BACKGROUND The Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity At the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the engagement of and collaboration with key actors and stakeholders, including the private sector as partners in the implementation of the CBD and integration of biodiversity concerns into their relevant sectoral and cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies, was actively promoted. Raising awareness about the values of biodiversity is a continuing task. Over the past decade, biodiversity has generated much interest. Zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and nature shows are always popular. Yet beyond the knowledge of a few charismatic species, there exists a gap in public awareness about the critical role that biodiversity plays in providing the essentials for our survival and well-being. Societies and economies benefit a lot from biodiversity. From the provision of food, preservation and restoration of human health and well-being to product innovation and invention, biodiversity has contributed to business growth and development. But the lack of awareness and understanding of the immense values of biodiversity has made societies overuse or misuse these resources. The lack of concern for biodiversity also means less public support for its conservation and sustainable use. The critical role of the business sector in the sustainable management of biodiversity cannot be understated. Recognizing the valuable role of the business sector at COP 9 held in Bonn, Germany in 2008, the partnership between private sector and biodiversity through Business and Biodiversity Initiative (BBI) was formalized. There were 34 international companies that initially joined the BBI and signed the Leadership Declaration signifying their commitment to the three CBD’s goals of biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, and access and benefits sharing of genetic resources. This momentum was carried over during COP10 held in Nagoya, Japan in October 2010. Now, more than 40 global companies have affirmed their commitment to sustainable management of biodiversity. Recognizing the contribution of biodiversity to businesses and the need for biodiversity conservation, participating companies in the BBI are setting an example of instituting ways, methods and instruments for integrating and mainstreaming biodiversity into business management and activities. These global companies can be instrumental and influential in ushering in general public awareness and support for biodiversity conservation in the Asian region. To affirm these initiatives, COP10 adopted a number of decisions that encourage business engagement as reflected in Agenda Item 4.9 (b) of the Conference. To ensure that Asian countries and businesses become key players in the advocacy for the sustainable management of biodiversity resources, the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park Foundation under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Government, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) through the Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Asia-Pacific, organized and conducted the Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity. With the theme Encouraging Partnership between Businesses and Communities for Biodiversity, Showcasing Best Practices, the Forum was held on 3-4 November 2011 at The ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY xi
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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