The session on Biodiversity held on August 26 brought together distinguished experts and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities of citizen participation in addressing sustainable environmental issues. As the moderator, I had the privilege of guiding this dynamic exchange of ideas, which resonated deeply with the session’s twin purposes: first, to explore the lived experiences and barriers of citizen engagement in biodiversity conservation across Asia-Pacific countries, and second, to encourage youth involvement while fostering mutual exchange, learning, and future cooperation among countries in the region.
The conversation was enriched by diverse perspectives. I began by setting the stage with an overview of Malaysia’s biodiversity landscape, where community-based initiatives and youth participation are increasingly vital in shaping conservation outcomes. I emphasized that while Malaysia is recognized as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, the challenges of deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and climate impacts require whole-of-society solutions. Citizen participation—especially from young people—offers not only fresh perspectives but also the energy to sustain long-term efforts in protecting nature.
We then heard from Section Chief Jui-Hsing Lin and Ms. Wan-Chun Chen from Taiwan’s Biodiversity Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture. They highlighted Taiwan’s innovative approaches in mobilizing citizens through biodiversity research and monitoring programs. Their presentations underscored how structured frameworks, such as citizen science platforms, can create meaningful roles for the public in data collection and decision-making. Importantly, they shared lessons on how government institutions can successfully collaborate with citizens while maintaining scientific integrity. These insights offered valuable models for other countries in the region seeking to strengthen public trust and participation in environmental governance.
From Thailand, Prof. Dr. Suchana Chavanich of Chulalongkorn University shared her extensive experience in marine science, with a particular focus on citizen participation in coastal and marine biodiversity protection. She noted how local communities and youth groups in Thailand have been mobilized to monitor coral reefs, reduce marine litter, and support sustainable coastal practices. What stood out from her reflections was the emphasis on education and hands-on involvement, showing that when citizens are empowered with knowledge and tools, they become effective stewards of the environment.
Throughout the session, a recurring theme was the central role of youth. Across Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand, youth participation is not merely symbolic—it is increasingly being positioned as a cornerstone of national biodiversity strategies. From eco-clubs in schools to university-led conservation projects and social media advocacy campaigns, young people are leading the charge in awareness-raising and direct action. The Asia-Pacific context also demonstrates that youth engagement, when supported by institutions, can break down barriers between science, policy, and community action.
The discussion also brought to light several challenges. These included sustaining long-term citizen engagement beyond short-term campaigns, addressing resource and funding gaps, and ensuring that citizen contributions are meaningfully integrated into policy frameworks rather than being treated as supplementary. Another shared concern was the need to balance scientific rigor with inclusivity—ensuring that citizen science initiatives maintain data quality while remaining accessible to non-experts.
As we concluded, it was clear that biodiversity conservation in the Asia-Pacific cannot be achieved by governments and institutions alone. A collaborative model—anchored in citizen participation, strengthened by youth leadership, and supported through regional cooperation—holds the key to addressing the biodiversity crisis. The exchange of experiences during this session reaffirmed the importance of learning from each other’s contexts and tailoring approaches to local realities.
In reflection, moderating this session was both a professional and personal learning journey. It reinforced my conviction that the biodiversity challenges we face are deeply interconnected across borders, and so must be our solutions. The passion and commitment demonstrated by the speakers and participants alike reminded us that while the challenges are daunting, the collective will and creativity of our citizens—especially the younger generation—provide hope for a sustainable future.