MI “PART OF THE SOLUTION” IN PROTECTING BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

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MI “PART OF THE SOLUTION” IN PROTECTING BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

MI “PART OF THE SOLUTION” IN PROTECTING BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

May 22, 2021

In support of International Biological Diversity Day, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Mekong Institute (MI) Executive Director, called for the convergence of efforts to shore wider awareness of the long-term gains in safeguarding global biodiversity at an online discussion on May 21, 2021.

Hosted by the the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the event convened development leaders to detail how biodiversity management remains a solution to meeting Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Suriyan, who was one of four keynote speakers, highlighted that economic corridors can foster sustainable business practices through appropriate urban planning, forest conservation, and eco-smart agricultural practices for balanced and resilient economic growth.

By communicating to a broader range of people the co-benefits of biodiversity and economic activities, increased investments in facilities and mainstreaming of green practices can be achieved

he explained.

Mr. Suriyan also recommended for more capacity building initiatives and participatory dialogues so governments and business groups can develop viable eco-friendly business models and cross-border trading practices that can be replicated in all economic corridors.

Biodiversity is key to sustainable development

he explained, adding that efforts must be directed in creating an enabling policy environment for biodiversity management to permeate across all socioeconomic spheres to realize holistic impacts.

Beginning in 1996, MI has been at the forefront in helping the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) transition to market economies through balanced approaches. This mission was further reinforced in 2021 when MI launched its Sustainable Energy and Environment Department, which focuses on enhancing knowledge-based policies and actions towards green and resilient economies for a sustainable GMS.