World Bank WCC Contact:
Kristyn Ebro; 66-1-250-0515 kebro@worldbank.org In Bangkok:
Kimberly Versak; 66-1-875-5064 kversak@worldbank.org
Tinnakorn Sareenun; 66-2-256-7792; x 711 tsareenun@worldbank.org BANGKOK, November 23, 2004 ¾ The rich biodiversity of the East Asia and Pacific Region – with habitats ranging from tropical forests and grasslands to desert steppes and remarkable caves, coastal and marine environments as well as wetlands of international importance – needs to be effectively protected and nurtured, as the Region continues to grow in economic strength, and in wealth and living standards, according to the new World Bank publication Crouching Tiger, Hidden Langur. The report is the latest World Bank analysis of the major biodiversity challenges facing the Asia region including forest loss and habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and lack of awareness. It was officially released today at the World Conservation Congress (WCC), held in Bangkok. Ms. Teresa Serra, World Bank Director for Environmental and Social Development for the East Asia Region, commented at the launch today, “East Asia’s remarkable economic performance of the past four decades has often come at a great cost to the environment – and to biodiversity specifically. Given increasing awareness of the importance of biodiversity in the Region, it is essential that countries work towards striking a better balance between growth and environmental protection. Conservation need not be viewed as a luxury only the wealthy nations can afford.” The report notes that Asia’s biodiversity has been under threat by two “explosions” – population and growth. As the region’s population grew rapidly in the 20th century – coupled with decades of strong economic growth – agricultural expansion converted forests and grasslands into cultivated land; deforestation and forest fires reduced the forest area, and have made remaining forests more fragmented and degraded; pollution, overfishing and draining of wetlands irrevocably altered the freshwater and marine landscapes; and unsustainable resource use coupled with illegal demand for wildlife products have emptied the forests and seas of their riches. Demand for natural resources such as land and non-timber forest resources also increased. Mr. Tony Whitten, Senior Biodiversity Specialist at the World Bank, noted, “As a result of this and other factors, the region has lost 95 percent of its primary forests; individual countries have lost 70-90 percent of their original wilderness; and deforestation continues to accelerate the seemingly inexorable fragmentation and loss of terrestrial and aquatic habitats.” Whitten added that “The empty forest syndrome - such that even in those forests which survive degradation there is little if any wildlife left - is quickly becoming a reality. Such degradation is putting at risk resource-dependent economies and local livelihoods, and is exacerbating local poverty and intensifying regional and cross-border conflicts.” Halting the loss of forest cover, and promoting better management of watersheds and marine areas, is of direct relevance to biodiversity conservation, to peoples’ health and livelihoods, and to economic growth. A sound environment is increasingly a comparative advantage for tourism and other industries. Against this backdrop, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Langur examines the World Bank's biodiversity portfolio in East Asia and the Pacific since 1999, which has focused on conserving wildlife and wilderness in protected areas, mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in the production landscape, and using biodiversity conservation as a tool to alleviate poverty at the rural frontier. It also shows how the World Bank is working with a wide range of partners – governments, local and international NGOs, the private sector – and even faith communities from all the region’s major religions. Total Bank lending for biodiversity conservation in the region amounts to $450 million since 1988. Another $200 million has been leveraged in co-financing. The scale of this investment shows the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation, which is a significant part of its sustainable development agenda. Over the 1999-2004 period, the World Bank approved 48 projects in full or partial support of biodiversity conservation in East Asia, ranging from GEF-supported grants to IBRD and IDA projects, committing a total of $300 million new funds to biodiversity over this period. “This funding has generated many promising results,” said Ms. Serra, “but equally it highlights the significant challenges that governments, donors agencies, and civil society in the Region must face – investments in biodiversity conservation and the control of ever expanding agricultural frontiers, illegal logging and wildlife trade are hampered by weak governance structures - institutional weaknesses, a poorly informed civil society and oftentimes a lack of political will. These weak structures must be addressed, if progress is to be made in ensuring an rich and diverse environment in Asia’s future.” “We hope this report stimulates discussion, shares knowledge, and contribute to learning from experience,” she concluded. The work on biodiversity is part of a broader Bank involvement in environmental protection. It complements a larger regional World Bank Environment Strategy. -###- This report can be found at www.worldbank.org/biodiversity In addition to the report on East Asia’s Biodiversity, the World Bank has already posted a new report on Thailand’s Biodiversity challenges, as part of the Thailand Monitor series. The East Asia report can be found at: www.worldbank.org/eap; the Thai Monitor on Environment can be found at www.worldbank.or/th, “Protecting Thailand’s Environment”. The Thai Biodiversity Monitor will be officially launched in a few weeks’ time. For more information on the World Bank’s participation in the WCC, please see the website: www.worldbank.org/wcc | 
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