Commission members in the region who provide sound know-how and policy advice on conservation issues. An increasing number of businesses based in the region have partnered with us on innovative solutions to conservation. You too can be part of IUCN.