The Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA), in collaboration with the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) and the ECO-BEST project (Enhancing the Economics of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Southeast Asia) recently conducted a short course training on Biodiversity Valuation and Payment for Ecosystem Services held at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand on 27 September to 1 October 2014. This five-day course intends to provide park managers, natural resource managers, and university researchers with the tools to measure the value of biodiversity and the cost of biodiversity conservation.
A total of thirty-three (33) participants from eight countries (i.e. Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam) attended the training. Twelve (12) of which are park managers of different ASEAN Heritage Parks in the ASEAN Region namely: Indawgyi Widlife Sanctuary, Myanmar; Shwe U Daung Wildlife Sanctuary; Virachey National Park, Cambodia; Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines; Lorentz National Park, Indonesia; Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia; Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam; Nam Ha National Protected Area, Lao PDR; AoPahangnga National Park, Thailand; Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Vietnam; and Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area, Thailand.
Dr. Herminia A. Francisco, EEPSEA Program Director together with Yongyut Trisurat (Faculty, Kasetsart University), Dr. Filiberto Pollisco, Jr. (ASEAN Center for Biodiversity), Dr. Oropan Nabangchang (EEPSEA Deputy Director), Phumsith Mahasuweerachai (Faculty, Khon Kaen University), Ms. Huynh Thi Mai (Deputy Director, Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Vietnam Environment Administration, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), and Mr. Indra P. Sunjoto (Sabah Forestry Department) served as resource speakers of the training. The training includes exciting activities namely: (1) Wildlife Trail and Watershed Trail; (2) Night Safari; and (3) Interactive Games, that made the short course training more interesting and fun filled experience to all the participants.
Mae Belen C. Llanza