Coastal Zone Deterioration

Deforestration

Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Degradation

Biodiversity Loss

Deterioration Water Quality

Biodiversity Loss

Issue

The biodiversity throughout the region is declining with increased development, the destruction of habitats and the exploitation of endangered species.

Background

Rapid deforestation, habitat encroachment, the decline in environmental quality and the hunting of animals for food and commercial purposes are prime contributors to biodiversity loss.

In the last 40 years some 50% of forest cover has been lost with a significant impact on both biodiversity and biomass. Many wetlands have been lost to development and encroachment. Much of the remaining area of forest and wetland is under actual or potential threat with the expansion of agriculture, transport, hydropower and the general degradation of environmental quality.

The effects of development on biodiversity and the ramifications in terms of sustainability of natural resources in the region are poorly understood. Although initiatives are in place to protect biodiversity, they are not always successful in the face of population, social and economic pressures.