IUCN and CEPF partners celebrate five years of biodiversity impact and chart the future in Indo-Burma

One of the most biologically important but threatened regions on Earth, the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot continues to need conservation action. Since 2008, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has been investing in this Hotspot – which comprises of all non-marine parts of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and parts of southern China.

In its third investment phase (2020-2025), CEPF committed US$13.8 million to support biodiversity conservation in the region, funding more than 110 projects led by civil society organisations (CSOs). These projects range from equipping young people in Lao PDR with the skills to combat illegal wildlife trade through youth-led campaigns, to working together with communities to establish conservation zones that increase fish populations and support livelihoods. Of the 30 targets set for this phase of CEPF's investment, 90% have already been achieved or are on track to be achieved by the end of 2025, including more than 50 priority species being protected under long term conservation programmes.

IUCN, as CEPF’s Regional Implementation Team, brought together over 80 organisations to mark the end of Phase III at the Final Assessment Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, on 01 – 03 July 2025. The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on results, showcase their work, strengthen their network and partnerships, as well as provide inputs to further CEPF investments in the hotspot.

Over three days, participants shared success stories that celebrate the revival of species populations, including the Siamese crocodile which were feared to be extinct in Cambodia only 20 years ago. Jack Tordoff, Managing Director, CEPF, highlighted more successes including an increase in the Grey-shanked Douc Langur population at sites in the central highlands of Viet Nam and the increasing inclusion of women in management committees for community fisheries areas in Cambodia. “Conservation success requires persistence – keep working even when no one is watching – but be assured that we are watching, and you are making a difference” he encouraged.  

A panel discussion during the workshop highlighted the need to continue cultivating the next generation of women leaders to help shape the future direction of conservation. Panellists from the IUCN SSC Asian Species Action Partnership Network of Women Leaders programme shared their personal career journeys in conservation and emphasised that personal well-being, resilience, and mentoring are important factors for building on current successes.

While celebrating these wins, participants also identified areas needing further attention, including the importance of strengthening regional knowledge-sharing networks to better disseminate experiences and best practices across organisations and countries.

Since the mid-term workshop in 2023, CEPF has expanded its investment in the region by over US$ 2 million. Discussions at the final assessment workshop allowed CSOs to help identify priority areas for future conservation action and suggest strategic refinements to guide CEPF’s ongoing investment.

A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the resilience and innovation of CSOs in navigating political, financial, and institutional challenges. Natalia Magradze, Senior Environment Specialist, World Bank, emphasised that CSOs’ ability to rapidly adapt has made them essential partners in conservation. She emphasised the importance of continuing to champion for CSOs to be included in investment opportunities by major donors like the World Bank.

Olivier Langrand, Executive Director, CEPF, reiterated the importance of CSOs in his closing remarks, noting that they should be seen as partners in government policymaking. Despite challenging conditions in the region, he noted that the region’s shift towards relying on local resources and investing in local specialists is a positive move towards building a self-sustaining conservation model – with China and Viet Nam paving the way by establishing innovative local mechanisms to fund conservation programmes and projects.

“Keep inspiring us with your work,” Alex McWilliam, Regional Coordinator, Species and Habitats, IUCN Asia, concluded at the workshop. Over the last five years, IUCN has coordinated CEPF’s investment, strengthened communication, provided supported and monitored the impact of grants across the region. As Phase III draws to a close, IUCN will continue exploring opportunities to support local, regional and global actors who share a common conservation vision. The health and economic well-being of human communities will rely on the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and their associated biodiversity.