EU and ASEAN announce the Winner of #MyNatureMyHero Youth Video Competition on the International Day for Biological Diversity

Today, 22 May 2018, the European Union (EU), the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the ASEAN Secretariat jointly celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity in Siem Reap, Cambodia. To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held to announce and award the grand prize winner of the EU-ASEAN Biodiversity Youth Video Competition #MyNatureMyHero. The competition was conducted as part of a series of events and campaigns dedicated to the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of EU-ASEAN dialogue in 2017 and highlights the perspectives of youth in biodiversity conservation in ASEAN.

With biodiversity as a grand theme, the video competition itself was aimed at enhancing people-to-people connectivity among ASEAN Member States and engaging young people as agents of support for this important cause. The event, which was attended by finalists from across ASEAN, likewise showcased the importance of preserving the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia and to strengthen joint actions for protecting the environment.

The 10 finalists (one from each ASEAN Member State) are:

1. Brunei: Nur Bazilah binti Zainal Abidin
2. Cambodia: Saing Kimleng
3. Indonesia: Adeline Tiffanie Suwana
4. Laos: Kannika Sisavong
5. Malaysia: Faridah Binti Mohd Saman
6. Myanmar: Nang May Thu Aung
7. The Philippines: Ivana Sophia C. Diano
8. Singapore: Cheo Zi Han
9. Thailand: Krittin Laohawarutchai
10. Vietnam: Phuong H. Dao

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unique biodiversity in ASEAN together with our partners and to showcase the engagement of youth in preserving the environment. Today we would like to raise awareness on the importance of protecting the environment to ensure future generations will continue to enjoy the biodiversity of our planet. The EU is a firm supporter of preserving the environment in the ASEAN region, with programmes in particular supporting biodiversity conservation in ASEAN and ASEAN Heritage Parks,” highlighted EU Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Francisco Fontan Pardo.

H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN, as delivered by Dr Vong Sok, Head of Environment Division, ASEAN Secretariat, stated, “We take pride that the ASEAN region is blessed with abundant biodiversity. It encompasses four of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and is home to three mega-diverse nations (Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines). However, with more than 600 millions of people depending primarily on this natural resource base, many of these resources and ecosystems are unfortunately under enormous threat. Recognising the important roles of youth in biodiversity conservation in the region, the EU-ASEAN Youth Video Competition hopes to bring closer people-to-people contacts, is a core component of the enhancing EU-ASEAN partnership, and is consistent with the ASEAN Leaders’ commitments to build a sustainable community that promotes social development, environmental protection, and a resilient society under the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and as stipulated in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025.”

“We at ACB are very glad that we are included as one of the co-organisers of the video competition along our mandate to mainstream biodiversity conservation in various sectors, this time with the youth. We recognise that as future leaders and stewards of our natural resources, they have significant roles to play in the present conservation efforts for our natural heritage. ACB is excited to showcase the ASEAN Heritage Park as the grand prize for the competition, as we consider this as a way of promoting ecotourism in the ASEAN Heritage Pakrs and increasing awareness and appreciation of the importance of biodiversity. We look forward to assist the winners in their visit to one of the ASEAN’s best protected areas” said Dr Theresa Mundita S. Lim, Executive Director of the ACB during the award ceremony.

The competition is linked to first ever EU-ASEAN development cooperation programme focusing on Biodiversity Conservation and Management of Protected Areas in ASEAN (BCAMP), launched in 2017. Supported by the EU with 10 million euro, the programme is implemented by ACB and aims to enhance the conservation of biodiversity and effective management of protected areas in the ASEAN region, such as the ASEAN Heritage Parks.

On the very same day, the European Commission - the EU's executive body - is also publishing its first report 'Inputs for a Strategic Approach to Biodiversity Conservation in Asia' in Brussels. This report aims to further help the EU and its partners to make informed decisions when developing policies, plans and programmes at national and regional level.

For more information, access:

http://mynaturemyhero.com

https://aseanbiodiversity.org/key_programme/biodiversity-conservation-and-management-of-protected-areas-in-asean-bcamp/