By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The European Union will provide 10 million euros ($11.81 million) in aid to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to support biodiversity conservation, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said Tuesday.
The grant will specifically support the Biodiversity Conservation and Management of Protected Areas in ASEAN (BCAMP) project.
“The project will improve the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation and management of a number of national parks in ASEAN. It will enhance scientific knowledge on biodiversity and mainstream the biodiversity dimension in educational systems,” said Jessen, whose speech was delivered by Deputy Head of Delegation Mattias Lentz as quoted by the state-run Philippine News Agency.
As an important ally in promoting biodiversity, the EU supports the regional bloc in the protection and preservation of species, habitats and ecosystems, Jessen added.
“A robust and protected biodiversity supports livelihoods, enhances food security and nutrition, and contributes to significant climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits. Sustainable development cannot be achieved if the world’s biodiversity is compromised,” he said.
The EU sealed the grant agreement with the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity in the Philippines last week.
