Climate change and biodiversity: Analysis of the policy framework

Abstract

ASEAN countries are highly vulnerable to climate change and loss of biodiversity as a large proportion of their population is concentrated along coastlines, and heavily reliant on agriculture, natural resources and forestry for livelihoods. Seven of the ten countries have ratied both the UNFCCC and CBD, but they have been slow in taking up individual stands at CoP meetings. Three ASEAN countries are megabiodiverse. ASEAN countries were quick in framing and implementing domestic policies on conservation and climate change. One reason for this is that they preferred to go along with the G-77/China group during the negotiations. However, they have been more willing to take collective positions in CBD than in UNFCCC. ASEAN is pursuing a broad-based approach in taking voluntary mitigation and adaptation measures