The initiative is philanthropy-led and will extend beyond traditional Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to cover conservation of more existing ocean ecosystems. Less than 3 per cent of the region's national waters are under formal protection but a deadline to meet a global conservation target looms.

Ahead of COP29, a study by International Institute for Environment and Development shows that Asia's least developed countries have debt growing at a faster rate than climate support.

An ambitious UN campaign to eradicate statelessness ends this month, but large populations still have no nationality.

Second of four workshops sheds light on China’s influence in the Mekong region and opportunities for better engagement with Chinese stakeholders.