The region can shape the Global Plastics Treaty if it maintains its momentum from COP16, where the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia called for the inclusion of Indigenous peoples rights and stronger collaboration on biodiversity finance.
Investing in nature is essential to addressing the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution while fostering global economic resilience.
Private investment in conservation is always welcome but the evidence suggests governments will need to do the heavy lifting when it comes to repairing nature.