Southeast Asia is stepping up efforts to turn global commitments on biosphere reserves into practical action, as the 16th Meeting of the Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserves Network (SeaBRnet) focused on how to translate the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) into action at regional and site levels.
Held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from 7 to 9 April 2026, the meeting brought together 130 participants, including biosphere reserve managers, government representatives, researchers, partners and youth. Hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia and facilitated by the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta as the SeaBRnet Secretariat, the meeting was supported by the Government of Japan.
The opening ceremony was welcomed and opened by H.E. Mr Chea Sam Ang, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, Mr Atsushi Yonezawa, Director of the Consular Office of Japan in Siem Reap.
Siem Reap serves as a vital gateway to the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve in Cambodia. This biosphere reserve is not only recognised as the most extensive freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, but also as a living example of integrating climate change mitigation with biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Turning regional priorities into action on the ground
Discussions focused on how to translate shared priorities into concrete steps at the site level. Participants exchanged approaches on ecosystem restoration, governance, sustainable livelihoods and advanced monitoring systems, drawing insights from regional surveys and experiences across biosphere reserves. These efforts aim to address persistent regional challenges, such as deforestation, climate-related impacts, and socio-institutional constraints, including weak coordination and pollution.
National reports showed how these regional priorities are already taking shape on the ground. Indonesia highlighted progress on government regulations and eco-labelling initiatives, while Malaysia and the Philippines shared updates on management planning and youth engagement. Thailand presented practical management tools like biodiversity e-books and community-based fire monitoring, and Timor-Leste marked a historic milestone by presenting its proposed first biosphere reserve, Nino Konis Santana. Japan also shared technical experience on governance, contributing to knowledge exchange across the network.
A dedicated session on Cambodia provided an in-depth look at the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, addressing governance, ecosystem management and community livelihoods, alongside key issues such as flood forest restoration and water management in the lower Mekong.
More than 350 stakeholders from at least seven Southeast Asian countries have engaged in SeaBRnet activities over the past year. This reflects strong regional commitment which now needs to be sustained through continued collaboration and action
Mr Engin KoncagulSeaBRnet Secretary
The meeting was concluded with a field visit to the Prek Toal Core Area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, where participants observed conservation practices for fisheries production and key breeding grounds for the endangered water birds. One of the highlights was a women-led enterprise that transforms invasive water hyacinth into handicrafts, demonstrating a successful model where ecosystem management directly supports community livelihoods.
The meeting demonstrated SeaBRnet’s role in strengthening regional cooperation, supporting Member States in translating global strategies into practical, site-level action across biosphere reserves in Southeast Asia.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/hangzhou-strategy-regional-action-seabrnet-members-shape-new-roadmap-southeast-asias-biosphere?hub=701
